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The h1n1 strain of influenza, called swine flu, is predominant this winter. This subtype appeared as a result of crossing 2 different types viruses. That's why it comes with complications. His virus spreads instantly. After a short contact with a sick person, the “delights” of the disease overtake the healthy one. A person with the flu is contagious a day before signs of illness appear.

Doctors warn that if you do not go to the hospital in a timely manner, swine flu 2016, or rather its complications, can be fatal.

Who is most susceptible to the disease

There are several risk groups for severe development of influenza:

People over 65 years of age.
Children under 5 years of age.
Pregnant women.
People with chronic diseases.

How to recognize swine flu

At first, any cold can be confused with swine flu. However, with the flu, the temperature is not lower than 38 degrees.

Vomiting and diarrhea, complications in the functioning of the respiratory organs indirectly indicate the presence of the swine flu virus.

Important: a patient with swine flu produces a lot of sweat. When you have a cold, sweating is not as intense. Also severe irritability occurs, absence of tears and urination when crying.

U individuals Acute illness is preceded by precursors: runny nose and cough, gastrointestinal disorders. After 3–4 days, a typical flu develops with headache and fever.

Analysis for swine flu (laboratory diagnostics), as well as the clinical picture, allow us to establish a diagnosis of swine flu. The entire procedure lasts about 25 – 48 hours.

How long does the disease last?

The duration of a viral infection depends on the characteristics of the body. With proper treatment, the disease disappears after 7–10 days.

Indicators of recovery are the absence of fever, headache, weakness, and cough. After the fever, at least a day should pass.

Flu symptoms in adults

On initial stage With Swine flu symptoms 2016 can be confused with the normal type of virus. These include:

Weakness.
Temperature rise above 38 degrees.
Muscle pain.
Heaviness in the head.

Can be:

Nausea.
Abdominal pain, diarrhea.
Inflammation of the eyes.
Vomit.

Later join:

Runny nose, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath.

After 2 - 3 days, if treatment is not started on time, these symptoms can provoke pneumonia.

The incubation period for swine flu is 3–4. in rare cases- 7 days.

Important: early treatment promotes rapid recovery.

Symptoms of the disease in children

The symptoms of swine flu in children and adults are identical. However, during the course of the disease, children have their own characteristics:

Apathy.
Sudden change of mood.
Drowsiness.
Rapid deterioration in health.

A slight malaise in the morning by evening can develop into a strong fever and a sore throat. Very fast development The disease is explained by the still unformed immunity of the child’s body.

Swine flu in children often causes complications: asphyxia, pneumonia, hemorrhage in the internal organs, damage to the nervous system.

Important: when the first symptoms of the flu appear, immediately call a doctor to see your child.

When to ask for help

The patient needs to urgently call an ambulance if he is worried about:

Poor heart function.
Cyanosis (blue discoloration) of the skin.
Severe respiratory failure.
Fainting.
Feelings of pain in the chest.
Dyspnea.
Signs of brain depression.
Decreased blood pressure.

You need to rush to the hospital if your temperature does not drop within 3 days.

Treatment for adults

During the period of fever (5 - 7 days) until the temperature normalizes, the patient should not get out of bed. And as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear, call a doctor.

For better body resistance, you need to take vitamins and drink plenty of fluids. The food should be warm. Spicy, fried, pickled foods are prohibited.

Drug therapy

In severe cases, antiviral drugs (Tamiflu, Relenza). The medication is more effective when taken within two days after the onset of the disease. The drugs are taken for 5 days, sometimes longer.

In moderate and mild cases - antiviral agents (gripferon, arbidol, cycloferon, kagocel).
Antibiotics (cephalosporins, vancomycin) are prescribed when complications occur (bronchitis, pneumonia).
Antipyretics (ibuprofen, paracetamol).
For the nose - vasoconstrictors (otrivin, nazol, Nazivin).
To relieve cough (ambroxol, ACC).
Antihistamines (Zodak, Claritin).

In the hospital, in order to reduce intoxication, detoxification therapy is carried out and glucocorticosteroids are prescribed.

Treatment of children

The swine flu virus, which changes periodically and becomes more and more resistant to the drugs previously used to combat it, is quite dangerous. Therefore, you shouldn’t deal with it on your own; you should definitely go to a therapist and find out how to treat swine flu.

The following drugs are designed to combat the disease:

Antiviral

Zanamivir (Relenza) is used by inhalation. Children receive 2 inhalations a day (5 days, 2 times a day). The drug is not recommended for those suffering from asthma (bronchial).
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) leads to rapid recovery if the first symptoms of swine flu appear in a child. The medicine should not be given to children under 1 year of age.

Antipyretics

Indomethacin;
Nurofen.

Vasoconstrictors

Tetrizoline;
Naphazoline;
Oxymetazoline;
Indanazoline - to improve nasal breathing.

Treatment of pregnant women

During the epidemic, all pregnant women with severe intoxication should be hospitalized.

