How can the flu virus be killed? Flu symptoms and treatment. Taking medications

Still, it would seem, quite recently, you enjoyed the summer, spent time near water bodies, drank refreshing ice drinks. And then, quite unexpectedly, autumn burst in with a train of all seasonal troubles. One of autumn's companions is an acute respiratory viral infection. It is very easy to find yourself in a risk zone, especially when it becomes epidemic.

What is ARVI?

This infection includes different types of pneumotropic viruses that have more than a dozen subtypes. ARVI is localized in the upper and lower respiratory tract. It is very easy to catch this infection by airborne droplets, especially in a large crowd of people. Therefore, if you have a personal car and the ability to limit your stay in the crowd during the ARVI period, this is great.

The pneumotropic virus that has entered the body settles in the nasopharynx and larynx on the mucous tissues. This is indicated by a sore throat, a runny nose and an unpleasant dry cough. Reproducing, the virus passes into the vessels and thereby causes the appearance of temperature and weakness.

The invincible power of interferon in the fight against SARS

At this point, your body begins to resist, producing a substance such as interferon. It is a unique component to which viruses are not resistant. After all, he himself does not take part in the fight against ARVI, but only activates certain body resources to protect against infection. The cells immediately start producing substances to fight the virus.

If there is not enough interferon in the body (this happens with weakened immunity), it is injected artificially. It exists in two forms: human (leukocyte) and synthetic (recombinant).

This substance is used in medicine in different doses and in different ways. Intramuscularly or intravenously, it is administered as the strongest antiviral agent in case of a threat of death of the disease (HIV, tumors, papilloma virus, hepatitis). Nasal interferon is prescribed for the treatment of ARVI. However, it should be used already at the first signs of the disease, then the effectiveness will be much higher, and the disease will be fleeting.

How to kill a virus?

There is one long-established medical truth. The virus settles in the cell, and to kill it, you need to kill the cell, which can be extremely unsafe for the body. Therefore, all existing antiviral drugs only stop its progression. But the organism itself must destroy the virus. This is why it is so important to maintain good combat-ready immunity.

What if you get SARS?

First of all, you should consult a doctor so that he can diagnose and help prevent all possible complications.

It should be noted that complications most often appear when certain oversights are made. Following the recommendations set forth, you can significantly alleviate your condition and transfer the disease easily.

Drink plenty of fluids. The body affected by the virus quickly dehydrates. Shortness of breath appears and sweating increases. Therefore, you should consume the liquid as often as possible. Thus, you can prevent the appearance and accumulation of thick mucus, which entails many complications.

The more sweating, the higher the temperature and the higher the dryness in the room, the more liquid should be drunk. Moreover, the drink will be absorbed best if it matches the room temperature. As a liquid, you can use fresh fruit or dried fruit compotes, mineral water, tea.

To find out that dehydration begins, you can on rare urges when needed. Then the volume of drinks needs to be increased.

Nutrition. If you lose your appetite, do not be afraid that without food the body will weaken. On the contrary, both the stomach and the liver are freed from food and focus on fighting infection. Be guided by your wishes. If you do not want to eat, do not force yourself.

Premises. It is unnecessary to close the windows tightly, wear woolen socks and wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Indeed, in such an atmosphere, viruses will feel at home and actively multiply. But it is not necessary to go to the other extreme either. Excessive coldness will cool the skin while the internal organs will be hot. This can provoke painful cramps.

Experienced doctors recommend often ventilating the room, doing wet cleaning every day and keeping the air temperature no more than 20 degrees. The humidity should be around 60%, and the clothes on the body are warm, but not hot. You can provide the required humidity with a special humidifier or cover the battery (in winter) with a wet towel.

Let's analyze viral infectionsto understand what they are, how they develop in infected people, what the symptoms are and how to treat them.

What is a viral infection

Viral infection is a disease caused by infectious microorganisms, viruses that enter the cells of a living organism and use its mechanisms to multiply.

In order to perform its vital functions, it needs to colonize the host organism and gain access to biochemical replication mechanisms. Therefore, viruses infect the cells of living organisms, capture them and colonize them. Once inside the cell, the virus embeds its genetic code into DNA or RNA, thereby forcing the host cell to reproduce the virus.

As a rule, as a result of such infection, the cell loses its natural functions and dies (apoptosis), but manages to replicate new viruses that infect other cells. Thus, a general infection of the whole organism develops.

There are categories of viral infections that, instead of killing the host cell, alter its characteristics and functions. And it may happen that in this case the natural process of cell division will be disrupted and it will turn into a cancer cell.

In other cases, the virus after infection of the cell can go into a "dormant" state. And only after some time, under the influence of some event that upsets the balance achieved, the virus awakens. It begins to multiply again and a relapse of the disease develops.

How does the virus get infected?

Infection occurs when a virus gets the opportunity to penetrate the body, overcoming its natural defensive barriers. Once in the body, it multiplies either at the site of penetration, or, with the help of blood and / or lymph, gets to the target organ.

Obviously, the way in which viruses are transmitted is important.

The most common are:

• Fecal-oral intake;
• Ingestion;
• Insect bites and therefore the skin pathway;
• Through microscopic damage to the mucous membrane of the genital apparatus of men and women;
• Through direct contact with blood (using used syringes or toilet items);
• Vertical transmission from mother to fetus through the placenta.

