What is the difference between influenza and ARVI and ARI. Flu symptoms. Do I need flu shots?

Instructions

ARVI is currently known in several groups (influenza virus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, etc.), which are subdivided into more than 300 subtypes. The influenza virus can belong to the genus A, B or C. The latter never changes, therefore a person who has had it acquires immunity to it for life. Virus B changes much less often, children are most often sick with it. But virus A can cause whole epidemics, since it changes its antigenic structure every 3-5 years.

In addition to various viruses, which can only be established with the help of laboratory tests, ARVI and influenza differ in symptoms. So, a person suffers a cold much easier, it usually starts very slowly, over several days. In some cases, pronounced symptoms may appear a week after the virus enters the body. A distinctive feature of ARVI is the syndrome of respiratory tract lesions - runny nose, pain and sore throat, cough. Body temperature rarely rises above 38.5 ° C.

Unlike a cold, flu develops very quickly, literally a few hours after the influenza virus enters the upper respiratory tract. Body temperature in 2-3 hours can rise to 39-40 ° C, chills or fever will be felt, headache, muscle weakness and pain, loss of appetite, possible vomiting. With flu, there is rarely a runny nose, most often patients note dryness in the nose and throat. A dry cough may appear after a day.

The treatment regimen for ARVI and influenza is also slightly different. The human body usually copes with a cold on its own. Doctors recommend taking remedies that eliminate symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. If with ARVI taking antiviral and immunostimulating drugs that will help the body to cope with the disease faster is desirable, then with the flu it is strictly required. Without them, it will be much more difficult to transfer it, and complications may arise.

For both influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, you can take such a combination drug as AnviMax. It has antipyretic, analgesic, antihistamine and interferonogenic effects, eliminates cold symptoms. And with the flu, it prevents the spread of the type A virus into the cells of the body. It contains rimantadine, paracetamol, ascorbic acid, calcium gluconate, rutoside and loratadine, which prevents the development of tissue edema.

When influenza occurs, treatment should be approached more thoroughly. The sooner it is started, the less likely it is to develop serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis and others. It is best to seek the advice of a doctor. Both with acute respiratory viral infections and with flu, it is not recommended to bring down the temperature below 38.5 ° C, since in this way the body fights the presence of the virus in the body.

The most frequent "guests" of the off-season are ARVI and influenza, which belong to the group of viral infections. Not all parents know how these diseases differ, how to treat them, and what you need to know about them. Most moms and dads are confused about these concepts, as a result of which the treatment becomes incorrect, and the disease is delayed.

What is the difference between SARS and the classic flu?

First, we define the terms:

ARVI
We decipher: acute respiratory viral infection. ARVI includes all viral diseases in the respiratory tract. ARVI is always transmitted by airborne droplets and begins with characteristic symptoms: high sweating, a sharp rise in temperature (above 38 degrees), severe weakness, tearing, respiratory phenomena. Of the drugs, antiviral agents, vitamin complexes, antipyretic and antihistamines are usually prescribed.
ARI
The transmission route is airborne. ARI includes all (regardless of etiology) respiratory tract infections: epidemic influenza and parainfluenza, ARVI, adenovirus and RS infection, coronavirus, enterovirus and rhinovirus infection, etc.
Symptoms: sore throat and general weakness, weakness, headache, cough, watery eyes, runny nose, fever (38-40 degrees on the first day). From drugs used drugs for cough and sore throat, vitamins, means for lowering temperature, antiviral.
Flu
This disease belongs to ARVI and is recognized as one of the most insidious ailments. The transmission route is airborne. Symptoms: headache, severe pain in muscles, vomiting, chills and dizziness, bone aches, sometimes hallucinations. Treatment is compulsory bed rest, symptomatic therapy, reception antiviral agentsisolating the patient.

SARS, acute respiratory infections, flu - looking for differences:

ARVI is the definition of any viral infection. Flu - A type of ARVI caused by one of the influenza viruses.
ARVI course - medium-heavy, flu - severe and with complications.
ARI - acute respiratory illness with symptoms characteristic of any respiratory tract infection, ARVI - of the same nature, but with a viral etiology and more pronounced symptoms.
The beginning of the flu - always sharp and pronounced. To the extent that the patient can name the time at which the condition worsened. The temperature takes off very sharply (it can reach 39 degrees in two hours) and lasts 3-5 days.
The development of ARVI is gradual: worsening occurs in 1-3 days, sometimes up to 10 days. Pronounced signs of intoxication are usually absent. The temperature lasts 4-5 days at about 37.5-38.5 degrees. On the part of the respiratory tract, the symptoms are more pronounced (rhinitis, barking cough, sore throat, etc.).
The patient's face with ARVI practically does not change (except for fatigue). With the flu the face becomes red and puffy, the conjunctiva also turn red, there is a graininess of the soft palate and mucous membrane of the uvula.
Recovery after ARVI happens in a couple of days. After the flu the patient needs at least 2 weeks to recover - severe weakness and weakness does not allow him to quickly return to his usual life.
The main symptom of the flu - General severe weakness, joint / muscle aches. The main symptoms of ARVI refer to the manifestations of the disease in the respiratory tract.