Drinking large amounts of fluid (in the absence of edema).
Medicines for swine flu: antiviral (Arbidol, Viferon in suppositories), Relenza, Tamiflu.
In case of vomiting (inability to take tablets), Panavir is administered intramuscularly.
To reduce the manifestations of fever - ascorutin, paracetamol.
Cephalosporins are prescribed when bacterial pneumonia occurs.

Treatment of influenza with traditional methods

Treatment of swine flu should be comprehensive. In addition to bed rest, good nutrition, taking medications and vitamins, traditional medicine has a good effect:

The use of inhalations with medicinal herbs (eucalyptus, chamomile, pine twigs, sage) and potato peels.
Mix half a glass of vodka with chopped garlic clove. Apply the resulting solution (a few drops five times a day) to the tongue, hold it in the mouth longer and swallow.
A decoction of dried cherries relieves fever. Mix 100 g of berries and half a liter of water and cook over low heat for half an hour.
Drink teas (raspberry, linden, ginger).
Wash the onion with the peel, add 50 g of sugar, fill to the top with water. Cook over low heat for half an hour. Take on a table spoon several times a day.
Mix a little sugar with 4 yolks (until foam forms), add about half a liter of heated beer, lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves and cook over low heat for 3 - 4 minutes, without bringing to a boil. The resulting drink is instead of tea.
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt, juice of 1 lemon, 1 g of ascorbic acid and dissolve in one and a half liters of boiled water (warm). Before going to bed, within 2 - 3 hours, drink a little of the entire solution.
Mustard plasters can be replaced by a honey massage. You need to melt a tablespoon of honey and lightly rub it into the sternum area and between the shoulder blades. The massage lasts about 2 minutes.

Complications from swine flu

The flu progresses quickly, but causes great discomfort. The most painful symptoms subside after a few days, and after a week they practically disappear. However, some patients experience complications:

Rarely - damage to the spinal cord and brain.
Severe pneumonia caused by the swine flu virus or associated bacterial infection. This disease is extremely aggressive, and respiratory failure quickly develops.
Rhabdomyolysis or myositis (movement disorders with pain and weakness in the muscles).

Very rarely, the flu shot causes a nervous disease (Guillain-Barré syndrome) which is accompanied by severe temporary weakness.

Obese people, weakened by chronic diseases, pregnant women and children may experience death from swine flu. According to statistics, this happens in 7% of cases.

Prevention

Prevention of swine flu 2016 includes the following measures:

Wear a mask in indoors.
Do not contact sick people.
Rinse your nose with a solution of sea salt or soda.
Do not stay in crowded places.
Ventilate the premises more often.
Do wet cleaning of the premises several times a day.
Treat the nasal mucosa with ointments (with viferon, oxolinic). If there are no such ointments, then you can use paraffin or Vaseline.
If signs of swine flu appear in adults or children living with healthy family members, you need to adhere to the rules of hygiene: wash your hands more often, use individual household items, and wash them thoroughly after using dishes (boil).
Maintain immunity: diversify your diet with citrus fruits, onions, garlic, eat well (consume proteins, carbohydrates). During an epidemic, delay the process of losing weight - do not restrict food.
After talking with your doctor, you can take antiviral drugs for swine flu.
Good sleep and exercise are important in preventing the disease.

The immune system is strengthened by vitamin C, tinctures of Eleutherococcus and Rhodiola rosea, and sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables.

Important: the most effective means of prevention is vaccination.

Any flu, including swine flu, must be treated under the supervision of a doctor. Don’t panic, but also be careful about your health. The 2016 swine flu epidemic contributed to rising prices for medicines, so to avoid getting sick, take preventive measures.

The disease is included in the group of acute respiratory viral infections (so-called acute respiratory viral infections). Occurs regularly in the form of epidemics(among the country's population at levels higher than normal) or pandemics (epidemics in several countries or even throughout the entire world). It is not only a medical, but also a social problem.

Influenza was first described by Hippocrates in 412 BC. e. They were noted to be highly infectious, fever, muscle pain and catarrhal symptoms. Later, many references were made to the flu as the “Italian fever” of the Middle Ages, and the end of the First World War was marked by the “Spanish flu”.

The virus itself was discovered in the 30s of the 20th century.

Causes

The influenza virus is the only cause of this disease. It is transmitted from a sick person by airborne droplets(aerosol), less often - household and airborne dust. The incubation period ranges from several hours to three days. A person is contagious from the first hours of illness until the 5th-7th day. During this period, viral cells conduct active life in the human respiratory tract, significantly inhibiting the ciliated epithelium, which acts as a natural filter for the lungs. Due to damage to the epithelium, other viruses can easily penetrate into the lungs and cause inflammation or bronchitis.

Classification

For influenza virus characteristic high ability to mutation, so today more than 2000 of its types are known. They differ in their set of antigens. The division is carried out according to a combination of internal (M1 and NP) and external (HA - hemagglutinin and NA - neuraminidase) proteins.