How a viral infection develops

Development of a viral infection depends on various parameters, in particular:

• From the characteristics of the virus... Those. the ease with which it passes from one host to another, on how easily it is possible to overcome the protection of the new host, on how successfully the organism resists it, and on how much damage it can create.
• From the characteristics of the host's immune system... In the human body, in addition to natural physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes, gastric juice, etc.), there is an immune system. Its task is to organize internal defense and destroy potentially dangerous substances such as viruses.
• From the conditions of the environment in which the owner lives... There are certain factors that obviously contribute to the spread and development of the infection. An example of this is the natural and climatic conditions.

After infection, an immune system response develops, which can lead to three outcomes:

• White blood cells, in particular lymphocytes, identify the enemy, attack it and, if possible, destroy it along with the infected cells.
• The virus manages to overcome the body's defenses and the infection spreads.
• A state of equilibrium is achieved between the virus and the body, leading to chronic infection.

If the immune system manages to overcome the infection, then the lymphocytes retain the memory of the offender. Thus, if a pathogen in the future tries to invade the body again, then, relying on previous experience, the immune system will quickly eliminate the threat.

It is important to note that the vaccine works on this principle. It includes inactivated viruses or parts of them, and therefore is not able to cause real infection, but is useful for "training" the immune system.

The most common viral infections

As a rule, each virus infects a specific type of cell, for example, cold viruses penetrate the cells of the respiratory tract, rabies and encephalitis viruses infect cells of the central nervous system. Below you will find the most common viral infections.

Viral Respiratory Tract Infections

They are, of course, the most common and concern the nose and nasopharynx, throat, upper and lower respiratory tract.

The viruses that most commonly affect the breathing apparatus are:

• Rhinoviruses are responsible for the common cold that affects the epithelium of the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract. It is transmitted through nasal discharge and enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. Less commonly, colds spread through the air.
• Orthomyxovirus, in its various variants, is responsible for influenza. There are two types of influenza viruses, A and B, and each has many different strains. The influenza virus strain mutates constantly, each year bringing in a new virus that is different from the previous one. Influenza attacks the upper and lower respiratory tract, lungs and spreads by airborne droplets when coughing and sneezing.
• Adenoviruses pharyngitis and sore throat respond.

Viral infections upper respiratory tract infections are most common in adults, while viral infections of the lower respiratory tract are more common in newborns and children, as well as laryngitis, which is common in newborns, tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Viral skin infections

There are many viral diseases that affect the skin, many of them mainly affect children, for example, measles, chickenpox, rubella, mumps, warts. In this area, herpes viruses, to which the varicella-zoster virus belongs.

There are 8 different types known, numbered 1 to 8. Infections with type 2 of the herpes virus are especially common: Epstein-Barr virus, which causes monoculeosis, and cytomegalovirus. Herpes simplex virus type 8 causes cancer in immunocompromised patients with AIDS.

Some of the viral infections described are very dangerous during pregnancy (rubella and cytomegalovirus), because they are more likely to cause fetal malformations and miscarriages.

All herpes viruses lead to the development of chronic infections. Viruses remain latent in the host. But in some cases they can "wake up" and cause relapses. A typical example is the herpes virus, which causes chickenpox. In a latent form, the virus hides in the nerve ganglia of the spine in the immediate vicinity of the spinal cord and sometimes awakens, causing inflammation of the nerve endings with severe pain, which is accompanied by the formation of a skin rash.

Viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal tract infections cause rotaviruses and hepatitis virus, noroviruses... Rotaviruses are transmitted through feces and more often affect children and adolescents, manifesting characteristic gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Hepatitis viruses are transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food. Noroviruses are transmitted by the fecal-oral route, but can also enter the respiratory tract and cause influenza-like syndromes with lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore diarrhea and vomiting.

Genital Viral Infections

The virus that affects the reproductive organs of men and women includes the herpes virus, human papillomavirus, and human immunodeficiency virus.

The infamous HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, deserves special mention, which is reflected in a sharp decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system.

Viral infections and cancers

Some types of viruses, as already mentioned, do not kill the host cell, but only change its DNA. All this leads to the fact that in the future the replication process may be disrupted and a tumor may form.

The main types of viruses that can cause the development of cancer are:

• Papilloma virus... May lead to the development of cervical cancer.
• HBV and HCV virus... May cause liver cancer.
• Herpes virus 8... It is the cause of the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (skin cancer, very rare) in AIDS patients.
• Epstein-Barr virus (Infectious mononucleosis). May cause Burkitt's lymphoma.

How viral infections are treated

Medicines used to fight viral infections are simply called antiviral drugs.

They work by blocking the replication process of the virus responsible for the infection. But, as the virus spreads through the cells of the body, the range of action of these drugs is limited, since the structures in which they are effective are numerically limited.

In addition, they are highly toxic to body cells. All this leads to the fact that antiviral drugs are very difficult to use. More confusing is the ability of viruses to adapt to drugs.

The most commonly used are the following antiviral drugs:

• Acyclovir against herpes;
• Cidofovir against cytomegalovirus;
• Interferon alpha against hepatitis B and C
• Amantadine against influenza type A
• Zanamivir for influenza A and B.

Therefore, the best treatment of viral infections what remains is prevention that is based on the use of the vaccine. But even this weapon is difficult to use, given the rapidity of mutation of some viruses. A typical example is the influenza virus, which mutates so quickly that an entirely new strain flares up every year, forcing the introduction of a new type of vaccine to combat it.

It is absolutely useless to take antibiotics for diseases caused by viruses. Antibiotics target bacteria. They should be used only in special cases and as directed by a doctor if he believes that a secondary bacterial infection has joined the viral infection.

Almost 95% of infectious diseases are acute respiratory viral infections, one of which is influenza. Influenza epidemics occur almost every year, usually in the fall, winter, and more than 15% of the population is affected.

