10 Influenza B Symptoms

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Grill, Lawrence. 'What Is Type B Flu? - Featured, Health Topics, Men's Health, Pediatrics, Women's Health.' Hackensack Meridian Health, 29 Jan. 2020, www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2020/01/29/what-is-type-b-flu/
• 2. 'Influenza (Flu).' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719.
• 3. 'Influenza: Questions and Answers.' Immunization Action Coalition, Oct. 2020, https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4208.pdf
• 4. 'Why Do Muscles, Joints Ache during the Flu?' News, news.llu.edu/health-wellness/why-do-muscles-joints-ache-during-flu.
• 5. 'Flu Symptoms & Complications.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Aug. 2020, www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm.
• 6. 'Pneumonia: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Prevention.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4471-pneumonia.
• 7. National Headache Foundation. 'What Your Flu Headache Is Telling You.' National Headache Foundation, 3 Aug. 2018, headaches.org/2018/02/26/flu-headache-telling/.
• 8. 'Seizures.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 June 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seizure/symptoms-causes/syc-20365711.

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Influenza is a viral infection that can infect everyone, from infants to the elderly. There are several flu strains: A, B, C and D. Type D only affects animals, and type C usually produces mild symptoms.

Most people who develop the flu have strain A. Symptoms are similar in influenza A and B, but most adults with strain B notice milder effects, while children may develop more severe symptoms.¹Grill, Lawrence. ‘What Is Type B Flu? - Featured, Health Topics, Men’s Health, Pediatrics, Women’s Health.’ Hackensack Meridian Health, 29 Jan. 2020, www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2020/01/29/what-is-type-b-flu/ People at risk of complications from influenza B should contact their doctor at the first signs of flu.²‘Influenza (Flu).’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medications to mitigate the symptoms.³‘Influenza: Questions and Answers.’ Immunization Action Coalition, Oct. 2020, https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4208.pdf

1. Body Aches

Influenza B symptoms vary from person to person, but they usually appear suddenly and often include body aches. Muscles may feel sore, and a headache may be present. The achiness is a result of inflammation caused by the body producing white blood cells to fight the infection. Using over-the-counter pain-relieving medications may help the person feel more comfortable.

Most people recover from the flu without medical treatment, but if the muscle aches become severe, it’s time to call the doctor. Similarly, seek medical advice if someone experiences severe chest or abdominal pain.