With influenza on the rise in the US, a CHOC skilled supplies an outline of the virus, the circumstances it causes and when mother and father ought to fear.

On this Q&A, Dr. Antonio Arrieta, an infectious illness specialist at CHOC, solutions some frequent questions mother and father have about influenza B.

What’s influenza B?

Influenza, generally often called the flu, is a extremely contagious respiratory sickness brought on by influenza viruses. Its severity can range from gentle to extreme, and in some circumstances, can result in critical issues like pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening of continual circumstances akin to bronchial asthma or coronary heart illness. Not often it could end in life threatening issues akin to encephalitis (irritation of the mind), respiratory failure requiring assisted air flow and sometimes loss of life.

What’s the distinction between the flu and the chilly?

Each the flu and the frequent chilly are contagious respiratory sicknesses, however completely different viruses trigger them. Flu is brought on by influenza viruses solely, whereas the frequent chilly could be triggered by a wide range of viruses, together with rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses.

What are the signs of influenza B?

Signs of Influenza B might embrace:

• fever
• physique aches
• chills
• headache
• runny or stuffy nostril
• gastrointestinal points in a number of circumstances like nausea and diarrhea
• usually, muscle ache could be extreme and should require hospitalization

How will you assist stop influenza B?

Stopping and managing influenza B could be supported by means of vaccination, good hygiene practices, and antiviral drugs. It’s necessary for everybody in your loved ones to get their flu shot yearly.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everybody aged 6 months and older obtain their annual flu vaccination by late October, ideally earlier than the beginning of flu season.

Nonetheless, for those who haven’t acquired your flu shot but, it’s not too late! The vaccine continues to be extremely really helpful for anybody who hasn’t been vaccinated. Not solely does it assist shield you from the flu, nevertheless it considerably lowers the chance of extreme issues, akin to hospitalizations and even loss of life.

The flu shot doesn’t trigger the flu and helps hold youngsters and oldsters from getting sick. Infants youthful than 6 months can’t get the vaccine. But when their mother and father, different caregivers, and older youngsters within the family get it, that may assist shield the newborn.

How is influenza B transmitted?

Influenza spreads by means of respiratory droplets when an contaminated particular person coughs, sneezes, and even talks. It’s common for individuals to cowl their mouths after they cough, however they need to then wash their palms as our palms are a typical option to contaminate surfaces or to cross the virus to others by means of a pleasant handshake.

What’s the remedy for influenza B?

Remedy for Influenza B primarily focuses on easing signs whereas the physique fights off the virus. Antiviral drugs may help shorten the period and cut back the severity of signs. Antiviral treatment needs to be strongly thought of when influenza (A or B) is identified or when somebody is searching for medical consideration for influenza like sickness (ILI). That is of better significance in kids and different individuals with underlying ailments which or require remedies that weaken the immune system or with continual respiratory sickness like bronchial asthma.

How contagious is influenza B?

Influenza B is extremely contagious and may unfold by means of respiratory droplets when an contaminated particular person coughs or sneezes.

Folks with the flu could be contagious about someday earlier than signs begin and as much as 5 to seven days after they start to really feel sick. Nonetheless, younger kids might stay contagious for an extended interval than adults. People with weakened immune methods could be contagious for a number of weeks. 

Is influenza B bacterial or viral?

Influenza B is a extremely contagious viral an infection that spreads by means of the air. 

How does influenza B have an effect on the physique?

Influenza B primarily targets the respiratory system, inflicting discomfort all through the physique. The virus primarily infects the nostril, throat, and generally the lungs, resulting in signs like cough, congestion, and a sore throat.

Though much less frequent in adults, kids can also expertise gastrointestinal signs akin to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, alongside the standard respiratory signs. Extreme muscle ache is frequent in sufferers with influenza B.

Methods to keep away from spreading the flu?

• Keep away from shut contact with others till you will have been fever-free for not less than 24 hours with out utilizing fever-reducing drugs.
• Remember to clear and disinfect often touched surfaces like doorknobs, counter tops, and light-weight switches. 
• Cowl your nostril and mouth when sneezing and wash your palms with cleaning soap and water or use hand sanitizer commonly.

When do you have to search medical recommendation for the flu?

Think about searching for medical consideration you probably have ILI, as antiviral treatment could also be useful. It is best to search medical consideration in case your signs persist for greater than 5 days or for those who’re feeling worse or not enhancing after 2 – 3 days. In case you develop new fever, chest ache or problem respiration inside 1 – 3 weeks after influenza or ILI. It is best to search medical consideration since critical bacterial infections usually observe uncomplicated influenza.

Why do individuals want a flu vaccine yearly?

Even for those who acquired the flu vaccine final 12 months, it could not provide sufficient safety this 12 months attributable to modifications within the flu viruses. That’s why the flu vaccine is up to date yearly to incorporate essentially the most present strains of the virus.

Typically, the identical strains from one 12 months are included within the subsequent, nevertheless it’s nonetheless necessary to get the flu vaccine every year. Over time, the physique’s immunity in opposition to the influenza virus weakens, so common vaccination is crucial.

Getting the flu vaccine not solely protects you but in addition helps safeguard these round you. It reduces your possibilities of getting the flu and, because of this, lowers the chance of spreading it to others.

How will you recuperate from the flu?

To assist your restoration, be sure to get loads of relaxation, keep hydrated, and take over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen to assist handle signs.

Don’t use drugs like ibuprofen, until instructed by a well being care supplier. Don’t take aspirin when you will have influenza or ILI, significantly you probably have influenza B.

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