B viruses, also known as type B influenza viruses, are a subtype of the influenza virus that causes respiratory infections in humans. They belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and are further classified into two lineages, namely B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages.
B viruses are characterized by their spherical shape and their genetic material, which is comprised of eight segments of negative-sense single-stranded RNA. They primarily infect humans and can cause seasonal outbreaks of influenza, commonly known as the flu, around the world. Unlike type A influenza viruses that infect humans and other animals, type B viruses are only found in humans.
These viruses typically circulate during the winter months in temperate regions and can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches. In some cases, complications may occur, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
To combat the influenza caused by B viruses, seasonal flu vaccines are developed each year to protect individuals by providing immunity against specific strains of the virus. These vaccines are formulated based on the predicted circulating strains for the upcoming flu season.
Due to the rapidly evolving nature of influenza viruses, ongoing surveillance is crucial to detect any genetic changes, antigenic shifts, or drifts in the B virus strains. This helps to ensure that the most effective vaccines are developed and distributed to prevent and control the spread of this viral infection.
