What is the flu?
The flu is a viral respiratory illness.
1 Symptoms of the flu are a sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, and muscle and joint pain. Anyone can be affected by the flu, but the severity can vary from person to person, depending on certain risk factors, immunity strength, and age. Severe illness and death mainly occur amongst people 65 years and older with pre-existing health issues.
2 The flu is primarily spread through droplets from the mouth and nose by talking, coughing, or sneezing.
3
To protect yourself this season, practice good hygiene like washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces, and not sharing eating or drinking utensils with others. Also, staying home if you feel unwell is strongly advised and getting tested. The sooner you are tested, the sooner you can seek correct antibiotic treatment.
What is “flu season”?
Fortunately, the seasonal flu is just that —seasonal, and we call this time of increased infection “flu season.” The time of year begins in October, infections peak sometime between December and February, and the infections decrease significantly in the spring.
3 The exact causes of "flu season” are not well understood, but we do know that the period in which the flu occurs is due to increased infections of Type A and B Influenza viruses.
3 Both types are present year-round, but we notice that they tend to spread more quickly and aggresively during the cooler months.
Is there a difference between Type A and Type B viruses?
In terms of how they both make you feel, not really. Both virus types are characterized by the sudden onset of cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, fever, and joint and muscle aches.
2 Both types are also spread through droplets. The main differences between the two virus types are how they are classified scientifically and how the virus spreads to humans. Type A viruses are classified into subtypes according to the protein combinations on the virus's surface. Type B viruses are not classified by subtype but by lineages.
2 In terms of how viruses spread to humans, Type A viruses come from animals, and Type B viruses do not.
4 Ultimately, there are no major differences between Types A and B, and you should take the same approach to treating and avoiding infection.
If you do get sick this flu season, turn to Sameday Health for your testing and wellness needs.
