Influenza B
Understanding Influenza B
What is Influenza B?
An Influenza B test is used to detect the genetic material of influenza B virus in respiratory specimens, such as nasal or throat swabs. This test is commonly used during flu seasons or in outbreak situations to confirm influenza infections in individuals with flu-like symptoms like fever, cough, etc.
Influenza B infection is caused by the influenza B virus, which is one of the main types of influenza viruses that cause seasonal flu outbreaks and respiratory illnesses in humans. In general, influenza B infections are generally milder than some strains of influenza A, such as H1N1 (swine flu) or H3N2, but they can still cause significant illness and complications, especially in vulnerable populations like infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women and individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), etc.
Your doctor may suggest Influenza B when you have symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, and low-grade fever indicative of flu or a similar respiratory illness. Since the symptoms of Influenza B infection often overlap with those of other respiratory illnesses, so testing is necessary to distinguish influenza from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illness. The test information allows the doctors to formulate an effective treatment plan. Additionally, this test may also be useful for individuals with a recent history of travel especially during global outbreaks or pandemics, to screen for influenza B virus infection.
No special preparations are required to get tested with Influenza B. Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation, therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. To minimize the transmission of infection, consider proactive measures such as getting yearly flu vaccine shots, wearing masks, avoiding exposure to individuals infected with the flu virus, maintaining good personal hygiene, and including vitamin-C-rich foods in your diet to boost immunity.
What is Influenza B used for?
An Influenza B is done:
- When you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, body ache, or cough suggestive of viral infection.
- To help diagnose respiratory infections caused by influenza B viruses.
- To help doctors determine the cause of the clinical symptoms and differentiate between the influenza B infection and other viral infections.
- In individuals who have been in close contact with someone infected with influenza B, especially if they develop symptoms.
- In individuals who have traveled to areas with high influenza activity.
- To monitor treatment response against influenza B viral infections.
What does Influenza B measure?
Influenza B checks for the presence of the Influenza B virus and confirms the infection. This type of influenza virus only infects humans and is less common than influenza A. Influenza B viruses are not classified based on two proteins on the surface, called hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) subtypes, but are instead grouped into two distinct lineages, B/Yamagata and B/Victoria.
Other tests
