What is the difference between Flu A and Flu B?

Answer 1

They are caused by two different kinds of viruses. There are three types of influenza viruses that have been classified according to the types of proteins they have. There are Type A, Type B, and Type C influenza viruses. Type A and B each have many different strains. Type C does not.

Type A influenza is one of the more common types we see in the seasonal flu among humans and it is also a very common type that many other animals get. It has subtypes and strains that differ, which is why having one subtype will not give you immunity from all the other subtypes and strains.

Type B influenza is also a common type among humans and is found only in humans. It is not divided into subtypes but there are multiple strains.

Type C has been found in humans, pigs, and dogs. The symptoms are usually very mild, milder than those of Type A and B influenza viruses, and it typically doesn't cause epidemics. It is not divided into different subtypes or strains.

Answer 2

Influenza A is a broader category than "seasonal flu" when talking about kinds of influenza viruses. Some types of the seasonal flu are Influenza Type A viruses (others that humans can get are Type B or Type C). When the "seasonal flu" is referred to, it is in reference to the most common strains of flu that are circulating around the world at the current flu season time of year (fall and winter), or are expected by epidemiologists' studies to be the ones coming in the next flu season.

Answer 3

Influenza is a virus often affecting the lungs and air ways, whereas the stomach flu causes nausea and vomiting.

Influenza is dangerous to those with poor health conditions, such as the elderly, as well as children, smokers, and people with Asthma.

It is recommended that any one with any health issue or who may be at risk to get influenza receive their yearly influenza vaccination. Each year, the influenza vaccination may be different, depending on the strain of the flu that is predicted to be the largest problem.

Symptoms of influenza include: fever, fatigue, headache, stuffy/runny nose, cough, muscle soreness, sore throat, and occasionally in children it is possible for vomiting and diarrhea.

Answer 4

Influenza A is the pandemic flu, that humans usually get. Influenza A is in humans and mainly birds (Swine Flu). Where as Influenza B is restricted mainly to just humans.