Both influenza A and B infections typically manifest the same broad symptoms, although they can vary case by case. Only testing by a doctor can reveal which type a patient has contracted.

But, if you're comparing flu A vs. flu B, it's impossible to tell which strain you have based just on your symptoms. "They're clinically indistinguishable on a case-by-case basis," Ray says.

Cold and flu symptoms may overlap, but the latter tend to be more severe. There is also a greater risk of complications with influenza, such as pneumonia , according to the CDC.

It's flu season, but not all influenza is the same. If you're feeling sick, it helps to know the difference between flu A and flu B symptoms, experts say.

Flu A and flu B symptoms. Whether it's flu A or flu B, you can expect to develop the same symptoms — so it'll be impossible to know which strain you have just based off the symptoms.

Flu Symptoms to Watch Out For as Winter Illnesses Surge. Published Jan 14, 2025 at 1:14 PM EST Updated Jan 14, 2025 at 1:21 PM EST. By . Jess Thomson is a Newsweek Science Reporter based in London UK.

The first symptom of the flu was most likely to be a cough while for COVID-19 it was fever. COVID-19 can also be distinguished by the loss of taste and smell. However, symptoms vary from person to ...

A cold has mild symptoms. You usually do not have fever, and if you do have fever, it's a low-grade 100 or 101. ABC News. Video. Live. Shows. Shop. Log In. Stream on. ColdandFluQuestions; ...

Loss of taste or smell is also sometimes a symptom of COVID-19 but very rarely present with the flu, cold or RSV. Other symptoms of influenza include: Runny or stuffy nose.

"If you come in with some symptoms of cough or sore throat or runny nose, whatever it is, I can't tell you if that's a cold, if it's walking pneumonia, if it's COVID or the flu. You do need to ...

Both influenza A and B infections typically manifest the same broad symptoms, although they can vary case by case. Only testing by a doctor can reveal which type a patient has contracted.