What is the difference between influenza B virus and influenza A virus

With the arrival of autumn and winter seasons, influenza viruses have also become active. Among them, influenza B virus and influenza A virus are the two most common types. Although they both belong to influenza viruses, there are significant differences in multiple aspects. Today, let's learn about the difference between influenza B virus and influenza A virus.

1. What is the difference between influenza B virus and influenza A virus?

1. Different virus characteristics

Influenza B virus and influenza A virus have different viral structures. The subtypes of influenza B virus are relatively few and the mutation rate is relatively slow. The influenza A virus has numerous subtypes and strong mutation ability, making it more likely to trigger large-scale epidemics.

2. Differences in Symptom Manifestations

After infection with influenza B virus, symptoms are usually mild, mainly manifested as throat discomfort, runny nose, sneezing, etc., similar to the common cold. After being infected with influenza A virus, the symptoms are more severe, often accompanied by high fever, headache, and overall muscle soreness, and patients often feel very uncomfortable.

3. Epidemic scope and infectivity

Influenza B virus usually spreads locally or in small areas, with relatively low infectivity. The influenza A virus is prone to causing widespread outbreaks, even global ones, and its infectivity is significantly stronger than that of the influenza B virus.

4. Course of illness and risk of complications

Type B influenza usually has a shorter course of illness and faster recovery due to milder symptoms. Influenza A, on the other hand, may prolong the course of the disease and increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia and myocarditis due to severe symptoms.

2. How to deal with childhood influenza?

In the face of the invasion of influenza viruses, especially the more severe type of influenza A virus, timely and effective treatment is crucial.

In terms of antiviral drug selection, drugs such as oseltamivir and paramivir can be used for treatment. Oseltamivir is suitable for the treatment of influenza A and B in individuals aged 1 year and above; Paramivir is an intravenous injection formulation suitable for use in infants and young children. It can help inhibit virus replication and growth, thereby reducing symptoms and promoting recovery. Please follow the doctor's guidance for the specific medication plan.

On the choice of traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations: For example, the commonly used Xinfeile Xiaoer Feire Kechuan Granule can clear lung heat and fight against viruses, can be used for the treatment of common cold and influenza, can alleviate cough, fever, expectoration and other uncomfortable symptoms caused by A and B flow infections, and help shorten the duration of symptoms. Moreover, the drug has been further developed and optimized in terms of efficacy and taste, making it more suitable for children to take. The taste is a sweet lollipop flavor, which is easy for children to accept.

It is worth mentioning that Xinfeile Xiao'er Feire Kechuan Granules have shown excellent safety performance. After rigorous clinical trials and safety evaluations, it has been confirmed that it is safe and effective for children, with no significant adverse reactions. Therefore, parents can confidently administer this medication to their children. In summary, the above is an introduction to the difference between influenza B virus and influenza A virus. There are significant differences between influenza B virus and influenza A virus in terms of virus characteristics, symptom manifestations, epidemic scope and infectivity, as well as disease duration and risk of complications. Understanding these differences can help us better prevent and treat influenza during the high incidence season, and safeguard children's health!