Is Influenza B dangerous? Influenza B, commonly confused with the common cold due to similar symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose, can actually have more severe consequences. This is especially true for patients with chronic conditions related to the heart and respiratory system. Join Doctor Network in exploring the causes, symptoms, and prevention of Influenza B in the following article, consulted with Dr. CKI Nguyen Thanh Ha, Deputy Head of the Infectious Diseases Department, Dong Anh General Hospital, Hanoi.
What is Influenza B?
Influenza is a respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus, with three main types:
- Influenza A: Common, can be transmitted from animals to humans, causing pandemics.
- Influenza B: Spreads from human to human, causing seasonal outbreaks and potentially severe consequences.
- Influenza C: Mildest form, usually not harmful.
Fever is a common symptom of influenza, often exceeding 37.8 degrees Celsius. While Influenza B has been considered milder, the question remains: Is Influenza B dangerous? According to the CDC, both Influenza A and B have the potential for serious development. Therefore, timely recognition is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes.
Signs of Influenza B
Many wonder “is Influenza B dangerous?” when its symptoms resemble those of a common cold. In reality, Influenza B often leads to more severe clinical symptoms compared to typical respiratory infections. Early identification of Influenza B symptoms helps limit the virus’s progression and determines effective treatment protocols.
1. Respiratory Symptoms
While Influenza B shares common symptoms with regular respiratory infections, its clinical manifestations are more severe. Initial symptoms include:
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
In cases of Influenza B infection with a history of asthma, a worsening of respiratory symptoms may occur, leading to an acute asthma episode.
Without timely intervention or in severe cases, Influenza B can progress to:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Respiratory failure
- Renal failure
- Myocarditis or pericarditis
- Bloodstream infection
2. Whole-body Symptoms
Typical signs of influenza include a fever rising to 41.1°C. If the fever persists after a few days, immediate medical attention is advised. Other symptoms include:
- Chills
- Headache and muscle aches
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue and weakness
In typical medical fashion, the hallmark sign of influenza is a fever spiking up to 41.1°C
3. Digestive Symptoms
In some cases, Influenza B can lead to diarrhea or discomfort in the digestive system, especially in children. Symptoms in children may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating
What You Need to Know for Influenza B Prevention
1. Classification of Clinical Manifestations
- Uncomplicated Influenza: Mild cases with basic flu symptoms that do not cause additional harm or complications.
- Complicated Influenza: Cases involving lung damage and respiratory symptoms, difficulty breathing, decreased SpO2, along with sinusitis, bacterial pneumonia, septic shock, and multiple organ failure.
2. High-risk Groups for Influenza B
- Children: Especially those under 5, particularly under 2 years old, and those with chronic diseases, malnutrition, obesity, and congenital conditions such as asthma, congenital heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.
- Elderly: Individuals over 65 years old.
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems: Including cancer patients undergoing treatment, those with HIV/AIDS, and individuals using immunosuppressive medications.
3. Influenza B Prevention Strategies
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep at least 1 meter away from individuals showing influenza symptoms.
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands properly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially before touching the face.
- Use tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it in a bin afterward.
- Sanitize surfaces and tools: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Prevent disease transmission in children: Avoid shared personal items among children. In case of suspected influenza symptoms in children, seek medical advice, examination, and treatment promptly.
Administering the influenza B vaccine is an effective preventive measure
In conclusion, is Influenza B dangerous? Influenza B poses a significant threat if not detected promptly. Therefore, if you observe suspicious symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to receive timely care, prevent the condition from worsening, and avoid complications that could jeopardize life.
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
Comprehensive cooperation with hundreds of hospitals and clinics, thousands of doctors and medical experts to join hands in building a medical content and service platform on the Doctor Network application.
