Influenza B Symptoms

What is type B influenza?

Influenza — commonly known as the flu — is a respiratory
infection caused by flu viruses. There are three main types of influenza:
A, B, and C. Types A and B are similar, but influenza B can only pass
from human to human.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports both types A
and B can be equally severe, challenging a previous misconception that
type B tends to be a milder disease.

A common indicator of the influenza virus is a fever, often more than

100ºF (37.8ºC). It is highly contagious and in more serious cases can
cause life-threatening complications. Learn other symptoms that could
indicate a type B influenza infection.

Influenza types
There are three main types of influenza:

 Type A. The most common form of influenza, type A can spread

from animals to humans and is known to cause pandemics.

 Type B. Similar to type A, influenza B is also highly contagious

and can have dangerous effects on your health in more severe
cases. However, this form can only be spread from human to
 human. Type B influenza can cause seasonal outbreaks and can
be transferred throughout the year.

 Type C. This type is the mildest version of the flu. If infected with
type C influenza, your symptoms will not be as damaging.

Influenza B symptoms
Early detection of an influenza infection can prevent the virus from
worsening and help you find the best course of treatment. Common
symptoms of type B influenza include:

 fever
 chills
 sore throat
 coughing
 runny nose and sneezing
 fatigue
 muscle aches and body aches

Respiratory symptoms

Similar to a common cold, influenza B can cause you to experience

respiratory symptoms. Onset symptoms may include:

 coughing
 congestion
 sore throat
 runny nose
However, influenza respiratory symptoms may be more severe and can
lead to other health complications. If you have asthma, a respiratory
infection can worsen your symptoms and may even trigger an attack.

If left untreated, or in more severe cases, influenza B can cause:

 pneumonia
 bronchitis
 respiratory failure
 kidney failure
 myocarditis, or heart inflammation
 sepsis

Body symptoms

A common signal of the flu is a fever that could reach as high as 106ºF
(41.1ºC). If your fever does not subside within a few days, seek
immediate medical attention.

In addition, you may also experience symptoms including:

 chills
 body aches
 abdominal pain
 fatigue
 weakness
Stomach symptoms

In rare cases, the flu may cause diarrhea or stomach pains. These
symptoms are more common in children. It can be mistaken for
a stomach bug since children infected with type B influenza may
experience:

 nausea
 vomiting
 abdominal pain
 loss of appetite

Treating type B influenza

If you suspect you have the flu, drink plenty of fluids to prevent
dehydration. Also allow yourself plenty of sleep so your body can rest
and recharge.

Sometimes influenza B symptoms improve on their own. However,

those who are at high risk for flu complications should seek medical
treatment immediately.

High-risk groups include:

 children under 5 years old, especially those younger than 2 years

old
 adults 65 years old and up
 women who are pregnant or up to two weeks postpartum
 Native Americans (American Indians and Alaska Natives)
  people with weakened immune systems or certain chronic
conditions

If your young child has the flu, seek medical treatment before resorting
to home treatment. Some medications could increase their risk of
complications. If your child has a fever, keep them home for at least 24
hours after the fever subsides without help from medication.

In some flu cases, your doctor may prescribe painkillers and antiviral
medication to shorten illness time and prevent further complications.
Doctors also recommend getting an annual flu shot to protect against
common strains of the virus.

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you

need help finding a primary care doctor or pediatrician.

Outlook
Type B influenza can cause you to experience symptoms more severe
than a common cold. In some cases, this infection resolves without the
need for medical attention. However, if your symptoms worsen or don’t
improve after a few days, schedule a visit with your doctor.