The combination of external proteins gives combinations such as H1N1 and others. Based on the combination of internal proteins, the virus is divided into types - A, B, C:

The influenza A virus is the most virulent; it is the one that provokes epidemics and pandemics. It is capable of infecting people and animals (birds, pigs, horses), and thanks to rapid mutations it manages to bypass immune defenses. It is characterized by a course of moderate or severe severity.
Influenza B virus is moderately variable. Infects only humans and is milder than influenza A.
Influenza C virus is the most stable. People who have been ill once remain immune to it. Children are more often infected (the adult body is already familiar), the course is mild.

Along the way, there are four forms of influenza:

light;
moderate severity;
heavy;
hypertoxic.

Symptoms and treatment in adults

Flu symptoms are:

increased temperature (usually 38-40o C), chills, fever;
myalgia;
arthralgia;
noise in ears;
headache, dizziness;
feeling tired, weak;
adynamia;
dry cough accompanied by chest pain.

The main symptom of the disease is a sharp rise in body temperature to 38-40 degrees Celsius. The infection occurs with the development of general intoxication, which is characterized by chills, general weakness, muscle aches, increased sweating. Localization of headaches is usually observed in the temples, forehead, and superciliary arches.

Flu symptoms in adults also include soreness and tearing of the eyeballs, intensifying with their movement. At the initial stage of the disease, there is a feeling of dryness in the throat and mouth, then inflammation develops with mucous discharge. A dry cough is accompanied by soreness in the chest, pain or sore throat.

Symptoms of the disease are sometimes nausea and vomiting. With the classic manifestation of influenza, there is no runny nose; on the contrary, the patient notes dry mucous membranes.

The sense of smell is dulled, and the perception of sounds and light is heightened. Against the background of a high temperature in a severe form of the disease, disorders of consciousness may appear - delirium, hallucinations and convulsions.

Diagnostics

During an epidemic, diagnosing influenza is made easier by the presence of a set of symptoms that are similar to many people around the patient.

When the temperature rises sharply, the following is required:

medical examination;
taking anamnesis;
general analysis blood.

The following will help confirm the diagnosis and differentiate from other acute respiratory viral infections:

Specific serological tests. They are performed quickly and help prescribe adequate treatment in a timely manner. The most popular are R(H)IF - reaction of (indirect) immunofluorescence and ELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To do this, you need a swab from your nose or throat.
PCR - polymerase chain reaction.
Virological method - isolation of the virus from embryos chicken eggs or nutrient medium.

For additional diagnostics, an x-ray of the lungs and consultation with a pulmonologist or otolaryngologist may be necessary.

Treatment

Treatment of influenza in adults and children performed on an outpatient basis, in severe cases and as a result of complications - inpatient.

Indications:

bed rest;
warm drinks in large quantities;
antiviral drugs (they are effective as prophylaxis in the early stages, but in the later stages they are practically ineffective);
vitamin preparations;
antipyretics, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors - if necessary.

A person is treated with neuraminidase inhibitors, amantadines, interferon drugs, as well as anti-influenza gamma globulin, which contains high titers of antibodies.

Etiotropic treatment of the virus is most effective at the initial stage of the disease, during the first two days.

Treatment of influenza in an adult should be carried out by a specialist who prescribes specific antipyretic drugs, taking into account the patient’s age and the presence of other concomitant diseases. Prescription of acetylsalicylic acid drugs for adolescents and children younger age not recommended due to the possible development of Reye's syndrome. Other symptomatic drugs - antihistamines, local vasoconstrictors, expectorants and others, should be taken strictly according to indications. To increase the stability of a weakened body a vitamin complex is prescribed, which necessarily includes vitamins P and C.

It is advisable to treat the disease with antibiotics only after the addition of a secondary bacterial infection; they do not treat the flu itself.

When treating influenza, donor blood serum containing high concentrations of antibodies can also be used.

Prevention

The traditional way to prevent influenza, recommended by WHO, is vaccination. The composition of the vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organization twice a year, for the northern and southern hemispheres. As a rule, it contains the three most characteristic strains of the virus (trivalent) - two subtypes A and one B. B last years A quadrivalent vaccine was developed for the northern hemisphere - two subtypes A and two B.

Vaccinations are especially recommended for:

small children (up to 7 years old);
of people old age(after 65);
pregnant women;
patients with chronic diseases, weakened immune systems;
medical workers.

Good results are shown by such social measures as quarantines in preschool and school institutions, cancel mass events. Recommended to avoid large cluster people, especially in confined spaces, use public transport less.

Compliance with personal hygiene rules is also important:

Wash your hands, face, and nose as often as possible with saline solution;
when in a group at work or on public transport, wear a mask and change it at least once every 3 hours; a sick person, wearing a mask, protects others from infecting others;
do not touch handrails, railings, door handles;
regularly carry out wet cleaning of premises using disinfectants.

Forecasts

In most cases, the prognosis for the course of influenza favorable. Cure occurs in 6-8 days, unless secondary diseases occur. As complications, the development of pneumonia, sinusitis, myocarditis and thrombophlebitis from the cardiovascular system is often observed. Chronic processes may become more active and their course may worsen.

The prognosis is complicated for young children, pregnant women (possible termination of pregnancy), and elderly people with concomitant diseases.

