Flu A vs. Flu B: What Parents Need to Know During School Season
November 6, 2024
As a parent, it's natural to feel concerned during flu season, especially when young children are involved. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, with types A and B being the most common. It’s understandable to worry about how this could affect your child’s health, as well as the well-being of your entire family. Influenza A and B may seem similar, but understanding the differences between them can help you protect your family better. Both types can cause: While you may not have all of these symptoms, their behavior, severity and impacts can vary. Influenza A tends to cause more severe outbreaks and is usually responsible for flu pandemics. It can mutate quickly, making it more unpredictable, which is why it’s often the virus behind the widespread flu outbreaks we hear about each year. Influenza B, on the other hand, tends to be milder and more consistent, but it can still cause significant illness, especially in children. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to severe symptoms and complications like pneumonia, ear infections or sinus infections. Given the challenges of distinguishing between these illnesses and diseases with similar symptoms like COVID-19, testing becomes essential to make informed decisions. Fortunately, advancements in testing technology have made it easier than ever to test for influenza A and B as well as COVID-19. The multi-purpose tests can identify all current COVID-19 variants as well as distinguish between influenza A and B from a simple nasal swab. Vaccination for influenza A and B strains remains the single most effective tool. Vaccinating your child reduces the risk of them contracting the flu, if they do get sick, can lessen the severity of their symptoms. Children over six months old should receive a flu vaccine every year. If your child is under six months old, they are too young to be vaccinated but you can protect them by making sure the rest of your household is vaccinated. This helps create a barrier around the most vulnerable, limiting their exposure to the virus. In addition to vaccines, teaching your children good hygiene habits is crucial. Encourage them to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the restroom, before eating and after playing with shared toys. Demonstrating how to properly cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing (into their elbow, not their hands) can also reduce the spread of germs. If your child does catch the flu, it’s important to act quickly. The flu typically starts with a high fever, followed by body aches, fatigue, cough and sore throat. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly and hit hard. Over-the-counter medications can help reduce fever and alleviate some symptoms, but if your child has difficulty breathing, severe chest pain or shows signs of dehydration, seek medical attention immediately. It’s important to keep your child home from school if they show any signs of the flu. This not only helps them recover faster but also prevents the virus from spreading to other children and teachers. The general rule is to keep them home until they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. While flu season can feel daunting, it’s important to remember that with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your child’s risk of contracting or suffering from severe flu symptoms. Many parents successfully navigate flu season year after year by staying informed, getting their children vaccinated, and maintaining good hygiene practices at home. References:
Similar Symptoms, Different Impacts
The Importance of Accurate Testing
Protecting Your Children
Providing the Right Care
