Influenza is a serious illness that can be fatal in people who have certain health conditions, including asthma and heart disease.influenza b The flu is caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. The viruses are spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing droplets that contain the virus and then inhaling them. You can also get the flu by touching an object or surface that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus is very contagious and can spread from about a day before symptoms start until about 5 to 7 days after they start. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer.
The flu is caused by different types of viruses, called influenza A and influenza B.influenza b The influenza A viruses can mutate more easily, which means that new strains of the virus can emerge quickly. Generally, flu A viruses cause more outbreaks (outbreaks that affect a region) and pandemics (which spread across the world). Flu B viruses tend to be less dangerous than influenza A, although they can still cause serious illness.
There are two main influenza B viruses that circulate in humans, B/Yamagata and B/Victoria.influenza b These viruses can mutate but the changes are usually minor, known as antigenic drift. More major changes in the flu virus are called antigenic shifts, and they have the potential to cause a global pandemic.
Both strains of influenza B can be quite serious, and people in high-risk groups should contact their healthcare provider as soon as they have symptoms.influenza b They should get tested for influenza B, and if they test positive, they should receive an antiviral medication as soon as possible. This medication will help reduce the severity of the symptoms and the length of time they last.
Symptoms of flu can range from mild to severe and include fever, headache, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, congestion, vomiting and diarrhea.influenza b Symptoms are usually worse in children and can be life-threatening for those with underlying health conditions such as asthma and heart disease. It is very common to mistake flu symptoms for a cold, but it is important to see your doctor as soon as you suspect you have the flu. Early treatment can reduce your risk of complications, such as pneumonia. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the flu.