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Influenza is an acute infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. There are several serotypes of this virus: A, B and C. The virus affects the human respiratory system, causing an increase in body temperature and mild catarrhal symptoms.

Transmission of the virus occurs by airborne droplets. The virus spreads by coughing, sneezing, or talking from a sick person to a healthy one. A sick person poses a particular danger in the first three days of illness, but virus shedding continues until the fifth to seventh day of illness. The virus spreads over a fairly close distance from the patient - up to three meters and persists for several minutes in environment. A person can get sick at any age; susceptibility to the virus is high. In this article we will talk about the treatment of influenza in adults.

The disease begins suddenly, with a rise in temperature to high numbers and chills. The patient complains of a headache in the forehead, pain in muscles, joints, bones, pain when moving the eyeballs, nasal congestion, dry throat, insomnia and weakness. The patient's face and neck have a reddish tint, the patient's lips are bright and dry. The increase in temperature is usually pronounced - 39 0 C or more, persists for four to five days, reaching maximum numbers on the first or second day of illness. On the second or third day from the onset of the disease, nasal congestion and a dry, painful cough appear. At first, these symptoms are mild, but on the fourth or fifth day of the disease, nasal congestion gives way to a profuse runny nose, and the cough becomes wet.

Uncomplicated flu lasts no more than seven days. But complications of the disease are not uncommon today. In severe forms, various types of bleeding and a small rash appear on the upper half of the body, delirium, and impaired consciousness. Sometimes pneumonia, ear inflammation, and bronchitis can occur against the background of the flu.

Of course, if the flu is mild, you can fight it yourself at home. But in some cases you need to immediately seek help from a specialist. This is a temperature increase of more than 40 o C; fever lasting more than three days; repeated vomiting that does not bring relief; loose stools; dyspnea; chest pain when breathing; disturbance of consciousness; Strong headache. If a person belongs to a risk group (age over 65 years, patients with chronic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems), then you need to consult a doctor at the first signs of illness.

The diagnosis of the disease is made based on the above symptoms. Confirmed by various laboratory diagnostic methods. Blood or respiratory tract epithelium is taken for examination.

Medicines for treating influenza in adults

When you have the flu, it is important to drink more fluid - it will help remove toxins from the body faster and alleviate the patient's condition.

In the acute period of the disease, bed rest is necessary. Mild and moderate forms are treated at home, severe forms are treated in a hospital setting. Plenty of fluid intake is recommended (fruit drinks, compotes, juices, mineral water, weak tea). For treatment, antiviral drugs are used - anaferon, nasal drops - influenza, rimantadine, viferon, arbidol and others. These drugs can be purchased independently at the pharmacy. They are available without a doctor's prescription.

Despite the availability of many medications, most Russians prefer to treat the flu with a significant delay, or, even worse, suffer the disease on their feet. As a result, up to 40% of people with the flu run the risk of getting bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and less commonly, pyelonephritis, stomatitis and other complications. The appearance of chills, runny nose and other flu symptoms should definitely prompt a person to start treatment.

To combat fever, antipyretic drugs are used, of which there are a great variety today, but it is preferable to use paracetamol and ibuprofen, as well as drugs made on the basis of these substances. Antipyretic drugs are used when the temperature rises above 38.5 o C. - bromhexine, ambroxol (ambrohexal, ambrobene, lazolvan, fervex for cough), erespal. When you cough with thick, difficult-to-clear sputum, you can humidify the air in the room using a special device - a humidifier. Breathing will become easier, sputum will separate faster. They fight a runny nose by instilling drops. You can also take ascorbic acid and multivitamins to strengthen your immune system.

Flu prevention

Nonspecific prevention includes early identification of patients and their isolation for seven to ten days.

During the period of rising incidence of influenza and ARVI, it is necessary to carry out frequent ventilation and wet cleaning of the room, avoid places with increased crowding of people, and avoid being in drafts.

In autumn, winter and spring you need to eat foods containing a large number of vitamin C – citrus fruits, rosehip infusions, sweet peppers. In places where there is an increase in the epidemiological threshold of influenza, prevention is carried out using antiviral drugs - anaferon, algirem, arbidol.

Flu vaccination

Routine vaccination is also used for prevention. Vaccination is primarily indicated for people over 65 years of age; patients with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, kidney diseases, cancer, blood diseases, diseases of the central nervous system, diabetes; medical personnel; people who, for health reasons, have been undergoing treatment in a hospital for a long time.

Vaccines are divided into live and inactivated, split and subunit. Living ones contain a weakened virus, which does not pose any danger and promotes the development of immunity. But after the administration of such vaccines, minor malaise and fever may occur.

Inactivated vaccines contain a virus that has been rendered harmless by formaldehyde or ultraviolet irradiation. They have a large number of contraindications and side effects. Split vaccines contain influenza virus antigens. These vaccines have high degree cleaning and are therefore considered practically harmless. Subunits include the surface protein of the virus. They have no contraindications.

A previous influenza infection contributes to the development of natural immunity, but this virus is constantly changing, leading to new epidemics every year.