Immunity after influenza does not last long, and the presence of various forms of the virus leads to the fact that a person can transfer this infection several times during the year. More than 2 million people die each year due to complications from the flu. Let's find out all about this disease in this article.

Influenza etiology

Influenza is caused by a group of viruses belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. There are three large genera - A, B and C, which are subdivided into serotypes H and N, depending on which proteins are found on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin or neuraminidase. There are 25 such subtypes in total, but 5 of them are found in humans, and one virus can contain both types of proteins of different subtypes.

Influenza viruses change very quickly, each year discovering new species with altered properties. Sometimes pathogenic subtypes appear that the epidemics caused by them are described in history books. One of these subtypes is "Spanish Flu", which often killed a person within 24 hours and claimed the lives of 20 million people at the beginning of the last century.

The most dangerous in epidemiological terms are influenza A viruses, they cause epidemics every year. Type B virus can also cause severe influenza, but it does not spread as strongly, usually with outbreaks occurring in the background of type A or shortly before. Both groups contain proteins H and N, therefore, when classifying them, they indicate not only the group, but also the subtype, as well as the place of detection, year and serial number. Influenza C virus does not contain type H protein and usually has a mild course.

How does influenza get infected?

Infection usually occurs by airborne droplets, although contact by household transmission is not excluded. The virus enters the body through the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It is believed that influenza can be contracted even at a distance of 2-3 meters from the patient, therefore personal protective equipment is of particular importance during epidemics.

The influenza virus dies quickly on human skin - after 4–6 minutes, but on household items, the ability to survive increases, for example, on metal, plastic. If a person touches a surface infected with the flu virus and then the face, and studies show that during the day, people touch their face more than 300 times, this dramatically increases the likelihood of infection.

How long someone with the flu is contagious depends on the type and severity of the illness, but it is usually possible to get infected within 5-6 days of the illness onset. Moreover, infection can occur with an erased form of influenza. Contamination is facilitated by a decrease in indoor humidity. Fresh air prevents the penetration of the virus into the respiratory tract, but at low temperatures, around 0 ° C, against the background of hypothermia and dry air, the risk of influenza infection increases.

For the spread of infection, it is important at what temperature the influenza virus dies. Different strains react to temperature changes in different ways, but heating above 70 ° C destroys the virus within 5 minutes, and boiling almost instantly. The virus can remain viable on household items for up to 7 days. High humidity also contributes to its death.

The clinical picture and severity of the disease

From the moment of infection until the first symptoms of the disease appear, it can take from three hours to three days, usually the incubation period lasts 1–2 days. The disease begins acutely, the first signs of flu are a sharp rise in temperature and symptoms of intoxication. The patient may complain of general weakness, headache, muscle pain. Often there is a runny nose, cough, this condition lasts 3-4 days, then if there are no complications, the symptoms gradually decrease.

There are 3 degrees of severity of the disease.

With uncomplicated influenza, the symptoms gradually decrease from 3-4 days of illness, by 7-10 days the patient recovers, but general weakness, rapid fatigue can bother him for 2 weeks.

Flu symptoms

The first symptoms of influenza are subjective: weakness, weakness, body aches. Then there is a sharp rise in temperature and symptoms of body intoxication appear. The patient's complaints can be divided into several groups:

• symptoms of intoxication;
• catarrhal phenomena and damage to the upper respiratory tract;
• abdominal syndrome.

Intoxication is expressed by headache, muscle pain, general weakness, and fever. How long the temperature lasts with flu often depends on the serotype and the general immunity of the body. Its increase is accompanied by chills and increased sweating. High temperatures over 39 ° C are dangerous as they can lead to seizures and brain swelling. In patients with high fever against the background of intoxication, delirium and hallucinations may occur.

The temperature continues for 2-4 days, then it decreases, and the patient gradually recovers. If the temperature lasts longer, or occurs again on the 5-6th day, this indicates the addition of an infection and the development of complications. In such cases, an urgent need to consult a doctor.

In young children, a high temperature is more dangerous not only because of the possibility of seizures and brain edema, the child loses fluid very quickly at a temperature due to sweat. And when abdominal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain) join, the loss of fluid becomes even greater, and dehydration occurs. Therefore, treatment of severe influenza in children is usually accompanied by the administration of infusion solutions.

When treating the flu at home, special attention should be paid to the drinking regimen. It is necessary to drink as many juices, tea as possible, and when symptoms of dehydration appear, this is dry skin and mucous membranes, this is especially noticeable on the tongue - immediately consult a doctor.

Objective symptoms of influenza in humans are often not expressed, except for temperature, you can notice pallor of the skin, redness of the throat, hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the eyes. There are types of infections that proceed without a cold, but even with a "dry" flu, dryness and sore throat are often noted. The cough is dry at first, then it can become moist, in people with chronic lung diseases (bronchitis), the virus causes an exacerbation of the process.

Treatment

The treatment of influenza in adults and children is carried out according to the same principles, but the likelihood of complications in children and the elderly is much higher. This is due to reduced immunity. In the elderly, it decreases against the background of aging of the body, a decrease in reparative processes. In childhood, immunity is still developing, which often leads to various diseases.

Antiviral drugs

Treatment for infection should be started as early as possible. This also applies to antiviral drugs for influenza, which are practically useless to take on the third day of illness. Therefore, at the first symptoms, and even better before their manifestation, when there was contact with a flu patient, you need to take an antiviral drug, for example, amantadine ("Midantan"), "Rimantadin", "Tamiflu"; interferon preparations ("Interferon", "Aflubin"). This allows you to prevent the disease, or to shorten the duration of the disease by 1–3 days.

