Influenza B virus

Influenza B virus is an enveloped virus with eight segments of negative-sense RNA that infects humans and seals. It causes seasonal influenza but has no established animal reservoir comparable to influenza A’s.

Influenza virus: Influenza viruses are enveloped RNA viruses that infect birds and mammals and cause influenza. Influenza B belongs to this virus group but circulates mainly among humans.
Influenza vaccine: An influenza vaccine trains the immune system to recognize influenza virus antigens and reduce illness risk. Seasonal vaccines include components selected to protect against circulating influenza B viruses.
Influenza A virus: Influenza A virus is a segmented RNA virus that infects many animal species and causes seasonal and pandemic influenza. Its broad host range and pandemic potential contrast with influenza B’s mostly human circulation.
Seasonal influenza: Seasonal influenza is recurring influenza virus activity that causes epidemics, chiefly during colder months in temperate regions. Influenza B contributes to seasonal epidemics alongside influenza A.
Influenza B hemagglutinin: Influenza B hemagglutinin is a viral surface glycoprotein that binds host-cell receptors and enables membrane fusion. Its receptor binding begins entry of the virus into susceptible respiratory cells.
Influenza B lineage: An influenza B lineage is a genetically distinct branch of influenza B viruses descended from a common ancestor. Surveillance tracks lineage circulation to guide vaccine composition and interpret outbreaks.
Influenza C virus: Influenza C virus is an influenza virus that usually causes milder respiratory illness and has seven genome segments. Its genome structure and typical disease severity differ from influenza B.
Influenza B in children: Influenza B in children is infection by influenza B virus, which can cause respiratory illness and complications in childhood. Children are frequently affected during influenza B seasons and can sustain community transmission.
Influenza B neuraminidase: Influenza B neuraminidase is a viral surface enzyme that cleaves sialic acid from host-cell surfaces. Its release activity helps newly formed virions detach and spread from infected cells.
Influenza B virus testing: Influenza B virus testing detects viral genetic material or antigens in respiratory specimens. Laboratory confirmation distinguishes influenza B from other causes of influenza-like illness.

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