Which doctor should I contact?

If flu symptoms appear, it is necessary to call a pediatrician/general practitioner to your home, and if the patient’s condition is serious, “ Ambulance”, which will take the patient for treatment to an infectious diseases hospital. If complications of the disease develop, consultations are held with a pulmonologist, ENT doctor and other specialists.

Statistics indicate a million annual deaths from influenza and its complications worldwide. To avoid them, when the first symptoms of a viral disease appear, call a doctor and start treatment. If possible, limit physical activity, eat properly, take medications, or use to treat an infectious disease. folk remedies.

What is the flu

A viral disease that affects the upper and lower respiratory tract is called influenza. The infection is accompanied by fever and causes significant damage to health. There are more than 2,000 varieties of the virus, and its mutations continue - scientists find new strains of the disease every year. The disease refers to respiratory viral infections, but unlike others, it affects almost all life support systems of the body.

Causes

The causative agent of the infectious disease is the influenza virus, which affects the respiratory tract. The source of a viral disease is a sick person or, when infected with a group A virus, animals or birds. The influenza virus is released in the first week of an infectious disease, and the more catarrhal symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, sneezing, the higher the risk of contracting the disease. Another factor in the development of the disease is the cold season (autumn and winter), when people spend most of their time indoors. Routes of transmission of the virus:

Aerosol. The influenza virus is released in saliva and sputum from a cough or sneeze. In addition, during a normal conversation with a patient with an infectious disease, you can also become infected. Gateway for the influenza virus healthy person serve as the mouth, nose and eyes.
Contact and household route of transmission of the disease. The same sputum or drool can get on cutlery and dishes, hygiene products, and bedding. If you use these items after a sick person, you can become infected with the influenza virus.

Kinds

The medical classification identifies 3 main types of infectious disease virus, which are presented below:

Group A virus. The most common and dangerous type of infectious disease. The symptoms of influenza A are difficult to tolerate, and the likelihood of complications of the disease is high. In this case, animals or birds can be infected with the virus, which is why the risk of contracting a viral disease is increased. There are many varieties of the virus - 16 types of hemagglutinin and 9 types of neuraminidase.
Group B virus. Influenza of this group is found only in humans. The infectious disease is more easily tolerated by patients, and the likelihood of complications is reduced. This moderate type of disease rarely causes epidemics, but the B virus can change its own structure, adapting to medications.
Group C virus. A rare virus that does not cause epidemics among people. There is a mild or asymptomatic form of the infectious disease. The disease causes complications extremely rarely. Like virus B, it infects only humans.

Flu symptoms in adults

For mild degree The severity of the infectious disease is characterized by mild flu symptoms, which include:

temperature below 38 °C;
moderate headache;
intoxication;
general weakness;
body aches;
cough;
runny nose.

A moderate degree of viral illness can result in complications on the body. To diagnose the disease, look for the following symptoms:

body temperature 38–39 °C;
chills;
a sore throat;
weakness;
body aches;
runny nose;
dizziness;
nausea;
headache.

A severe degree of infectious disease is characterized by more pronounced signs of intoxication and high fever. With severe flu, these symptoms are present:

severe muscle pain and headaches;
temperature 40 °C;
loss of consciousness, delirium;
dyspnea;
nausea and repeated vomiting;
earthy skin tone;
severe weakness;
drowsiness or insomnia;
convulsions;
dizziness.

First signs

If you notice the first signs of the flu from the list below, visit your doctor to diagnose and treat the viral illness:

high temperature from 38°C;
headache;
increased sweating;
chills;
Pain in the eyes;
lacrimation;
exhausting cough;
muscle and joint pain;
skin hyperemia;
weakness;
unpleasant taste in the mouth;
irritability.

Detailed clinical picture

There are two main typical syndromes in the clinical picture of influenza. Intoxication is considered the leading one. It manifests itself from the first hours of influenza, in all cases in an acute form. Signs of influenza in adults with intoxication syndrome:

chills;
chilliness;
pain when moving eyeballs;
severe weakness;
headache localized in the temples, frontal part;
muscle and joint pain;
lacrimation;
fever with temperature 39–40 °C;
repeated vomiting;
insomnia;
delirium;
increased sweating;
dizziness;
fainting;
lethargy.

The second syndrome associated with influenza is called catarrhal syndrome. Appears on the 3rd–4th day of an infectious disease. Symptoms of the syndrome include:

dryness, sore throat;
nasal congestion;
chest pain with a tickling sensation;
prolonged dry cough;
redness of the soft palate with possible subsequent minor hemorrhage, swelling and cyanosis;
red, shiny granular back of the throat;
redness and dryness of the nasopharynx and oropharynx;
nosebleeds;
hoarseness, sore throat;
vomit;
lacrimation;
pale skin with a cyanotic tint;
slight enlargement of cervical lymph nodes;
serous nasal discharge.

