Every year, influenza poses a significant threat to global health, particularly during the rainy season (June–October) and winter (January–March). It spreads easily, yet few people realize that influenza is caused by multiple strains of viruses. The most common and dangerous strains affecting humans are Type A and Type B.

Children aged 5–9 years are the most affected group, and outbreaks frequently occur in schools. Here’s how these two strains differ:

Influenza Type A

• It causes severe symptoms and is the most dangerous strain.
• Spread rapidly worldwide and mutate quickly.
• The immune system cannot fully protect against new variants.
• Common symptoms: high fever, fatigue, muscle aches, dry cough, and difficulty breathing.

Influenza Type B

• Spreads within local communities, such as schools or densely populated areas.
• Less severe than Type A but can lead to complications in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
• Common symptoms: mild fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, and fatigue.

Transmission

Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes, or speech, especially in crowded spaces. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth.

Symptoms

• Symptoms appear 1–4 days after infection and include sudden fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue. Other symptoms may include nasal congestion and sore throat.
• Prolonged illness may lead to bronchitis and severe cough, lasting longer than the common cold.
• Most patients recover within 1–2 weeks, but severe cases can develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be fatal.

*Do not take aspirin, as it may cause severe liver inflammation, which can be life-threatening.

Treatment

Mild cases can be managed at home with rest and symptomatic care. However, severe cases—such as those experiencing difficulty breathing or suspected pneumonia—may require hospitalization.

Prevention

The best way to prevent infection is to get vaccinated annually before flu season begins. However, vaccines only protect against specific strains in their development and may not cover newly emerging variants.

Influenza is a silent yet dangerous disease. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is through daily health precautions. Stay safe and take care of yourself and those around you.

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1. The Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) updates the disease situation in Thailand and monitors the disease situation abroad, along with recommendations on how to prevent and take care of yourself to stay safe from the disease: https://www.infoquest.co.th/2025/470795
2. Influenza (Influenza, Flu), Department of Disease Control: https://ddc.moph.go.th/disease_detail.php?d=13
3. Influenza and influenza vaccine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of Thailand: https://www.pidst.or.th/A709.html
4. Influenza, colds to watch out for: https://www.bangpakok3.com/care_blog/view/228
5. What are the symptoms of Influenza? How to prevent it: https://thainakarin.co.th/article-from-doctor/influenza/