Type A and B are the main types of influenza epidemics and affect up to 20% of the population each year. If an outbreak is experienced then the amount of people infected can skyrocket. Type C flu symptoms are much less severe, but they still account for a great deal of discomfort .
The flu is linked to an average of 39,000 deaths and 120,000 hospitalizations in the United States. World wide these numbers increase dramatically, especially in developing countries with poor health care systems. To avert epidemics and pandemics, seasonal vaccines are made available to the public to best protect them.
What is type A influenza virus ?
Type A viruses are capable of infecting people as well as animals. It is more common for people to suffer the this type of FLU than animals. Birds and swine (pigs) commonly act as the hosts for this flu virus around the world.
The type A flu virus is constantly changing and is generally responsible for the large flu epidemics. Influenza A2 virus (type A subtype) is spread by people who are already infected (either they are aware of this or they are not). Social gathering places, areas with poor sanitation, or air circulation are the main hotbeds for the spread of this virus.
What is type B influenza virus ?
The type B virus is found in humans. Less severe reactions are reported when dealing with this type of virus, but there are cases where the type B virus has been very harmful and even fatal. Type B viruses do not cause pandemics or pose great risks to the health of large populations.
What is type C influenza virus ?
Type C viruses are also found in people. Type C flu viruses are much less severe than both A and B strains. The type C virus does not cause pandemics or massive illness, but there are cases where it has been seen as severe.
It is important and recommended to get a flu shot each year to protect yourself from the ever changing strains of the FLU virus. Each type is always changing, evolving, and morphing into a new threat to your health. In this manner older strains are replaced with newer ones. FLU shots ensure that your immune system can fight off all the different and new virus strains that are out there.
About 2-3 weeks after getting your flu shot, antibodies that provide protection against the flu viruses develop in your body and you are capable of fighting off infection.
Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WebMD, medical journals, Associated Press.
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