According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are three different types of flu. These are A, B, and C. The former two are what we think of when we think of the flu, and they are the ones that easily make their way between students and other groups of people in close contact with one another.
All three flu viruses cause fever, stuffy nose, coughs, and body aches. There are only a few subtle differences. Type A, explains Marla Ahlgrimm, is usually the most severe, and is the one that doctors say can change quickly. This makes it extremely difficult to formulate a foolproof flu vaccination each season. Type A is also unique in that it can spread between humans and animals.
Flu type B is usually not widespread. However, it does tend to become more prevalent toward the end of the flu season. Although usually less dangerous than type A, flu B can also cause high fevers and can linger for up to two weeks.
Doctors do not usually test for flu type C, and, compared to A and B, it is considered a mild illness.
Marla Ahlgrimm says that people who get the flu shot may still contract the flu. However, she asserts that receiving the vaccination typically decreases the effects of the infection.
