What is type B influenza?

Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Type B influenza is a type of epidemic influenza characterized by a rapid onset, feeling feverish and chilled. Body temperature usually rises quickly within hours, reaching 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, or even higher. It is accompanied by headache, general body aches, fatigue, and reduced appetite. Its respiratory symptoms are relatively mild, including dry throat, sore throat, dry cough, and possibly diarrhea. Type B influenza is difficult to distinguish from the common cold and typically requires laboratory identification for diagnosis.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Does the flu require infusion?

Whether to administer intravenous fluids for influenza should be decided based on the severity of the illness, individual constitution, and the duration of the disease. It cannot be determined by the simplicity of the condition alone. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with influenza or parainfluenza virus. If the immune function is normal and there are no complications, generally one can recover on their own in five to ten days without the need for intravenous fluids. However, if influenza infects a person with a weak constitution and causes complications leading to bacterial infection, resulting in symptoms like breathing difficulties and coughing, intravenous fluid therapy is required.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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How is the flu transmitted?

Influenza, also known as the flu, typically occurs when the human body is infected by influenza viruses, leading to associated symptoms. The symptoms of influenza can vary depending on the type of infecting pathogen or virus. Influenza is primarily transmitted from person to person or through contact with livestock and poultry. The main route of transmission is through droplets, such as when one comes into contact with droplets from a sneeze or cough of an infected person. Another possibility is through contact with birds or livestock, such as being infected by secretions or excretions from pigs, which is also a mode of transmission.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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The incubation period of influenza is how many days?

The incubation period refers to the time from when pathogenic microorganisms invade the human body to when symptoms appear. We call this the incubation period. The duration of the incubation period is related to the patient's resistance and the virulence of the pathogenic microorganisms. Generally speaking, the incubation period for influenza A is usually about 2-4 days, while for other types like influenza B and C, the incubation period can often reach 5-7 days. During the incubation period of influenza, patients often do not exhibit typical flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and fever. The primary manifestations may be general malaise, such as muscle and skeletal pain, loss of appetite, poor digestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is very easy to misdiagnose these symptoms as other diseases during the incubation period.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Is type B influenza contagious?

First, we need to understand what influenza B is. Influenza B, also known as influenza type B, is a type of influenza caused by the influenza B virus. Currently, it is classified as a class C infectious disease, which means it is indeed contagious. The main sources of transmission for influenza B are patients and asymptomatic carriers. Generally, the virus is contagious from one to seven days after onset of the illness, with the highest contagiousness occurring within the first two to three days. Influenza B is a respiratory tract infectious disease, mainly spread through the air and droplets. Most people are susceptible to influenza B.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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symptoms of influenza

The symptoms of influenza vary greatly from individual to individual. The typical presentation first follows the trend of influenza outbreaks. After coming into contact with an infected person or the influenza virus, symptoms such as fatigue, limb pain, nausea and vomiting may be experienced. Some may also have symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, sore and dry throat, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Clinically, the main symptoms are limb pain and body fatigue, and some may also experience a rise in body temperature. It is advisable to drink more water, rest more, and measure body temperature. Choosing antipyretic analgesics can generally relieve symptoms, and antiviral medications can also be used as treatment directed toward the cause. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)