In addition to catarrhal and intoxicating, typical influenza has forms in which the main symptoms of a viral disease are:

in bronchopulmonary– raw cough, shortness of breath, severe chest pain;
in hemorrhagic– hemorrhages in the skin, internal organs, mucous membranes, hemorrhagic pulmonary edema, increased bleeding;
in dyspeptic– abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea.

At the same time, there is influenza without catarrhal symptoms or with their weak expression - this form of the disease is called atypical fulminant. It is more dangerous than others because the temperature does not rise - the body does not fight the infectious disease. Symptoms of a viral disease:

weakness;
chest pain;
cough;
joint, muscle, headaches.

Dangerous manifestations

If you notice the following signs of influenza, call your doctor, otherwise the risk of developing complications of an infectious disease and death increases:

temperature from 40 °C;
severe headache that does not respond to analgesics;
high temperature (lasts more than 5 days);
small rash;
vomit;
nausea;
delirium;
convulsions;
dyspnea;
chest pain.

Complications

If you do not pay attention to the treatment of an infectious disease, health-threatening complications may arise. Categories of people whose immunity is weak are at risk of developing complications of a viral disease:

aged people;
newborns;
pregnant women;
children without a developed immune system (up to 4 years);
patients with chronic diseases;
patients with weakened immunity and immunodeficiency.

There are many complications of a viral disease, because it affects the entire body. Without proper treatment of an infectious disease, the following may occur:

hemorrhagic pulmonary edema;
pneumonia;
meningitis;
encephalitis;
otitis;
sinusitis;
septic condition;
sinusitis;
bronchitis;
myocarditis;
heart failure;
Reye's syndrome;
acute transverse myelitis;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
lung abscess;
neuritis;
pleurisy;
pyelonephritis.

Diagnostics

If flu symptoms appear that sharply worsen your body’s condition, call a doctor at home. Diagnosis of a viral disease is based on clinical picture. If necessary, the patient is placed in the infectious diseases department. If there is a risk of developing complications of a viral disease, the patient is monitored by ENT specialists, pulmonologists and other doctors. When the temperature rises on days 4–5, additional diagnostics are also carried out:

general blood analysis;
chest x-ray;
examination by a doctor, taking an anamnesis;
complement fixation reaction;
PCR diagnostics;
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay);
virological diagnostics.

Treatment of influenza in adults

Mild and moderate types of influenza can be treated at home, observing bed rest, and in severe forms of the viral disease they are sent to the hospital. To treat the disease, medications and folk remedies are used. Doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids (orange juice, warm milk, viburnum juice, weak tea, water, decoctions of linden flowers, rose hips) and good nutrition:

chicken and vegetable soups;
foods with vitamin C - citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, papaya;
vegetables and fruits with folic acid, beta-carotene, magnesium - beets, apricots, carrots, peaches, cauliflower;
products with zinc - meat, nuts, eggs;
foods with vitamin E - fish oil, hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds.

Drug therapy

Treatment with medications is aimed at destroying influenza viruses and increasing immunity. For the treatment of infectious diseases the following are used:

Antipyretic drugs at a temperature of 38.5 °C - aspirin, paracetamol.
Antiviral drugs - Arbidol, Amiksin, Ingavirin. The dosage is prescribed by the doctor, average duration reception 5 days.
Gargling solutions– Lugol, Miramistin. Gargle with solutions containing diluted medicine 3-4 times a day.
Sprays and lozenges to relieve throat pain - Orasept, Faringosept, Strepsils. Use 4-5 times a day.
Vasoconstrictor drops for cleansing the nose: Naphthyzin, Rinonorm. Use a maximum of 2 times a day for no more than 7 days.
Antihistamines to reduce inflammation - Suprastin, Citrine.
Antispasmodics and analgesics– Spazmalgon, Analgin, Pentalgin. Used in case of muscle pain or headache.
Expectorants and mucolytics- ACC, Mukaltin.

Combined drugs. Complex products help eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and maintain performance, but often contain phenylephrine, a substance that increases blood pressure, which gives a feeling of vigor, but can cause side effects. of cardio-vascular system. Therefore, in some cases, it is better to choose a drug without components of this kind, for example, AntiGrippin from Natur Product, which helps relieve the unpleasant symptoms of ARVI without causing an increase in blood pressure.

There are contraindications. It is necessary to consult a specialist.

Folk remedies

Even with the availability of medications to treat influenza, many people use folk remedies. To cure an infectious disease, and not harm yourself, take a closer look at proven recipes. An effective remedy Black currants are considered to be a cure for the viral disease. A decoction to destroy the virus from its branches is prepared as follows:

Brew a handful with 4 cups of water.
Boil for 5 minutes, and then steam for another 4 hours.
Drink 2 cups of the decoction warm before bed. You can add honey or sugar for taste.

For a quick recovery, use a ginger drink with the addition of lemon and honey. The antioxidants, vitamins and other beneficial microelements contained in these ingredients strengthen the immune system and fight the virus:

Grind lemon and 300 g ginger root in a blender.
Add 150 g of honey to this mixture, move carefully and place in the refrigerator, tightly closing the container with a lid.
To treat the disease, dissolve a teaspoon of the product in warm water.

