Influenza, as a highly contagious viral disease, causes a large number of cases and deaths worldwide every year. Among them, influenza A and influenza B are the two most common types of influenza viruses.
Recently, the proportion of influenza B has continued to rise. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention released the weekly report on influenza surveillance for the 52nd week of 2023 on the 4th, the proportion of influenza B has been on the rise recently. The North rose for 9 consecutive weeks, from 4 to 4 in the 44th week2% rose to 47 in week 523%；The South rose for 6 consecutive weeks, from 11 in the 47th week6% rose to 26 in week 524%；The proportion of influenza B in the country has increased for six consecutive weeks.
In previous influenza seasons, influenza A and B viruses alternated between influenza A and influenza B viruses. In the first half of this year, H1N1 was predominant, and in autumn, H3N2 subtype was predominant, and influenza B began to be active again, and the proportion continued to rise.
Influenza A, also known as H1N1 influenza, is an infectious disease caused by influenza A viruses. Influenza A virus is highly variable, resulting in poor vaccination effectiveness. In addition, influenza A virus can be transmitted through droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces of the virus. Therefore, influenza A spreads widely and is more likely to cause large-scale epidemics.
In contrast, influenza B, also known as seasonal influenza, is an infectious disease caused by influenza B viruses. Influenza B virus mutates more slowly and has a better vaccination effect. Influenza B viruses are mainly transmitted by droplets, but they can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces of the virus, but they have a shorter survival time than influenza A viruses. Therefore, the spread of influenza B is small and it is less likely to cause large-scale epidemics.
In view of the transmission trend of influenza A and influenza B, the prevention and control strategies mainly include the following aspects:
Vaccination: Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent the flu. Vaccines against influenza A and B viruses can significantly reduce the risk and severity of infection. **The rollout and implementation of vaccination programmes should be strengthened to increase vaccination coverage among the public.
Personal protective measures: Individuals should maintain good hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks, and avoiding exposure to viral contaminants. In addition, measures such as avoiding crowded places and strengthening indoor ventilation can also help reduce the risk of infection.
Monitoring and early warning: ** and medical institutions should strengthen the monitoring and early warning of influenza outbreaks. Through real-time monitoring of epidemic data, virus mutation and other information, timely early warnings and corresponding measures are taken to curb the spread of the epidemic.
Antiviral**: For patients who have already been infected with the influenza virus, antiviral** can effectively shorten the duration of illness, reduce symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications. Physicians should choose antiviral drugs appropriately depending on the patient's condition and the type of viral infection.
Social publicity and education: Strengthen the publicity and education of influenza prevention and control, and improve the public's awareness of influenza virus and prevention. Popularize prevention and control knowledge through various channels such as ** and community activities, and enhance the public's ability to protect themselves.