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When it comes to influenza viruses, influenza A and B viruses are two common pathogens that cause flu symptoms that are similar in some ways but differ in severity. The following is a popular science article on the comparison between influenza A and influx B, which is intended to provide detailed information and scientific analysis.
Influenza A vs. B: Severity comparison.
Influenza viruses are classified according to the different types of the two proteins on their surface, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), with type A (H1N1, H3N2, etc.) and B (H1N2, H3N2, etc.) being the most common types. Both influenza viruses cause a range of infections during the flu season each year, but they differ in severity.
Viral characteristics.
Influenza A viruses have higher variability, which means that it can generate new subtypes through genetic recombination, which may be more infectious and potentially pathogenic to the population. In contrast, influenza B viruses are less variant and usually cause only local epidemics.
Severity of disease.
The illness caused by influenza A viruses is usually more severe. For example, the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918 and the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009 were both caused by influenza A viruses, which caused a large number of deaths worldwide. Influenza A viruses can cause severe respiratory illness and even lead to pneumonia and other serious complications.
Influenza B virus infection usually causes mild illness and although it can cause severe respiratory illness, influenza B virus infection usually does not cause large-scale epidemics and serious public health problems compared to A.
Symptomatic presentation. The symptoms of influenza A and influenza B are similar in many ways, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, headache and fatigue. However, patients infected with influenza A virus may have a higher proportion of fever and more severe systemic symptoms.
Ability to spread. Influenza A viruses may be more transmissible in the population due to their high variability. It can be transmitted in animal hosts, such as pigs and birds, increasing the likelihood that the virus will cross species barriers and thus increase the risk of its transmission in humans.
Prevention and**.
Precautions against influenza A and B are basically the same, including getting vaccinated against influenza, practicing good personal hygiene, and avoiding contact with sick people. Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir are effective against both types of influenza viruses.
Conclusion. In summary, influenza A viruses generally outnumber influenza B viruses in severity. However, whether it is influenza A or B, it should be taken with sufficient attention, appropriate precautions should be taken, and timely**.
References. 1. world health organization. (2009). pandemic (h1n1) 2009: frequently asked questions. retrieved from [who website](
2. centers for disease control and prevention. (2023). types of influenza viruses. retrieved from [cdc website](
Please note that the above is based on existing scientific knowledge and data, but research in the medical field is constantly evolving, so readers are advised to consult the latest authoritative sources for accurate information.
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