Known enemies of the virus are garlic and onions. There are a large number of recipes with them, but for comfortable treatment of the disease it is recommended to breathe in their fumes:

Chop or grate 1 onion and a few cloves of garlic.
Bend over and breathe them in, alternately inhaling through your mouth and nose, clearing the airways affected by the infectious disease virus.

In addition to treating an infectious disease from the inside, you can gargle with decoctions to relieve pain and cough. Chamomile is suitable for this purpose:

Brew a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers in a glass of hot boiled water.
Cool and filter.
Add a teaspoon of honey.
Gargle every 3-4 hours throughout the day.

Prevention and vaccination

wash your hands with soap when coming from the street;
Rinse your nose regularly with a warm saline solution or a special spray;
avoid contact with sick people, and if necessary, use a mask even during the incubation period - when there are no symptoms of an infectious disease yet, the sick person can already infect others;
Regularly ventilate the room and do wet cleaning;
do not touch your face with dirty hands;
avoid hypothermia;
drink plenty of fluids;
avoid large crowds of people.

To generally strengthen the immune system, doctors recommend lifestyle changes. To prevent viral illness:

get enough sleep;
eat right;
quit smoking;
play sports on fresh air;
avoid stress;
take more vitamins.

Seasonal vaccination will be an effective method of preventing the disease. It is approved for the elderly, infants over 6 months, pregnant women and other categories of people at risk of influenza. Regular vaccination will increase protection and production of antibodies to the virus. In 80% of cases, patients do not get sick with influenza after vaccination, and if the disease appears, they tolerate it easily, without complications. The effect of vaccination against the virus lasts from 6 months to a year.

Video

Is it possible or impossible to treat 2016-2017 influenza at home in adults and children? The question is ambiguous. This depends on the form of the disease and the general condition of the patient’s body. If a person has a mild seasonal cold, you can buy inexpensive antiviral medications at the pharmacy, supplement them with folk remedies, and get rid of unpleasant symptoms in a couple of days. But when a patient is diagnosed with a severe form of influenza, it is better to trust professionals who know exactly how to treat this particular type of illness. The famous children's doctor Komarovsky also advises against self-medication. In his opinion, adults and children who do not want to go to the doctor harm not only themselves, but also those around them and more often suffer from complications after the flu and other colds.

Treatment of influenza and ARVI at home in children and adults

In order to get rid of influenza and ARVI, adults and children do not necessarily have to go to the hospital. You can simply call a doctor, determine the type of disease, get a prescription for medications and continue treatment at home.

In order for the disease to quickly recede, you only need to follow a few simple rules.

Bed rest – required condition treatment of viral infections and seasonal colds in adults and children. Under no circumstances should this point be ignored. Patients who are ill “on their feet” recover much later and are several times more likely to experience aggravated symptoms and complications. It is advisable to go to bed when primary symptoms occur and spend at least 3 days there, which is usually the most difficult moment of the disease. When the crisis passes, accustom yourself to physical activity It is necessary gradually, so as not to overwork the body weakened by the disease.
Drink plenty of fluids– one of the most important components of complete home treatment for influenza. You need to drink much more than you should usual time, giving preference to herbal infusions, rich vitamin drinks and medicinal teas. This stimulates active sweating and urination, due to which the body naturally gets rid of toxins and other negative substances.
Drug treatment– the main tool in the fight against germs and viruses that spread the flu. However, therapy should be selected for adults and children only under the supervision of a physician. It is not advisable to exceed the dose of mixtures and tablets indicated in the prescription. This will not speed up recovery, but will have a very negative effect on the stomach, liver and other internal organs. You should also not take less medication, since the treatment process will at least slow down, or even stall in one place.
Regular ventilation of premises- the only way to get rid of germs that have settled in the patient’s room. You will need to open the windows for at least half an hour twice a day: in the morning and immediately before bed. This way, the air in the room will constantly circulate and be renewed, and a person with the flu will not have difficulty breathing.
Limiting any activity and long, proper rest during the flu are urgently needed for both adults and children. You should not lie in bed, watch TV for a long time, use the computer or read a lot. Both the patient’s brain and body should focus only on fighting viruses and not be distracted by any other activities.

Inexpensive and effective drugs for the treatment of influenza and ARVI

ARVI and influenza in adults and children can be treated not only with expensive antibiotics and antiviral agents. Among inexpensive drugs, there are also very effective drugs that can quickly overcome the flu without causing serious damage to the family budget.

