Neurologic Manifestations of the World Health Organization's List of Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases
Flu Shot Effectiveness This Season: 4 Key Takeaways
Preliminary estimates show the flu vaccine was up to 55% effective at preventing hospitalizations among adults this season, according to a Feb. 27 CDC report.
This season's preliminary estimates come from four flu surveillance systems covering more than 150,000 inpatient and outpatient encounters nationwide between October 2024 and February 2025.
Four notes:
1. The flu vaccine was 41% to 55% effective at preventing hospitalizations among adults this season. For children and adolescents, these figures ranged from 63% to 78%.
2. The flu shot's effectiveness at preventing outpatient visits ranged from 36% to 54% among adults and 32% to 60% among children.
3. Although influenza A(H3N2) viruses — typically linked to lower vaccine effectiveness — have circulated more this season, estimates indicate flu shot effectiveness remains in line with the 2023–24 season and other seasons with higher effectiveness over the past 15 years, according to the CDC.
4. Historically, flu shot efficacy rates have ranged from a high of 60% in the 2010-11 season to a low of 10% for the 2004-05 season, when the CDC started tracking this data.
View the full report here.
What Are The Symptoms Of Influenza B?
High fever, coughing, body aches, chills, and fatigue are possible symptoms of influenza B, but they may also indicate other conditions. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by flu viruses.
There are four main types of influenza. Types A, B, and C affect humans, while influenza D mainly affects cattle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), types A and B are responsible for the majority of seasonal illnesses, such as in winter.
Although they're both similar, influenza B can only pass from human to human. They can also be equally severe, challenging a previous misconception that type B tends to be a milder disease.
Influenza B accounts for just over 23% of influenza illnesses around the world.
It's highly contagious and, in more serious cases, may lead to life threatening complications.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of influenza B.
Early detection of an influenza infection can help prevent the virus from worsening and help you find the best course of treatment.
The most common symptoms of type B influenza include:
Similar to the common cold, influenza B can cause respiratory symptoms, including:
However, influenza respiratory symptoms may be more severe and can lead to other health complications.
If left untreated, or in more severe cases, influenza B may cause:
A common sign of the flu is a fever that could reach as high as 106ºF (41.1ºC). This may last up to 4 days, according to the CDC. However, it's important to get medical attention if your fever doesn't improve after 1 week.
In addition, you may also experience:
In rare cases, the influenza B virus may cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as:
The authors of a 2015 review note the research is mixed on whether GI symptoms are more common in influenza B than type A.
Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing complications that could require medical treatment. High-risk groups include:
Research has also found that children with influenza B have a higher risk of developing severe complications or requiring hospitalization than those with influenza A.
If you experience flu symptoms and have any risk factors, get medical attention immediately. Early treatment could greatly reduce your risk of complications.
In most cases, influenza will go away on its own without medical treatment.
However, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications if your symptoms are severe, gradually worsen, or you're at a high risk of developing complications.
Antiviral medications for influenza include:
Getting the flu vaccine may also help prevent you from developing severe flu symptoms and any complications.
According to the CDC, the flu vaccine could help reduce your risk of developing influenza by up to 60%, especially if you're at risk of complications. The vaccine is most effective against types B and A.
The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a primary care doctor or pediatrician.
Do I need to quarantine if I have influenza B?
Yes. According to the CDC, if you have a respiratory virus, including influenza B, you need to stay away from other people until symptoms of Influenza B improve AND you have not had a fever for over 24 hours when not taking fever-reducing medications.
When is it too late to take Tamiflu?
How long does influenza B last?
Influenza B may last between 2 and 8 days, according to a 2020 review.
Is flu A or B worse?
Research suggests influenza A and B may both cause serious symptoms and complications.
How contagious is influenza B?
Like influenza A, influenza B is highly contagious. If you have the flu, it's important to practice proper hygiene to prevent transmitting the virus to someone else. This includes staying away from others, washing your hands, wearing a mask, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
What is the best treatment for influenza B?
In many cases, home remedies like drinking plenty of fluids and resting is enough to help treat influenza B. However, you may require antiviral medications if you're at risk of developing complications or you experience severe symptoms.

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