Taking antiviral drugs for influenza will help not only shorten the duration of the illness, but also prevent the development of complications, therefore, they should be used in persons with reduced immunity. Antiviral drugs are also used to treat complications.

Mode

When treating the disease, it is important to observe the drinking regime in bed. Bed rest is necessary even with mild flu, since complications often arise precisely against the background of non-compliance with bed rest. In patients with moderate influenza, bed rest can significantly improve the patient's condition. It is advisable to create a comfortable environment, dim light, silence, since often bright light and noise irritate influenza patients.

Bed rest is also needed in order to limit the patient's communication and reduce the risk of the threat of infection to others. Caregivers should use personal protective equipment (masks) for prevention.

To reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning of the room, ventilate it, since high humidity and fresh air cause the death of the virus. Personal items, dishes, linen, toys in children should be treated with disinfectant solutions or detergents.

Symptomatic therapy

Flu medications can be divided into several groups:

Symptomatic treatment consists in taking each type of medication for certain symptoms.

Features of the disease during pregnancy and feeding

The flu virus can affect the course of pregnancy, especially when a woman becomes infected with it in the first trimester. The likelihood of pathologies in the fetus increases, and since immunity decreases during pregnancy, complications occur more often.

Therefore, pregnant women should try not to get infected:

Even if a pregnant woman does not leave the house, the virus can be brought by those close to her.

If the infection has occurred, then it is imperative to observe bed rest, drink more juices containing vitamins. The lack of vitamins can be replenished with drugs. It is advisable for pregnant women to take antiviral drugs.

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy should be carried out under the supervision of a physician, and drugs that include medicinal herbs, traditional methods should be used.

Influenza is dangerous not only during pregnancy, but also during breastfeeding. In this case, it is important to follow the rules of hygiene. It is not at all necessary to wean the baby at this time. Feeding can be continued, provided that no drugs that can pass into breast milk are used and the mother will try to prevent infection of the baby during feeding. You need to use a mask, wash your hands and chest thoroughly before feeding.

Treatment of influenza during breastfeeding should be carried out with drugs that include natural substances. Now drops are produced against the common cold, which contain only natural ingredients, herbal teas against cough. Treatment for feeding should only be prescribed by a doctor.

Complications

Influenza can lead to complications from other organs and systems of the body, and they can develop immediately or due to the addition of a bacterial infection. So, a severe form of the disease can be complicated:

The cause of these complications is the entry of the virus into the bloodstream and its spread throughout the body. If a patient detects symptoms such as convulsions, rash, hemodynamic disturbances (drop in blood pressure, impaired heart rate), loss of consciousness, an ambulance should be called urgently.

Late complications are:

• otitis media, sinusitis (frontal sinusitis, sinusitis);
• bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy;
• meningitis, encephalitis;
• endocarditis, myocarditis.

Usually, late complications of influenza are associated with the addition of a bacterial infection, which requires connection to antibiotic treatment.

Prevention

The features of this infectious disease, its rapid spread, complications during the course, became the reason for the development of a flu vaccine. Children are now vaccinated against many viral infections, and the development of an influenza vaccine should have been easy for the pharmaceutical industry.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to develop a universal vaccine, since influenza is represented by different groups, serotypes of viruses. Currently, a vaccine containing antigens of the A virus group is used for vaccination against influenza. Its timely introduction can prevent infection, but since viruses B and C are often detected during an epidemic of virus A, it is impossible to completely rule out influenza.

Another problem is the short duration of the vaccine. Immunity against influenza is short-lived; it often protects against infection for only 6–8 months. Therefore, it is better to vaccinate in the fall, so that antibodies against it circulate in the blood throughout the cold, winter period.

Flu prophylaxis for children and the elderly is free of charge because they are at risk and can cause fatal complications from the flu. Vaccination is contraindicated if you are allergic to chicken protein, or if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous vaccination.

There are many vaccines against influenza from foreign and domestic manufacturers on the Russian pharmaceutical market:

In addition to vaccination for prevention, antiviral drugs are used. What is the best antiviral agent to prevent influenza? - the most commonly used products include natural substances. Their use does not cause adverse side effects in immunocompromised people. These include "Arbidol", "Immunal", "Kagocel", "Cycloferon" and others. The development and research of drugs against this infection continues.

Non-specific influenza prophylaxis includes:

• the use of immunostimulating drugs for the prevention of influenza ("Anaferon", "Immunal");
• during an epidemic, flu protection;
• increased immunity and hygiene.

Antiviral drugs are used daily, according to the instructions ("Arbidol", "Amiksin", "Cycloferon").

The best remedy for influenza is to increase the general immunity of the body. Immunity increases hardening, the use of vitamins of group C. We must not forget about personal hygiene and traditional medicine to prevent infection. So, during a flu epidemic, it is recommended:

Summing up, let us recall that influenza is an infectious, contagious disease that can lead to various complications. The likelihood of infection increases in autumn and winter. Influenza is most common in children and the elderly at risk. Timely vaccination against the most likely serotypes causing the epidemic helps prevent the disease.

Influenza is an acute viral disease that affects the lower and upper respiratory tract, accompanied by obvious intoxication and can cause serious complications, and death in the elderly and children.

Influenza is similar in its mode of infection and in its main manifestations to ARVI, but these are not identical diseases. With the flu, there is a much significant intoxication, often the flu is characterized by a severe course and the appearance of all kinds of complications.

