It's an unusual start to flu season as B strain busts out early

Minnesota's flu season is off to an unusual start, with a B strain of influenza causing most of the lab-confirmed cases so far rather than the A strain, which usually emerges first and does most of the damage.

B strains accounted for about 80% of the positive flu specimens obtained in clinics and hospitals and tested in the first week of December, according to data released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health. In the state's prior 10 flu seasons, A strains emerged first, and B strains barely registered until February.

http://www.startribune.com/b-strain-busts-out-early-in-flu-season/566148361/