Prevention of Influenza B If Exposed

Influenza symptoms include fever, body aches and pains, fatigue, chills and headache. Influenza B is one of the three strains of flu. There are also influenza C and A. Influenza A is responsible for most occurrences of flu that people get; strains C and B are not as common and cause milder symptoms. The flu is contagious, and symptoms can range from mild to severe and can keep you in bed for up to a week. There are ways to prevent getting the flu even if you think you have been exposed.

Prevention

• Eat a healthy diet, get the proper amount of sleep and drink plenty of fluids. Take a vitamin C supplement everyday to decrease your risk of getting a cold or flu.

  The flu is a virus and is typically inhaled when near someone who has sneezed or coughed into the air. You can also be exposed from touching something that an affected person unknowingly contaminated with their secretions. Wash your hands frequently and especially before meals. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Influenza B and other strains of the flu virus are most common in the United States from December through March, although you can get the flu anytime of the year.

  Look for early symptoms of Influenza B, particularly if you feel you have been exposed. Take a prescription antiviral medication within the first 12 to 24 hours after symptoms first appear to shorten the length and severity of symptoms. Some common antivirals are Tamiflu, Relenza, Flumadine and Symmetrel, according to flufacts.com. Tamiflu is effective for influenza B and it is available in liquid form and can be taken by children older than 1 year of age.

  Get a flu shot every year. It is best to get your shot approximately two to six weeks prior to the flu season. The vaccine will prevent you from getting the most common strains of the flu that you may be exposed to in that particular year; it helps your body to create antibodies against the strains. Those who are most at risk of complications, such as the elderly, young children and those with compromised immune systems should get the vaccine when it becomes available each fall.

  See your physician if symptoms of the influenza B do not ease within two or three days. The flu can be serious and even life-threatening. If you are already sick with another infection, have a compromised immune system or are elderly, contact your doctor as soon as you develop any symptoms to prevent further complications.