The causative agents of influenza are viruses of type A, B and C. All these groups of viruses belong to the so-called paramicroviruses, but differ greatly in structure, for this reason, the immunity developed against one type of virus does not affect the virus of another type. In addition, viruses of the same type (to a greater extent, this refers to type A) can mutate and change their structure in a short time. The result of this may be that new forms of influenza viruses appear every year that are unknown to our immune systems. For this reason, most people get the flu every year.

Influenza infection

A sick person acts as a source of infection. The virus is excreted in phlegm, saliva during coughing and sneezing. Viruses can appear on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or upper respiratory tract directly from the air, through close contact with an infected person; they can also settle on various surfaces and then move onto your hands.

After that, the virus appears on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract (pharynx, nose, trachea or larynx), enters the cells, where it actively reproduces. It takes only a few hours for the flu virus to infect almost completely the entire mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. The mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract is the favorite place of the virus; it is not capable of infecting other organs. For this reason, it is incorrect to use the term "intestinal flu" - the intestinal mucosa cannot be exposed to influenza. In most cases, what is mistaken for intestinal flu is viral gastroenteritis, which is accompanied by intoxication, fever and diarrhea.

At the moment, there is no clear information about which defense mechanisms stop the virus from multiplying and speed up recovery. As a rule, after 2-5 days, the virus ceases to enter the environment and the sick person does not pose a danger to others.

Flu course and symptoms

In the fall and winter, the number of people with influenza increases significantly. An influenza pandemic is usually triggered by type a virus, which is the cause of the development of the most severe form of the disease. Local epidemics can cause type B virus... In rare cases, it is found type C virus, it provokes mild influenza. The incubation period of influenza is very short and ranges from several hours to three days. All types of viruses have significant affinity for the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, on which they initially settle and begin to multiply.

The development of flu symptoms is rapid: the first symptoms are sore throat, sneezing, then severe fever develops (the temperature rises to 40 degrees), malaise, severe pain in the head and muscles. The next day, a ringing dry cough is added to the persistent fever, which is accompanied by pain in the chest. Over time, a dry cough gradually becomes moist. If the trachea and larynx are affected, the cough can be barking, occur against the background of shortness of breath and a hoarse voice.

Flu does not have conjunctivitis or severe runny nose.

The main symptoms of influenza, if the disease is not complicated, begin to subside 5-6 days after the onset of the disease.

Complications of influenza can spread to the respiratory tract and various other organs.

Influenza usually affects the elderly and children with complications. On the respiratory system, influenza can give complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia (in rare cases, hemorrhagic pneumonia appears, which causes the virus to multiply in the lung tissues). In childhood, meningitis or viral encephalitis can form on the background of influenza.

Who is more difficult to tolerate the flu?

those with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system: in particular with congenital and acquired heart disease (mainly mitral stenosis),
those who suffer from chronic forms of lung disease, including bronchial asthma),
those who suffer from diabetes,
those who have chronic forms of blood and kidney diseases,
women during pregnancy,
elderly people (over 65 years old), since most of them have chronic diseases to some extent,
children under two years old,
those who suffer from immunodeficiency.

Prevention of influenza

The most important thing is to prevent the virus from getting to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth. To achieve this, you need to limit contact with infected people. In addition, it must be remembered that viruses can linger for some time on the personal hygiene items of a sick person and on all kinds of surfaces in the room where the patient is located. Therefore, be sure to wash your hands after contact with objects on which they may remain. Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth with dirty hands.

It is important to consider that soap cannot kill the flu virus. When washing hands with soap, microorganisms are removed from hands mechanically; this measure is quite sufficient. If we talk about all kinds of disinfectant hand lotions, there is no comprehensive evidence that the substances they contain have a detrimental effect on viruses. Therefore, the use of such lotions as a measure of prevention of colds does not seem to be justified.

In addition, the danger of contracting ARVI directly depends on the quality of the body's resistance to infections, that is, on immunity. To maintain immunity in order, you need:
1. Ensure good nutrition: the food you eat should contain proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins in large enough quantities. In autumn and winter, when the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet is reduced, you can additionally take vitamin complexes.
2. Exercise regularly, preferably outdoors. Brisk walking is also helpful.
3. It is imperative to adhere to a rest regimen. Adequate sleep and adequate rest are very important conditions for maintaining normal immunity.
4. Avoid stress.
5. Quit smoking. Smoking is a powerful immune-compromising factor. It negatively affects the general resistance to infections and the local protective barrier - in the mucous membrane of the bronchi, trachea, and nose.

Flu vaccine prophylaxis

Flu vaccines are updated every year. Vaccination is done with the help of vaccines that are created against viruses that circulated the previous winter. Thus the effectiveness of the vaccine directly depends on how similar the viruses of the current year to last year's viruses. But there is information that with each subsequent vaccination, their effectiveness increases. This is explained by the fact that the production of protective antiviral beks (antibodies) in already vaccinated people takes less time.

What vaccines are there?

There are currently three types of vaccines:
Whole virion... This type of vaccine is a whole live or inactivated influenza virus. Currently, whole-virion vaccines are almost never used, because they have a number of side effects, they often provoke a disease.

Split vaccines... These vaccines are split and contain only part of the virus. In this case, the side effects from them are much less. It is recommended to use them for vaccination of adults.

Subunit vaccines... They are highly purified vaccines. They have almost no side effects. They can be used to vaccinate children.

It is more optimal to vaccinate before the epidemic has developed - in September-December. During an epidemic, it is also possible to vaccinate, but it should be borne in mind that the formation of immunity occurs within 7-15 days, at this time it is optimal to carry out additional prophylaxis with the help of antiviral drugs (for example, remantadine).

