Types Of Flu »

Influenza B

Influenza type B infects only humans in specific. Influenza B viruses tend to change less often than influenza A viruses. However, like influenza A, the potential occurrence of influenza B cannot be predicted. It may occur at the same time as influenza A does. An influenza B virus is always included in the annual vaccine, so anyone who receives a flu shot during a particular year would have protection against influenza B as well.

Although anyone can become infected with influenza B, children infected with influenza B will usually show symptoms more frequently than adults infected with influenza B. However, on an average, influenza B infections actually result in less severe illness than influenza A infections among all age groups, including children.

Influenza B is also very contagious in nature and these viruses usually are spread by droplets and aerosols produced by an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. Isolation can limit the spread of infection in semi-enclosed environments such as cruise ships. Flu shots and vaccines are the most effective way of fighting this common ailment