Flu cases are high in Wisconsin. What's the difference between flu A and flu B?
Flu season is underway across the U.S. — with particularly high activity across the state of Wisconsin.
For the week ending Feb. 1, Wisconsin Department of Health Services data show influenza activity is "very high" and "increasing" in the state. Moreover, 7,688 flu tests were positive for the week of Jan. 26 to Feb. 1 — 37.7% of the 20,382 total tests run.
DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt told the Journal Sentinel in an email last week influenza A is the "predominant virus" spreading across the state. Haupt also said hospitalizations for the flu across the state were at the highest weekly total in seven years.
National data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also show influenza type A making up the majority of cases across the U.S. for the week ending Feb. 1.
More:Wisconsin flu hospitalizations are at the 'highest weekly total' since January 2018, DHS says
Here's what to know:
What’s the difference between flu A vs. flu B?
The two most common — and most severe — flu strains are A and B, the CDC says. Type A is known to cause more severe illness.
Both viruses spread the same way and both are more likely to cause severe infection for infants and older adults. The treatment is also the same for both.
While there are similarities, there are also several differences between the two strains.
For one, their active periods differs. Flu A typically starts in the fall and peaks around February or March, though it can last through April, while flu B tends to begin in March, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Each strain also affects children differently. Flu A is more likely cause ear infections than flu B, but type B is associated with more seizures, vomiting and diarrhea, according to Sherif Mossad, an infectious disease doctor at Cleveland Clinic.
What are the symptoms of flu A and flu B?
The symptoms for flu A and flu B are the same, so you won't know which strain it is off that alone. According to the CDC, common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Feeling feverish/having chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
For more information about the types of influenza and the most recent data, visit the CDC website, which includes a weekly flu dashboard.
How can I protect myself from the flu?
To schedule a vaccination appointment, you can reach out to your primary care provider, local or Tribal health departments and community clinics. You can also visit vaccines.gov, or call 211 or 877-947-2211.
If you don't have health insurance, you can check your eligibility for the state's free vaccine programs for children and adults, according to DHS. You can also visit Healthcare.gov for more options.
To protect yourself from the flu and other illnesses, you should also:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Avoid being around those who are ill
- Gather outside when possible
- Wear a high-quality mask
In addition to the above, if you end up catching a respiratory illness, DHS says you should:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then disposing of the tissue
- Stay home when symptomatic, except if you need medical care
More:Wisconsinites urged to protect themselves with respiratory illnesses on the rise
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