What is influenza B?
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can vary in severity from mild to severe and, in some cases, can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis or worsening of chronic diseases such as asthma or heart disease. Rarely, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), respiratory failure requiring assisted ventilation and, occasionally, death.
Symptoms of Influenza B may include:
How can you help prevent influenza B?
Prevention and control of influenza B can be supported by vaccination, good hygiene practices, and antiviral medications. It is important for everyone in your family to get a flu vaccine every year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive their annual flu vaccine by the end of October, ideally before the start of flu season.
However, if you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, there’s still time! The vaccine is still highly recommended for anyone who has not been vaccinated. Not only does it help protect against the flu, but it significantly reduces the risk of serious complications, such as hospitalizations or even death.
The flu vaccine does not cause the flu and helps prevent children and parents from getting sick. Babies younger than 6 months old cannot get the vaccine. But if their parents, other caregivers and older children in the household get it, it can help protect the baby.
How is influenza B transmitted?
Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. It is common for people to cover their mouths when they cough, but they should then wash their hands as our hands are a common way to contaminate surfaces or to pass the virus to others through a friendly handshake.
What is the treatment for influenza B?
Treatment for Influenza B mainly focuses on easing symptoms while the body fights off the virus. Antiviral medications can help shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms. Antiviral medication should be strongly considered when influenza (A or B) is diagnosed or when someone is seeking medical attention for influenza like illness (ILI). This is of greater importance in children and other people with underlying diseases which or require treatments that weaken the immune system or with chronic respiratory illness like asthma.
How contagious is influenza B?
Influenza B is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
People with the flu can be contagious about one day before symptoms start and up to five to seven days after they begin to feel sick. However, young children may remain contagious for a longer period than adults. Individuals with weakened immune systems can be contagious for several weeks.