About the Type B Flu

Type B flu is also referred to as influenza type B and the flu. It is one of three different subtypes of the flu and is generally only diagnosed in humans.

Definition

• Influenza type B is classified as a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus. It is responsible for epidemics--a widespread outbreak of disease--but generally not as severe as the type A virus responsible for pandemics, which are global outbreaks.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms associated with the type B flu include: fever, headache, malaise (lack of energy), cough, sore throat, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

Prevention

• Vaccines are updated yearly and administered as a preventative measure for the influenza type B virus. The vaccine is available in the form of a shot or as a nasal spray.

Treatment

• An anti-viral can be administered to help shorten the duration of influenza if caught within 48-hours of diagnosis. Rest, drinking plenty of fluids and fever-reducing medication is recommended to help treat the symptoms.

Facts

• According to MedlinePlus, approximately 36,000 deaths nationwide are associated with the influenza virus yearly. Individuals 50 years and older, women who are pregnant, children between the ages of six months and two years and patients with pre-existing conditions are at a higher risk of contracting influenza.