igns and Symptoms of Type A Influenza.docx

1. Signs and Symptoms of
Type A Influenza
What is type A influenza?
Influenza — also known as the flu — is a contagious viral infection that attacks
your respiratory system.
Influenza viruses that infect humans can be classified into three main groups: A,
B, and C. Type A influenza infection can be serious and cause widespread
outbreaks and disease.
Common symptoms of type A infection can be confused with other conditions.
While in some milder cases the flu can resolve on its own without significant
symptoms, severe cases of type A influenza can be life-threatening.
Influenza A symptoms
Unlike a common cold, the flu typically occurs with a sudden onset of
symptoms. Common signs of an influenza infection include:
 coughing
 runny or stuffy nose
 sneezing
 sore throat
 fever

2.  headache
 fatigue
 chills
 body aches
Sometimes, influenza A symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if
symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, schedule a visit
with your doctor.
People who are at high risk for flu complications, such as those who are 65
years old and up or who have weakened immune systems, should seek
immediate medical treatment. In rare cases, the flu can be deadly.
Left untreated, the flu can cause:
 ear infection
 diarrhea
 nausea
 vomiting
 dizziness
 abdominal pain
 chest pain
 asthma attack
 pneumonia
 bronchitis
 cardiac issues

3. Influenza A vs. influenza B
Types A and B influenza are the more common forms of this infection,
routinely causing seasonal outbreaks. Type C influenza usually only causes
mild respiratory infections.
Type B influenza can be just as severe as type A influenza but is less common
throughout the flu season compared to type A.
Humans are the natural host for type B infection. Type B viruses mutate much
slower than type A infections and are categorized by strains, but not subtypes.
The B virus strains take longer for their genetic makeup to change than
influenza A. This drastically reduces the risk of a widespread pandemic due to
type B influenza.
Type A influenza can be dangerous and is known to cause outbreaks and
increase your risk of disease. Unlike a type B infection, type A viruses are
categorized by subtypes and strains. Influenza A mutates faster than influenza
B, but both viruses are always changing, creating new strains from one flu
season to the next. Past flu vaccinations will not prevent infection from a new
strain.
Wild birds are the natural hosts for a type A virus, also called avian flu and bird
flu. This infection can also spread to other animals and humans. This,
combined with the ability of type A influenza to mutate faster than type B, can
cause pandemics.
Diagnosing influenza A
Before treating your condition, your doctor will need to check for the influenza
virus. The preferred test is the rapid molecular assay. In this procedure, your

4. doctor swabs your nose or throat. The test will detect influenza viral RNA
within 30 minutes or less.
Results aren’t always accurate, and your doctor may have to make a diagnosis
based on your symptoms or other flu tests.
Treatment
In some cases, influenza A symptoms can clear on their own with ample rest
and fluid intake. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication
to fight the infection.
Common antiviral prescriptions include:
 zanamivir (Relenza)
 oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
 peramivir (Rapivab)
These medications, known as neuraminidase inhibitors, reduce the ability of the
influenza virus to spread from cell to cell, slowing down the infection process.
Though effective, these medications can cause side effects such as nausea and
vomiting. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms or if your
condition worsens, stop using the prescription and visit your doctor
immediately.
A new medication called baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), created by a Japanese
pharmaceutical company, was approved in October 2018 by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source. This antiviral drug helps stop the
influenza virus from replicating.

5. Over-the-counter medication therapy can also ease flu symptoms. Be sure to
stay hydrated to loosen mucus in your chest and strengthen your immune
system.
How long is it contagious?
If you have the flu, you’re contagious from at least a day before you begin to
experience symptoms up through five days after your symptoms begin.
In more severe cases, you could be contagious for even longer after you begin
experiencing symptoms. This number can fluctuate if your immune system is
weak or undeveloped, specifically in cases of children or older adults.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the flu is through annual vaccinations. Each flu
shot protects against three to fourTrusted Source different influenza viruses
within that year’s flu season.
Other ways to prevent spreading this disease include:
 washing your hands regularly
 avoiding large crowds, specifically during a flu outbreak
 covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
 staying home if you develop a fever and forat least 24 hours after it
goes away

6. Outlook
Type A influenza is a contagious viral infection that can cause life-
threatening complications if left untreated. While some cases of this infection
can improve without prescribed medication, a visit to your doctor is
recommended. If you don’t already have a provider, our Healthline FindCare
tool can help you connect to physicians in your area..
Don’t self-diagnose your condition. The flu can resemble the common cold, but
may trigger worsening symptoms. If you think you’ve contracted influenza,
schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss treatment.