If you get an influenza (flu) diagnosis, your health care provider may tell you if you have flu A or flu B. You might think that the flu is the flu, but there are actually differences between flu A and flu B.
Flu A
According to the National Council on Aging, flu A is the most common flu type – 75% of all flu cases are flu A. Flu A can infect humans, pigs and birds. Adults are more likely to get flu A than flu B.
Flu A can also mutate more often, making it possible to get the flu more than once due to the immune system having less of an ability to recognize and fight the illness. Flu A tends to circulate the most in the fall and winter.
Flu B
Flu B makes up about 25% of flu cases, and it only infects humans. Flu B is less likely to mutate than flu A, so the immune system has a higher likelihood of being able to recognize and fight the illness.
Children are more likely to get flu B. Flu B tends to circulate the most in the spring.
Are the Symptoms Different for Flu A and Flu B?
Flu A and flu B can cause the same symptoms, including:
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue and weakness
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fever of around 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Chills
However, flu A can be more severe than flu B. Flu B generally results in milder symptoms, but children under age 5 and older adults could have more severe cases.
Is Treatment Different for Flu A and Flu B?
Since flu A and flu B generally result in the same symptoms, the same treatment is usually used.
Flu is always caused by a virus, so treatments are usually supportive and rest is encouraged. If you have the flu, make sure to drink enough fluids. You can take over-the-counter medications to reduce body aches and relieve your fever if you have one.
However, if your flu case is more severe, you may be prescribed antiviral medication. If started early, antiviral medication can make your flu case less severe and shorten the amount of time you have symptoms.
Antibiotics should not be prescribed for any viral infection.
Flu Prevention
To prevent getting the flu, the best thing to do is get the flu shot each year. The flu vaccine is updated each year to target flu strains that are circulating the most that year. Flu vaccines are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and commercial health insurance plans.
Early fall is the best time to get your flu shot, since that is usually shortly before the flu season begins.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people 65 and older should get a higher-dose flu vaccine each year.
Here are some other tips to protect yourself from the flu:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid close contact with people who have the flu.
- During flu season, wear a mask indoors or in crowded places.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces at your workplace and at home.
UofL Health is Here for You
You can call UofL Physicians – Primary Care at 502-588-4343 to schedule an appointment for your flu vaccination or to make an appointment with a primary care provider. Your primary care provider can conduct a flu test to let you know what flu type you have.
You can visit one of the following UofL Health – Pharmacy locations for flu vaccination or for any of your medication needs:
- UofL Health – UofL Hospital: 502-562-3571
- UofL Health – Jewish Hospital: 502-569-7902
- UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital: 502-367-3315
- UofL Health – Specialty Pharmacy: 502-681-1600
If you have moderate to severe flu symptoms, you can visit your nearest UofL Health – Urgent Care Plus location. Our Urgent Care Plus locations offer the flu vaccine as well.
