Flu Season: Understanding High-Risk Groups and the Differences Between Influenza A and B

During flu season, it's important to understand who is at higher risk of getting the flu and what the differences are between Influenza A and Influenza B. The flu, short for influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. The flu is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through droplets when someone with the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes.

People of all ages can get the flu, but certain groups are at higher risk of developing complications or severe illness if they become infected. These groups include:

1. Young children: Children under the age of 5, and especially those under 2 years old, are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
2. Older adults: Adults over the age of 65 are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
3. Pregnant women: Pregnant women are more likely to develop complications from the flu, including pneumonia, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
4. People with chronic medical conditions: People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
5. Healthcare workers: Healthcare workers are more likely to be exposed to the flu virus and should take extra precautions to prevent infection.

It's important for everyone, but especially those in higher risk groups, to get vaccinated against the flu each year. The flu vaccine can help prevent the flu or reduce the severity of illness if you do get infected.

There are two mains types of influenza virus that cause illness in humans: Influenza A and Influenza B. While both types can cause the flu, they have some differences in how they spread and the severity of illness they can cause.

Influenza A is the more common and more severe type of flu. It is often associated with larger outbreaks and pandemics, such as the H1N1 pandemic in 2009.

(Image from CDC - Influenza Virus)

Influenza A viruses can infect both humans and animals, including birds and pigs. Influenza A viruses are also classified into different subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18 different H subtypes and 11 different N subtypes, which can combine in different ways to create different strains of the virus.

Influenza B is less common and typically causes milder illness than Influenza A. It only infects humans and does not have subtypes like Influenza A. While Influenza B outbreaks can still cause significant illness, they are generally less severe than Influenza A outbreaks.

(Image from CDC - Human Seasonal Influenza Viruses)

It's important to note that the flu vaccine is designed to protect against both Influenza A and Influenza B, so getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu. These include:

1. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
2. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
3. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and disposing of used tissues in a trash can.
4. Staying home from work, school, or other activities if you are sick.
5. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are common entry points for the flu virus.

By taking these steps and getting vaccinated, you can help prevent the virus.