Vaccine safety

We have already said that for safety reasons, it is recommended to use subunit vaccines, as the most purified.
Adverse reactions:
General reactions: malaise, fever, muscle soreness. They are observed in rare cases, disappear in 1-2 days.
Local reactions: redness, disappears in 1-2 days.

Allergy to vaccine components is possible. It is important to remember that the vaccine is contraindicated for people who cannot tolerate chicken protein, since the viruses for it are grown using this protein and it contains traces of it. If you are allergic to influenza vaccines, further vaccination is prohibited.

Viral complications of influenza

Primary viral pneumonia - a rare, but very dangerous, influenza complication. It is associated with the movement of the virus from the upper respiratory tract along the bronchial tree, as a result of which the lungs are affected. The beginning of the disease is the flu, then it progresses steadily. In this case, there is a pronounced intoxication, shortness of breath is present, in some cases - with the appearance of respiratory failure. There is a cough, in some cases mixed with blood. People with heart disease, especially those with mitral stenosis, are prone to viral pneumonia.

Infectious toxic shock - the highest degree of intoxication, in which the work of vital organs, such as the kidneys and the cardiovascular system, is disrupted (there is a noticeable increase in heart rate and a dangerous decrease in blood pressure). The first sign of toxic shock.

Myocarditis and pericarditis - such complications of influenza were observed during the Spanish flu pandemic. In modern reality, cases of this disease are very rare.

Bacterial complications of influenza

The natural resistance to other infections during the flu is reduced. The body throws all its strength into the fight against the virus, for this reason bacterial infections often join the clinical picture. Especially if there are any chronic bacterial diseases, as after the flu, they tend to worsen.

1. Bacterial pneumonia... As a rule, after 2-3 days of the acute course of the disease, after the condition improves, the temperature rises again. A cough with green or yellow phlegm appears. The main thing is not to miss the beginning of such a complication and promptly start treatment with correctly selected antibiotics.
2. Perhaps the most common complication of influenza is bacterial inflammation of the sinuses and ear: sinusitis, otitis media, frontal sinusitis.

3. Inflammation of the renal tubules, accompanied by a decrease in kidney function (glomerulonephritis).

4. Inflammatory process in the membranes and / or tissues of the brain (meningitis, encephalitis). It occurs in most cases in patients at risk, as a rule, in those who are immunocompromised.

5. Septic conditions - such conditions in which bacteria enter the bloodstream and begin to multiply there. Very serious conditions, in many cases leading to death.

Flu treatment

Treatment for influenza is mostly symptomatic. Temperature reduction is essential. It is recommended to use paracetamol-based drugs as an antipyretic agent for children. If you treat children's flu with medications that contain acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), a serious complication can occur - toxic encephalopathy, manifested by epileptic seizures and coma (so-called Reine syndrome). Now more and more antiviral drugs (remantadine, oseltamivir, amantadine) are used to treat influenza, which are able to stop the multiplication of the virus in the first two days of illness.

A quiet, ideally bed rest, for five days is recommended. During an acute period, no matter how much you want, it is not recommended to watch TV, read, or sit at a computer. This exhausts the already exhausted body even more, contributes to a longer course of the disease and threatens the appearance of complications.

Drink two liters of warm drink a day. It is optimal if it is saturated with natural vitamin C (for example, fruit drink, rosehip infusion, tea with lemon). By consuming a lot of liquid every day, the patient thus disinfects, that is, it helps the toxins formed during the vital activity of viruses to exit the body.

Non-specific drug therapy

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen, paracetamol, diclofenac. These drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect, lower temperature, and reduce pain. It is allowed to take such drugs as part of medicinal powders such as Teraflu, Coldrex, etc. It is important to take into account that it is not necessary to bring down the temperature below 38 degrees, since it is at this temperature in the body that the defense mechanisms against infection are activated. This rule does not apply to patients prone to seizures and small children.

2. Antihistamines - medicines used to treat allergies. They have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, resulting in a decrease in signs of inflammation, such as swelling of the mucous membranes, nasal congestion. The first generation of such drugs (suprastin, diphenhydramine, tavegil) has a side effect in the form of an emerging feeling of drowsiness. The second generation of drugs (claritin (loratadine), semprex, fenistil, zyrtec) does not have such a side effect.

3. Nasal drops... Vasoconstrictor drops help reduce swelling and relieve nasal congestion. But this is not the safest drug, as it seems at first glance. On the one hand, with ARVI, you need to use drops to reduce swelling and help the outflow of fluid from the nasal sinuses. This is necessary to prevent the appearance of sinusitis. But if you use vasoconstrictor drops too often and for a long time, it can be dangerous, since it threatens the development of chronic rhinitis. Uncontrolled medication leads to significant thickening of the nasal mucosa, and this, in turn, leads to dependence on drops, which can then cause permanent nasal congestion. This complication can only be treated surgically. So the regimen of using drops must be carefully adhered to: no more than 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days, but not longer.

4. Sore throat treatment... The most effective and at the same time disliked by many means is gargling with disinfecting solutions. It is allowed to use extracts of chamomile, sage and ready-made solutions such as furacilin. You need to rinse often - every two hours. In addition, you can use disinfectant sprays: Bioparox, Hexoral, etc.

5. Cough medicine... Cough treatment is carried out with the aim of reducing the viscosity of the sputum, thinning it and making it easier to cough up. The drinking regimen plays an important role in this: warm drinking contributes to the dilution of sputum. If expectoration is difficult, you can drink expectorant drugs: mucaltin, ACC, bronchodilator, etc. It is contraindicated to take drugs that suppress the cough reflex without first consulting a doctor, since it is unsafe.

