Type B Flu on the Rise

The first day of Spring has passed but the flu still remains. State health officials report flu activity remains widespread throughout the region, and one type of influenza continues to rise this month. Patient First medical centers have recorded a significant rise in positive cases of the influenza B virus over the last week.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), influenza A and influenza B are the two main types that routinely spread among people. Influenza A has been the most widespread, but the number of reported influenza B cases is rising. The CDC reports that influenza B is less common than influenza A. Influenza B also mutates more slowly than influenza A.

Symptoms of influenza B are the same as other types of flu. You may feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

The flu is a respiratory disease and not an intestinal disease. However, in some cases, influenza B may also affect the stomach with these symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

How can you fight the flu, colds, and other infections? These five tips can help you avoid the bug:

1. Wash Your Hands – This is the single most important way to stop the spread of colds and flu. According to the CDC, about 80% of infectious diseases are spread through touch alone. Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is a good substitute if soap and water are not available.
2. Cover-Up When You Sneeze and Cough - Many of us were taught to cover our mouths and noses with our hands when sneezing and coughing. However, a better option is to use the crook of your elbow or a tissue when available. This way the germs will not get onto your hands and spread through contact with others.
3. Disinfect - Cold and flu germs can live on surfaces for hours. Disinfecting items like remote controls, doorknobs, table tops, keyboards, phones, and toys can kill the germs and stop them from spreading.
4. Don’t Share Your Germs - Take steps to stop the spread of colds and flu at home and work. Stay home from work when you know you are sick. The same goes for sending sick children to school. Keep them home. If you have the flu, be sure to stay home until you have been fever-free without medicine for at least 24 hours to avoid making others sick.
5. Live Healthy - Help yourself win the battle of the bug by eating healthy, getting a good night sleep, exercising, and reducing stress. These things can help strengthen your immune system and potentially make your body more capable of fighting a cold or virus.

Related Content

• Flu Prevention: https://www.patientfirst.com/blog/flu-prevention.aspx?PostId=115&tabid=819

• Six Ways to Soothe a Sore Throat: https://www.patientfirst.com/blog/six-ways-to-soothe-a-sore-throat2016.aspx?PostId=103&tabid=819

• Seven Tips to Encourage Kids to Wash Their Hands: https://www.patientfirst.com/blog/seven-tips-to-encourage-your-kids-to-wash-their-hands.aspx?PostId=101&tabid=819

About Patient First

All Patient First Medical Centers are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year, including holidays. Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, as well as primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician. Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs. Patient First currently operates medical centers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.