COVID is spreading like an untamed horse all over the world and especially in India. But the worst part is that most of the people have less or misinformation about the disease. There is ample number of data present on the internet but all the information provided is not correct. In order to fight corona we have forgotten about the other diseases which still prevail. Covid symptoms are similar to many ordinary diseases too and sometimes people get panicked thinking symptoms of ordinary disease to be that of COVIDs. Influenza- B is also one such case. It is a flu which has been there from many years and has similar symptoms like COVID, but people often take its symptoms to be of corona virus.
What is Type-B Influenza?
Influenza is basically a flu which is spread through respiratory infection. Our expert Dr. Rakesh Mittal, Senior Physician in Indra Super Speciality Hospital, Kanpur told that Type-B influenza is caused by flu virus. There are three types of influenza flu but only type B spread from humans to humans. Influenza B is also however a severe disease and should not be neglected however it is not as severe as covid. Also treatment is readily available for type-B influenza hence there is nothing much to panic about.
Most of the people who suffer from influenza B also have fever which is similar in covid case. But the flu virus spreads at a high rate and there is a sudden change in body which can be determined. The signs of Influenza B can be seen within a day or two but in covid cases, many symptoms are shown after four days or more which is more risky.
However one way of determining is that influenza mostly happens in seasonal outbreaks, so keep yourself checked.
Symptoms of Influenza B Flu
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Running nose
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Body aches
For respiratory symptoms it is slightly different, it has symptoms like
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Running Nose
As you can notice there are very common symptoms present in influenza as of covid. Hence it is important to get thoroughly checked and do not panic in any situation. Panicking can worsen the situation and cause even more severe diseases if you are suffering from a respiratory infection or asthma.
However if you take correct medicines for influenza, it does not last for long and can be easily treated. It is possible that due to these conditions you may have weakness but it can be recovered. Hence knowing the difference is important in this case.
Also Read- Hear From Those Who Tackled COVID And Tested Negative. Know How To Cope Up With The 2nd Wave
How to Differentiate Between COVID-19 Strain and Flu
Flu can be diagnosed within two to three days at max and the symptoms start to arise very quickly. Whereas in the case of corona symptoms tend to last longer and cannot be determined in first few days. It may even take around as long as 14 days to develop the symptoms.
One of the major differences in symptoms which maybe evident is loss of taste and smell. It does not happen in case of influenza, but is very common symptoms of covid.
Corona virus remains for longer period of time and causes breathlessness in many cases, however influenza is not that contagious for longer period of time and is easily treated by medicines.
Influenza spreads through humans to humans but covid can spread through anyone and it is not particular. Even things which are kept somewhere or fruits and vegetables etc can also be carrier of corona virus which is not the case with influenza.
Complications of Influenza-
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Respiratory Failure
- Kidney Failure
- Heart Inflammation
- Sepsis
Treatment For Influenza
Influenza B can be treated and there are various methods which can work for you depending on the severity of the situation.
Drinking plenty of fluids can prevent dehydration which is important in influenza.
Proper sleep and rest for your body is also crucial, it helps the body to recharge and gain its energy back.
Influenza B symptoms generally improve one their own. However if the symptoms are severe then you must go for medical treatment. Generally painkillers and antiviral medications are preferred to improve the condition of the patient. The most affected groups are children below the age of 5 years and people above the age of 60. Pregnant women are also at high risk of developing this disease because their immunity is low at those times.
Also Read- Tested Negative But Still Show COVID-19 Symptoms? Here's What You Should Immediately Do
Conclusion
Influenza is more common in children and elderly people. Moreover the people who have mild fever and cold might not be suffering from corona. In any situation one should not panic as it can worsen the situation. Symptoms of influenza B are common to that of COVID but there are some differences through which you can differentiate between the two. The period of containment and symptoms of corona virus are much more severe and loss of taste and smell does not occur in influenza-B. But precautions should be taken along and consult a doctor if you have any of these symptoms for long.
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