6. Antibiotics should not be used !!! In relation to viruses, these drugs are absolutely powerless, they are used only in case of bacterial complications. For this reason, you should not drink antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. These drugs are not safe for the body. In addition, uncontrolled use of antibiotics can form bacteria resistant to them.

H1N1 (sometimes called "swine flu") is a new virus that causes illness in humans. It was first discovered in the United States. H1N1 is transmitted in the same way as any seasonal illness. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a pandemic was approaching.

The virus was dubbed "swine flu" because laboratory studies showed that many of the virus's genes were similar to the virus found in North American pigs. But further research found that the 2009 H1N1 strain is very different from what is commonly found in North American pigs. It has two genes from a virus common among the pig population in Europe, as well as genes for avian and seasonal flu. Scientists call it a "quadruple reassortant".

The H1N1 virus is highly contagious. Although the activity of the disease decreased markedly by the end of October 2009, cases of infection among humans continued to be recorded.

In fact, the new virus is the prevailing strain during the upsurge in seasonal incidence. The United States experienced the first wave of H1N1 flu in the spring of 2009, and the second in the fall, when the number of cases peaked in late October.

During past pandemics, influenza virus activity has occurred in waves and perhaps the United States may experience another wave in winter 2016 or later. In the past, when new strains of influenza arose that caused epidemics, the new virus continued to actively spread for some time.

Experts believe that the new disease will continue to spread among people like a normal virus. Interestingly, the H1N1 influenza virus was selected as a constituent component for the next southern hemisphere vaccine season.

Can you get the flu more than once?

Once infected with any pathogen, including the H1N1 influenza virus, a person must develop immunity, so relapse is unlikely. (However. People with weakened immune systems may not acquire immunity after infection. Therefore, the likelihood of contracting the same influenza virus increases).

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in humans?

Common symptoms of "swine flu" in humans are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and general weakness. Some have vomiting, diarrhea. People can be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without fever.

How dangerous is the H1N1 virus?

H1N1 flu can be mild or severe. Although most of the sick were cured without medical treatment, there have been cases of fatal hospitalizations.

The fact is that even in the case of seasonal flu, some people are in the "high risk" group. This includes retirees aged 65, children under 5, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic diseases.

More than 70% of adults hospitalized with H1N1 influenza have a history of one or more diseases. One study found that 57% of children hospitalized as a result of infection had a medical condition that placed them at risk.

Who is more likely to have complications?

Most of those with flu (seasonal or swine) have a mild course of the disease, do not need medical attention and antiviral medications. Full recovery usually occurs in 2 weeks.

Some are prone to complications that lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and otitis media are some of the complications associated with a previous illness. Flu can worsen chronic illnesses. For example, people with asthma have an increased frequency of attacks, and people with chronic heart failure may experience worsening of the disease. Below is a list of groups prone to complications:

People at high risk:

• Children under 5
• Adults over the age of 65
• Pregnant women

People with chronic diseases:

• Neurological and neuroontogenic diseases
• Chronic lung disease
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Blood disease
• Endocrine system diseases
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Metabolic disorders
• Weakened immune system
• People under the age of 19 taking aspirin

In addition, some studies have shown that overweight people with a body mass of ≥30, especially those who are obese, belong to the group at increased risk because they have one of the above diseases arising from obesity.

Difference between seasonal and swine flu

Influenza seasons differ in timing, duration, and severity. Seasonal flu can cause mild to severe illness. Every year in the United States, about 36,000 people die from complications, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized for flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children under 5 years of age.

More than 90% of deaths and about 60% of hospitalizations are observed among people over 65 years of age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's estimates of cases, hospitalizations and deaths show that people under the age of 65 develop a more severe form of swine flu than people 65.

It was found that approximately 90% of hospitalizations and 88% of reported deaths between April and 12 December 2009 were among people under 65 years of age. Therefore, the CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older, including people over 65, get vaccinated.

How long can an infected person transmit the virus to others?

People who are infected with the seasonal flu or swine flu virus spread the virus and can infect others the day before they feel the first signs of illness and up to 5-7 days after. For some, this period may be longer, especially in children with weakened immune systems.

Flu treatment and prevention

How to protect yourself from the disease?

There is a vaccine for the seasonal virus and the H1N1 virus (sometimes called "swine"). So far, this is the best defense option. There are also a number of preventive measures that can help prevent the spread of the respiratory pathogen.

How to protect yourself and loved ones

Cover your mouth and nose with a paper towel when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue in the trash immediately after use.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. The pathogen is transmitted this way.
Try not to come into close contact with sick people.
If you have the flu, stay at home for at least one day after the fever subsides, unless you need medical attention.

What can be done to avoid becoming a victim of the virus?

Follow public health advice on school closures, avoidance.
Be prepared that if you get sick you will need to stay at home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, hand sanitizers containing alcohol, paper napkins and save you from the need to be around people.

Please note that healthy working people with a family member who is sick can go to work as usual. To do this, you should monitor your health every day and take precautions: closing your mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you don't have soap, use an antiseptic. In case of illness, you should inform your supervisor and stay at home. Working people who have an underlying medical condition or are pregnant should seek the advice of their healthcare professional because they may need antiviral drugs.

How to wash hands to avoid contamination?

Frequent hand washing will help protect against pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for 15–20 seconds. When soap is not available, disposable wet wipes containing alcohol or gel disinfectants can be used. You can buy them at any supermarket or pharmacy. Using the gel, rub it in until it dries completely. The gel does not need water, the alcohol contained in it kills germs.