Remantadine- a very old medicine sold for a very reasonable price. It has been used for the prevention and treatment of seasonal colds, viral infections, influenza and acute respiratory viral infections since the 70s of the last century. Gives excellent results and is already initial stage administration slows down the reproduction of the virus that has entered the body. Suitable for adults and children over 7 years old. When combined with alcohol tinctures it gives complications on nervous system.
Echinacea tincture- an effective and quite affordable natural drug that successfully replaces more expensive drugs responsible for strengthening the immune system. The medicine acts as an active natural stimulant and makes everything work fully protective forces body. It can be used as a prophylactic agent or serve as a therapeutic agent in times of crisis and exacerbation of influenza symptoms.
Ambroxol- for a long time known remedy treatments from the budget category. Very effective for influenza and ARVI, accompanied by a strong, stabbing cough. Reduces the degree of viscosity of bronchial secretions and helps to dilute the mucus that accumulates in the bronchi. It is combined with the bulk of antiviral drugs and helps them penetrate deeper into tissues. Available in various forms, including syrups, and is suitable for both adults and children.
Paracetamol– a powerful antipyretic agent of low price, relevant for adults and children. It begins to act within a quarter of an hour after the first dose and works for 4-5 hours. Eliminates pain in muscles and joints, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and quickly brings down even a fairly high temperature, which is very characteristic of the flu. Doesn't have any serious effect negative influence on the body even if the planned dose is exceeded by 2-3 times.
Derinat- a very effective nasal treatment, suitable not only for adults, but also for children, moreover, from the first day of life. Activates all protective functions of the body and helps restore immunity. Used as a prophylaxis and treatment for ARVI and influenza, fights various types infections and neutralizes inflammatory processes in the nasal passages.
Ibuprofen– an inexpensive and high-quality anti-inflammatory drug with antipyretic properties. In addition, it stimulates the production of natural interferon in the body and strengthens the immune system of children and adults.

The popular doctor Komarovsky claims that among all medications, Tamiflu is the only effective one for treating influenza in children and adults. Only this medicine has the ability to destroy the influenza virus and quickly eliminate the consequences of the disease. But this does not mean at all that at the first cough or sneeze, parents should run to the pharmacy, buy an expensive drug and heavily feed their child with it. Tamiflu is a kind of “heavy artillery” that should be used only in serious cases, often associated with mandatory hospitalization of the patient. In all other options, it is necessary to create conditions in which the child’s body would be able to overcome the influenza virus on its own.

Treatment of influenza in children according to Dr. Komarovsky - 10 basic rules

Dress your child warmly, but do not bundle him up. Maintain the temperature in the room at about 20°C and be sure to humidify the air. Do wet cleaning regularly and ventilate the room twice a day (morning and before bedtime).
If you have no appetite, under no circumstances force you to eat. When the baby asks himself, prepare something liquid, low-fat and easily digestible by the stomach.
When treating the flu you need to drink as much as possible. Compotes, tea, fruit drinks, decoctions of dried fruits and pharmaceutical solutions for preoral rehydration are acceptable.
Several times a day during the flu, instill saline solutions into the nose. This will destroy the microbes that have settled there and have a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane.
In order to bring down the temperature during the flu, do not use aspirin. Only paracetamol or ibuprofen in the doses indicated in the instructions for the medicine.
If the disease is associated with viral infections, antibiotics will not help. Rather, they will aggravate the situation and increase the risk of complications.
When the upper respiratory tract is affected, do not take expectorants. They will not get rid of a cough, but they may well make it worse.
If you have problems with the lower respiratory tract, forget about self-medication and be sure to take your child to a specialized specialist.
Antiallergic drugs will not cure ARVI and influenza. Viral diseases are not their zone of action, so there is no point in taking such pills.
You shouldn't count on interferons intended for topical use for influenza. The effectiveness of these drugs has not yet been proven by anyone and this is unlikely to happen in the near future.

Treatment of influenza with folk remedies at home

Medicines are considered the most effective option for getting rid of seasonal colds, viral infections, influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. But many do not want to swallow antiviral pills, fearing various side effects and negative impact on the stomach and liver. For such patients, there is only one way to treat influenza 2016-2017 - time-tested and inexpensive folk remedies. They are easy to use at home and these drugs almost never cause side effects neither for adults nor for children. Doctors, including Dr. Komarovsky, generally do not deny the effectiveness of folk remedies, but they strongly advise patients to first visit a specialist who will accurately determine the type of disease and give advice on how to treat this disease.

Simple folk remedies for treating influenza

Soda and salt. Pour one teaspoon into a glass of boiled water baking soda and sea salt. Stir thoroughly until the components dissolve in the liquid and gargle 4 to 6 times a day. This remedy will suppress inflammatory processes and neutralize pathogenic bacteria.
Sage and thyme. Combine both types of dry herbs into equal proportion. Steam 1 teaspoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour. Then strain through cheesecloth and drink. The decoction will reduce swelling of the throat and alleviate pain when swallowing.
Garlic and milk. Pass 2 cloves of garlic through a press, pour a glass of hot milk and leave for 25-30 minutes, covering with a saucer. Then strain and drink. This will help kill viruses that infect the throat and tonsils.
Pine buds. Pour 3 tablespoons of raw material into a saucepan, add 1 liter of water, place on the stove and bring to a boil over medium heat. When the liquid begins to boil, reduce the heat to a minimum and simmer under the lid for about 15 minutes. Cool slightly, bend over the saucepan, wrap your head thick fabric or a towel and breathe in the healing fumes for a quarter of an hour. This procedure will destroy the bulk of viruses, neutralize all respiratory infections and make the patient’s breathing easier.