Influenza B is a subtype of influenza, a viral infection of the respiratory tract. People with influenza B usually have mild symptoms, such as coughing, sore throat, and body aches. However, it can sometimes cause serious complications.

Influenza  (Influenza/Flu) is a disease that spreads easily according to the season. It is common during the rainy and winter seasons and can affect both children and adults. Influenza that is transmitted to humans is divided into 3 strains: strains A, B and C. The commonly prevalent strains are influenza strain A and influenza strain B. In general, symptoms tend to improve with proper self-care.

Symptoms of influenza B

Influenza B strains can cause symptoms such as:

• I have a sore throat.
• tired
• Stuffy nose, runny nose
• Muscle pain, dizziness, headache
• Chills, some people may have fever  , which may last up to 4 days and may be as high as 41 degrees Celsius.
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea, which are common in children. 

The symptoms of influenza B and influenza A are very similar, but influenza A generally  causes more severe symptoms. However, influenza B may cause some people to have more severe symptoms or be more at risk of complications, such as pneumonia  , than the general population.

For risk groups such as young children under 5 years old, elderly people over 65 years old, pregnant people, people with weakened immune systems, ยูฟ่าเบท and chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.

Treatment for Influenza B

Initially, you can take care of yourself when you have influenza B in various ways as follows:

• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush pathogens from your body, relieve sore throats, coughs, and runny noses. Drink plain water, soothing herbal teas, or warm soup.
• Get enough rest and avoid exercising or strenuous exercise during influenza B, as this will make you more tired and slower to recover from the illness.
• Take a warm shower  and avoid taking a cold shower to reduce chills and fever.
• Take pain relievers and fever reducers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
• Use other medications to relieve symptoms, such as lozenges or throat sprays.

Influenza B symptoms usually get better on their own or gradually ease after taking care of yourself at home within a few days to 2 weeks. If you have influenza B symptoms for longer than that and your symptoms do not improve, or if they come back, you should see a doctor. In cases where your symptoms are severe or you are at risk of complications, your doctor may prescribe additional medications, such as antiviral medications. 

Influenza B can be prevented by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water cannot be used, wearing a mask,  using tissues to cover your nose and mouth when coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose, then disposing of them properly in the trash, and getting a flu vaccine every year to prevent infection with the influenza B virus.