Key Facts About Influenza B Virus and Its Impact
This article provides comprehensive insights into influenza B, covering its causes, symptoms, and high-risk groups. It emphasizes the importance of prompt treatment and understanding transmission modes to prevent severe complications. Ideal for health awareness and prevention strategies, the content aims to inform readers about the contagious nature of influenza B and the populations most vulnerable to this infection.
Understanding Influenza B Virus: Essential Facts
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, affects the respiratory system and is caused by different virus types: A, B, and C. While types A and B are more severe with similar symptoms, type C tends to cause milder illness. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and risk factors linked to Influenza B.
How Influenza B Spreads
Influenza B is highly contagious and spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Aerosolized particles can also travel up to six feet, increasing transmission risk, especially during winter months.
Symptoms of Influenza B
Influenza B affects not only the respiratory system but can also impact digestion. Common indicators include fever, chills, sore throat, cough, runny nose, fatigue, muscle aches, and body pain. Symptoms can resemble those of a common cold but may be more severe, with fever reaching as high as 106°F, chills, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. People with asthma should seek prompt treatment, as the virus can trigger severe asthma attacks. Untreated influenza B can cause complications like sepsis, heart or kidney issues, respiratory failure, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Children aged 2 to 5 years and adults over 65 are particularly vulnerable. Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, due to prolonged indoor exposure, face higher risks. Additional factors include weakened immune systems, obesity, and chronic conditions like diabetes, heart, liver, or kidney disease. Pregnant women and women within two weeks postpartum are also more likely to contract influenza B.