What to do if the temperature rises?

For most people, fever is the main symptom of the flu. A fever is defined as an oral temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). Signs of a fever: chills, burning cheeks, feeling hot and sweating.

Antipyretic medicines usually contain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen (such as Motrin). Both groups of drugs can bring down fever and relieve pain. Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children and adolescents (under the age of 18) who have the flu; it can cause a rare but serious disease called Reye's syndrome.

To keep the flu from spreading, if you have a fever, stay at home for at least 1 day after your temperature has returned to normal. But if you are taking antipyretic drugs, you cannot tell if he actually slept. Therefore, when you feel better, increase the interval between your antipyretic medications and keep checking your temperature to make sure the temperature does not return.

When should you see a doctor?

Children:

• Fast or difficult breathing
• Bluish skin tone
• Lack of desire to drink liquids
• Lack of desire to wake up or interact with other people
• Irritation and unwillingness to be on hand
• Temporary improvement in flu symptoms and their return
• Fever with rash

Adults:

• Shortness of breath and lack of air
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Disorientation
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Are there flu medications?

There are medications that a doctor may prescribe to treat seasonal and swine flu: antiviral drugs. These medicines can quickly make you feel better and save you from complications. It is important to start treatment with antiviral drugs as early as possible for people at risk. But most healthy people with the flu do not need antiviral medication.

Swine Flu Parties

Swine Flu Parties are gatherings where people get intimate with those who are sick. The purpose of the parties is to catch the virus from people who have mild illness in the hope of developing immunity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against going to "swine flu parties." While many were mild in the current outbreak, some were severe and even fatal. There is no way to predict with certainty the consequences for each individual or for those who have been deliberately infected. Getting the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Studies have found that the influenza virus can live on surrounding surfaces and infect an individual within 2-8 hours from the moment it hits them.

What Kills the Flu Virus?

The flu virus can be killed by high fever (167-212 ° F). In addition, some antimicrobial agents, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, disinfectants (soap), iodine antiseptics, and alcohol, are effective against all influenza viruses, including swine, if used in the correct concentration.

What surfaces are the source of contamination?

The causative agent of the disease can be spread when the sick person touches something infected and then touches the eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets of saliva from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are transmitted through the air. For example, a pathogen can be transmitted by touching respiratory droplets on surfaces such as a table and then touching the eyes, mouth, or nose without first washing your hands.

How to clean up to prevent the spread of the virus?

To prevent the spread of the flu virus, it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, bathroom surfaces, kitchen tables, and children's toys) clean by wiping them down with household disinfectants according to package directions.

Linen, tableware and utensils belonging to the patient do not have to be washed and washed separately, they cannot be used without thorough washing. Laundry (such as sheets and towels) should be washed with laundry soap and tumble dried in hot water. It is necessary to avoid taking this laundry in an armful before washing, so as not to get infected. After contact with dirty laundry, you should immediately wash your hands with soap or an antiseptic containing alcohol. Utensils should be washed either in the dishwasher or by hand with soap.

Why is it impossible to get infected?

Can I get infected by cooking or eating pork?

The H1N1 virus is not transmitted through food. You will not get the flu by eating pork or pork products. Eating properly cooked pork is safe.

Is water a source of contamination?

Tap water that goes through traditional disinfection processes is safe. Modern standards for drinking water purification provide a high degree of protection against viruses. Research on the susceptibility of the H1N1 virus to traditional drinking water treatment processes has yet to be carried out.

However, the latest research has shown that the level of free chlorine used in drinking water treatment is sufficient to block the activity of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. It is possible that other influenza viruses, such as the 2009 H1N1 virus, could also be inactivated by chlorination. To date, no cases of influenza have been recorded among people who have been in contact with drinking water.

Can the virus spread through pool water?

There is no documented case of waterborne influenza. Water used for recreation, purified to a decontamination level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reduces the risk of infection to zero.

No research has yet been done on the susceptibility of the H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains and other recreational facilities. Meanwhile, one study found that the free chlorine levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1–3 ppm [ppm or mg / L] for swimming pools and 2–5 ppm for spas) ) sufficient to block the activity of the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.

Can the virus spread outside of water?
Yes, water recreation areas are no different from other places where people gather. The H1N1 flu is thought to spread like seasonal flu. The flu virus is spread by coughing and sneezing. Sometimes people become infected by touching something that has the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Swine flu and pets

Which animals can get the virus?

In addition to humans, pigs and turkeys, a small number of domestic ferrets (which are highly susceptible to influenza A viruses), cats and dogs have contracted the virus. In addition, cases of infection among cheetahs have been reported in the United States. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention works closely with national and international human and animal health organizations to continually monitor animal reports of swine flu and provide the public with the information it receives.

How do pets get infected?

The information received suggests that infected ferrets and domestic cats became infected through close contact with sick people.

Can you get infected from a pet?
The data obtained suggest that the transmission of the virus occurred from the patient to his animal. There is no evidence that animals infect humans.

Is there a vaccine for pets?

There is currently no licensed and approved H1N1 vaccine for pets. (There is a canine flu vaccine that protects against the H3N8 canine flu virus, but it will not protect an animal against the H1N1 virus. The H3N8 virus vaccine cannot be used on species other than dogs).

How serious is the disease in pets?

Ferrets that naturally contracted the flu had the same severity as ferrets exposed to seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza viruses in the laboratory.

Clinical symptoms included sneezing, lethargy, and weight loss. Among the reported cases, most of the animals recovered completely during symptomatic therapy, although a few died.