Influenza b symptoms
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Influenza B Symptoms: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Respiratory Symptoms in Influenza B
Influenza B often presents with a range of respiratory symptoms. Fever is a predominant symptom, observed in 88% of hospitalized children . Other frequent respiratory manifestations include rhinorrhea (62.6%), cough (50%), and pharyngitis (13%) . Additionally, children with influenza B may experience rhonchi (42%), rales (21%), and croup (4%) . These symptoms are similar to those seen in influenza A, although some studies suggest that influenza B may lead to more severe respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, which was reported in 41% of cases in one study .
Neurological and Muscular Symptoms
Neurological and muscular symptoms are also associated with influenza B, particularly in pediatric patients. A study found that 7.9% of children with influenza B exhibited neurological and muscular symptoms, with febrile seizures being the most common (67.9%) . Other symptoms included myositis (17.9%), increased intracerebral pressure, delirium, and severe headache (each 3.6%) . Although these complications are relatively mild, clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe cases, such as meningitis with myocarditis .
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms are not uncommon in influenza B infections. Children with influenza B frequently present with abdominal pain, which can be severe enough to mimic acute appendicitis . Other gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting (38%) and diarrhea (33%) . These symptoms can complicate the clinical picture and may require careful differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions.
Severe Complications and Mortality
While most cases of influenza B are mild, severe complications can occur. Rhabdomyolysis and acute respiratory failure have been reported, leading to significant morbidity and even death in some cases . Additionally, post-influenzal bacterial pneumonia and other severe chest diseases are notable complications . Mortality rates for influenza B can be higher than for influenza A, with one study reporting a mortality rate of 1.1% for influenza B compared to 0.4% for influenza A .
Comparison with Influenza A
Comparative studies have shown that while the clinical manifestations of influenza A and B are similar, there are some differences. Children with influenza B are more likely to present with high fever, sputum production, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and myalgia compared to those with influenza A . Additionally, influenza B tends to result in longer hospital stays and higher rates of antibiotic prescription and hospitalization . Despite these differences, the overall clinical illness produced by both types of influenza is largely indistinguishable among patients consulting for acute respiratory infections .
Conclusion
Influenza B presents with a variety of symptoms, ranging from common respiratory issues to neurological, muscular, and gastrointestinal manifestations. While most cases are mild, severe complications can occur, necessitating vigilant clinical management. Understanding the full spectrum of symptoms associated with influenza B is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment, particularly in pediatric populations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic