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• Influenza B is an influenza virus that produces milder symptoms than influenza A when it infects humans. Influenza B may occur in epidemic, but it is not a pandemic flu concern.

  While it mutates two to three times slower than influenza A, it is still too fast for a person to build a lasting immunity to it.

  To date, influenza B is only known to cause infection in seals and humans.

• Fast Facts

  1. Easier to catch in fall and winter
  2. Evolves slower than A and faster than C influenzas
  3. Resistant to treatment
  4. Cause morbidity and mortality in humans
  5. Recovery time usually 1 to 2 weeks

• Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Pain

• Controversy

  In 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu shot created did not match the circulating influenza B viruses. While the flu shot for the 2008 season contained a influenza B component, it was not part of the Yamagata lineage which made up 93 percent of the influenza B viruses going around.CIDRAP: CDC says influenza B strain doesn't match vaccine (February 8, 2008)

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you are infected with influenza B, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Influenza | Flu | Swine Influenza | Bird Flu | Spanish Flu | Pandemic Flu | How to Avoid the Flu | How to Get a Flu Shot | Flu Treatment | How to Get Tamiflu | How to Get a Flu Face Mask | How to Get Swine Flu Treatment | How to Diagnose Swine Flu | Edgar Hernandez Hernandez | How to Recognize Swine Flu | How to Avoid Swine Flu

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