Influenza B

Influenza type B is a respiratory infection caused by one of the influenza viruses; it spreads easily from person to person and mainly affects the respiratory tract.

Which specialist treats it? The general practitioner usually provides the first guidance; the infectious disease specialist steps in in select cases and the pulmonologist when there is significant respiratory involvement.

Common symptoms: fever, headache and muscle aches, congestion, cough, and general malaise that appear relatively suddenly.

When to seek care? Most cases are mild, but difficulty breathing, fever that does not let up, or worsening warrant a check-up, especially in people at higher risk. When in doubt, the prudent thing is to consult a professional.