We’re on the last leg of the winter months, with this pleasant weather slowly fading. While this weather is great for barbecues and chilling with friends outside, it also brings the flu. This contagious respiratory ailment results from the influenza viruses that impact the nose, throat and if you’re extremely unlucky, your lungs!
Before you get your hair in a knot, catching the flu means nothing for most people -it is a mild illness, which grandma’s brandy can get rid of. However, for others, especially older people battling chronic health issues, it can quickly spiral into something worse, even something life-threatening.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) monitors seasonal influenza in India through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Flu? Did you say? And two varieties at that? When we say the differences between flu A and B, both cause seasonal flu; however, there are many differences in their behaviour, structure, and how they affect.
Flu A is the most prevalent of the two main kinds of flu, making up most cases. This flu can impact people and animals, like birds and pigs.
We can divide Flu A into subtypes depending on the two proteins on its surface. These subtypes can come together in different ways to form different strains of flu A, like H1N1 and H3N2, which are the two strains that impact people.
This fantastic versatility permits flu A to change and mutate more, making it more challenging for our immune system to pinpoint and fight.
Because flu A can impact different species and mutate quickly, it is behind the pandemic outbreaks that we see, for instance, the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, also called swine flu, which impacted thousands of people globally.
Each year, as we get closer and closer to flu season, health experts keep a close watch on Flu A strains. This intense scrutiny allows scientists to develop a vaccine to target the strains doing the rounds effectively.
When it comes to Flu B, it only impacts humans, is not so common, and is not as likely to cause pandemics.
These strains can still result in seasonal flu epidemics but are less likely to mutate. Also, they don’t change as much from one year to the next, like Flu A.
One primary difference between Flu A and Flu B is the timing - Flu B tends to come later in the flu season than Flu A, which often hits its zenith in the spring.
Regarding which flu is worse, flu A is more aggressive and causes worse symptoms when pitted against flu B. Also, it is mainly found in adults. Conversely, flu B can be seen more in children. While the illness it causes is relatively mild, Type B can be worse in kids under five years of age and older people.
To put it mildly, older adults are far more susceptible to complications from both varieties of flu viruses. This happens because our immune system isn’t that great at fighting off viruses as age progresses.
How Do I Know Whether I Have Influenza A or B?
You have to carry out a test called the Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test (RIDT) and more advanced lab tests to find flu A and B. You can take this test in the comfort of your home and the doctor’s office.
The results that you get will assist your provider in finding out which variety of flu you have and the further course of treatment, if any.
The course of treatment depends on the type of flu you have. Irrespective of your flu type, the treatment will be the same. Your family doctor might administer antiviral drugs, which can reduce symptoms' severity and time frame when taken in prescribed quantities.
Antiviral treatments are great for older adults and people with underlying health conditions because they can help prevent serious complications that might arise from the flu.
Apart from that, there are things you can do to speed up your recovery - take adequate rest, drink a lot of water or other fluids, and rely on over-the-counter medicines to bring down your fever and aches.
And yeah - double up on that hot chicken soup - didn’t your mother tell you to have some? That should help you get better.
Whether it is flu A or flu B, it doesn’t matter - get a flu vaccine every year. This vaccine is made to safeguard against the most well-known strains of both strains of flu that are expected to go around. For older adults, a higher-dose flu vaccine is recommended. Make sure you get this vaccine around the middle of September through early October.
Types of Flu Vaccines
The Serum Institute of India (SII) has developed NASOVAC-S4, a needle-free seasonal flu vaccine anyone can take.
In conclusion, whichever one you have been infected by, flu A or flu B, it doesn’t matter. Take the flu vaccine to safeguard yourself from this ailment. It isn’t such a significant health scare even if you catch the flu.
In the worst cases, you’ll just have a cold, cough, and mild fever. Apart from vaccines, there are certain precautions that one can take to prevent the flu. Wash your hands regularly and disinfect your surroundings to keep them clean and to remain healthy and flu-free.
What if I have contracted flu A or flu B. What should I do?
If you have contracted either flu A or flu B, speak to your healthcare provider about the future course of treatment.
I don’t live in a polluted area. Can I still get flu A or flu B?
The prevalence of pollution or the absence of it does not guarantee picking up or not picking up flu A or flu B. Speak to your healthcare provider in case you have any doubts.
What is the difference between flu A and B?
Flu A is the more widespread out of both the flu. This kind of flu can impact people as well as animals, like birds and pigs. When it comes to Flu B, it only impacts humans, and is not so common.
Can I get a vaccine to prevent flu A and flu B?
You can take the NASOVAC-S4, a needle-free seasonal flu vaccine that can be taken by anyone. This vaccine has been developed by the Serum Institute of India.
How do I prevent myself from getting flu A or flu B?
Don’t hang around infected people, wash your hands regularly, and make sure that you sanitise all surfaces that you touch. That should prevent you from contracting flu A and flu B.
