Influenza B 2Influenza BThere are three different types of Orthomyxoviridae
viruses that cause influenza. They arereferred to as A, B and C. These viruses are all composed of a single strand of RNA, and differ in the number of proteins that surround them. Influenza A has 10 coating proteins, and influenzaB has 11. Influenza A is generally more pathogenic than influenza B. Whereas influenza Agenerally appears late in winter or early spring, influenza B can appear at any time. Influenza istransmitted primarily through airborne droplets. It can be transmitted by surface contact, but thisis less common.Symptoms appear abruptly between one and seven days after contact with the virus. High fever,flushing, nausea, fatigue, headache, and chills are common symptoms. Other symptoms includevomiting, dizziness, nasal congestion, and dry cough. The influenza viruses primarily affect therespiratory tract.Diagnosis is based on a nasal swab test (antigen detection test) and supported by physicalexamination, blood and sputum cultures and complete blood count (CBC). Often, if the virus iswidespread in the community, diagnosis is based on symptoms alone. H,R,343
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, presented to theemergency room with symptoms of fatigue, confusion, fever, and muscle aches. He wasdiagnosed by nasal swab, but blood labs were drawn as well.Treatment is often supportive for individuals who are normally healthy and have no other healthcomplications. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms are oftenused. For individuals who are less able to tolerate the course of the virus (the elderly, youngchildren, people who are immunocompromised and individuals with pre-existing healthconditions), administration of either of the anti-virals Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
or Relenza
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