Difference Between Influenza A And Influenza B

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

The combination of coughing and fever and body-wide pain indicates you have probably contracted the flu which affects numerous Australians during this season. Your doctor will identify your flu strain as either "Influenza A" or "Influenza B" but what does this information actually mean? The essential distinctions between Influenza A and Influenza B will be explained in this article.

What Is Influenza?

1. The influenza virus causes a contagious respiratory illness which goes beyond being a simple cold.
2. The illness produces rapid onset symptoms which include severe fever and body pain and dry coughing.
3. The illness produces dangerous complications which affect people under 18, those above the age of 65 and patients with existing medical conditions.

Influenza types

• The Australian population experiences two main influenza types during their annual flu season.
• Influenza A represents the prevalent flu strain which people commonly associate with influenza. The virus spreads widely throughout the population during its outbreaks.
• The virus spreads between humans only and produces seasonal outbreaks which tend to appear during the latter part of the flu season.
• The virus causes minimal symptoms and doctors do not include it in their seasonal flu vaccination programs.

Influenza A vs B

The symptoms of Influenza A and B share similar characteristics which make it difficult to identify the correct type through self-assessment. The laboratory tests reveal distinct characteristics between these two viruses.

Aspect	Influenza A	Influenza B
Host Range	Spreads between humans and animals, including birds and pigs. New pandemic strains usually come from Influenza A.	Found only in humans.
Spread & Severity	Causes widespread seasonal outbreaks and can lead to global pandemics. Can result in severe illness.	Causes moderate to severe illness that may need hospital care.
Rate of Mutation	Mutates quickly, which is why flu vaccines need updating every year.	Mutates more slowly than Influenza A.

The severity of Influenza A and B infections for individual patients remains unpredictable because their health status and immune system function determine the outcome.

How to Prevent

The methods for protecting yourself from both Influenza A and B infections remain identical.

1. Annual vaccination provides you with the most effective protection against flu viruses. The Australian flu vaccine protects against the most prevalent influenza strains which include both Influenza A and B.
2. Hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser should be done regularly especially after touching public surfaces.
3. The elbow serves as a proper surface to direct your cough and sneeze for preventing airborne germ transmission.
4. People who are sick should stay at home because this practice helps prevent the spread of illness.

When to consult a doctor

Most people who have a healthy immune system can handle the flu without medical assistance. People should visit online GP when they experience any of the following conditions:

• People who experience breathing difficulties or experience chest discomfort need immediate medical assistance.
• People who have fevers that do not respond to standard over-the-counter medications need medical help.
• People who belong to high-risk groups including pregnant women and children under 18 and people above the age of 65 and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma and heart disease need to seek medical help.

How Hola Health may be able to help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners - from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult - talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner.
• Doctors certificate online​ - for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists - or in-person services when needed
• 24/7 online instant scripts (if clinically appropriate) - at a clinician's discretion and where clinically suitable.
• Pathology or imaging requests - when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician.

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest. Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.

FAQs

Which strain of influenza poses a greater threat to the community between Influenza A and B?

The spread of Influenza A results in more extensive outbreaks throughout the community. The two viruses share equal potential to cause severe illness which requires hospitalisation. You should treat both viruses with equal seriousness.

Can people contract Influenza A and Influenza B viruses during the same flu season?

Yes, people can develop both viruses during the same flu season. The two viruses operate independently because they belong to different viral families which means protection against one virus does not apply to the other. The practice of good hygiene throughout the entire flu season remains essential for protection. The Australian seasonal flu vaccine protects against four different flu virus strains which include two Influenza A and two Influenza B strains.

Can Influenza B virus can develop into pneumonia after infection.

Yes, it can. The flu virus family weakens your immune system which creates conditions for bacterial infections to develop into pneumonia. This requires urgent medical care because it can result in dangerous complications.

Is Influenza A contagious for longer than Influenza B?

The duration of contagiousness for Influenza A and B viruses are similar. Adults who become sick with flu viruses can spread the disease from their symptom onset to five to seven days after becoming ill.