Recently, the epidemic of influenza B in China has been on the rise, which has attracted public attention. According to the National Influenza Center's weekly report, the proportion of positive cases for influenza B has increased for six consecutive weeks, and the rate of influenza B infection in the north and south is also increasing. At the same time, the infection rate of influenza A is relatively low.
According to Li Ran, deputy chief physician of the Department of Infection and Clinical Microbiology at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, the symptoms of influenza B are relatively mild, but symptoms such as fever, body aches, sore throat, and cough still occur. Some patients have said on social media that the B flu will hurt into the cracks of the bones, and even have a high fever overnight. However, Li Ran pointed out that the symptoms of influenza B are slightly milder than those of influenza A.
The incubation period for influenza B is generally 1 to 4 days. After being infected with influenza B, children often have a sudden onset of illness, with fever, headache, muscle aches, general weakness, loss of appetite and other systemic symptoms, accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as cough, sputum production, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. Compared with influenza A, influenza B is more pronounced in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.
In response to public concerns, Li Tong, chief physician of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Beijing You'an Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, said that the probability of influenza B outbreaks is low and the transmission rate is relatively slow. Although the symptoms of influenza B are milder, children are more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after receiving influenza B. **Influenza B follows the same pattern as influenza A.
Experts remind that if you are accidentally infected with influenza B, you should take anti-influenza drugs as soon as possible to shorten the duration of the disease. For high-risk groups such as those with underlying lung diseases, immunodeficiency, diabetes, obesity, pregnant women, and dialysis patients, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition, timely rest is also an important measure for influenza B to avoid reinfection and weakened immunity.
Overall, the symptoms of influenza B are relatively mild and there is no cause for concern. However, members of the public are still advised to maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands frequently and avoid contact with sources of the virus to reduce the risk of infection. 