Treatment always depends on the disease. Therefore, you should not make a diagnosis yourself. ... At the first symptoms call a doctor - especially when it comes to a child.

The site warns: self-medication can harm your health! The diagnosis should only be made by a doctor after an examination. Therefore, if symptoms are found, be sure to contact a specialist!

Probably everyone knows that the main difference between influenza and acute respiratory infections (acute respiratory infections) is the severity of the disease and the risk of complications.

Therefore, if the temperature rises to 39 ° C, we immediately diagnose ourselves "", go to bed and call a doctor. If the disease proceeds in a milder form, we automatically classify it as a banal ARI and transfer it on our feet. Meanwhile, there are over 2,000 influenza subtypes, many of which run without elevated temperaturebut cause complications just like regular flu!

Why is it important to be able to distinguish influenza from acute respiratory infections

The most common infectious diseases in temperate countries are acute inflammation respiratory tract. They peak during seasonal climate change, when the body is stressed by frequently changing environmental conditions and becomes more susceptible to infectious diseases very different etiology. The common thing in these diseases is that they affect primarily the upper airways and have similar symptoms.

You need to be able to distinguish influenza from acute respiratory infections (acute respiratory infections), since specific drugs are prescribed for the treatment of influenza in order to avoid serious complications after the illness.

Differences between influenza and acute respiratory infections: causative agent

The main difference between influenza and acute respiratory infections is in the pathogen. Influenza is caused by a virus related to the so-called orthomyxoviruses and has three main types (so-called serotypes A, B, C). The influenza virus is well studied, which makes it possible to predict the dynamics of the spread of this infection, create vaccines and special preparations for the specific treatment of influenza.

ARI is caused by other groups of viruses belonging to different families - the so-called riboviruses, adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses and other pathogens (chlamydia, staphylococcus, streptococcus, etc.).

Differences between influenza and acute respiratory infections: symptoms

Most often, you can distinguish acute respiratory infections from influenza by a complex of symptoms.

Symptom	flu	ARI
Onset of the disease	Abrupt, after a prodromal period of several hours, the temperature rises very quickly	A smooth, prodromal period can last up to a week, the temperature rises gradually, over several days, with daily fluctuations
Temperature	Above 38.5 ° C	Up to 38.5 ° С
Cough	Rare, dry. Often gives complications in the form of bronchitis	Softer, usually after a day or two, sputum separation begins
Headache	Strong	No, or moderate
Myalgia	Strong	No, or moderate
Redness of the eyes	Usually	Seldom
Catarrhal phenomena	Nasal congestion, hoarse voice are rare	Nasal congestion, hoarse voice are common
Swollen lymph nodes	Almost never	Often, in the prodromal period
Pain in chest	Often, strong	Rarely, weak
Asthenia period after illness	Up to 1 week	Up to 1 month

However, it should be remembered that the course of any disease is always individual, so the flu can proceed without a rise in temperature at all, at the same time, as some adenoviruses cause an increase in temperature up to 40 ° C for several weeks.

Differences between influenza and acute respiratory infections: prevention

The best prevention flu vaccination is. If one of your relatives or colleagues gets sick with acute respiratory infections, it is very important to distinguish influenza from acute respiratory infections using test systems. Contact with someone with the flu increases the risk of infection. Getting a flu shot will greatly increase your chances of not getting sick.

Differences between influenza and acute respiratory infections: treatment

There are specific drugs for influenza - inhibitors of the viral enzyme neuraminidase oseltamivir (trade name - Tamiflu) and zanamivir (trade name - Relenza).

These drugs are effective for early treatment flu, but not effective with other acute respiratory infections.

With acute respiratory infections, drugs are prescribed to increase primary immunity (vitamin C in high doses, interferon inducers) and symptomatic drugs.

Differences between influenza and acute respiratory infections: complications

The most common complication, both with flu and acute respiratory infections, is bronchitis and pneumonia.

However, the flu, unlike acute respiratory infections, often causes complications associated with the heart and kidneys. Therefore, at the first symptoms of the disease, people suffering from chronic diseases of these organs must definitely determine the type of pathogen by conducting diagnostic testing in order to start specific treatment on time and reduce the risk of complications.

People are often interested in how to distinguish influenza from SARS, since each of us has to deal with colds, but we do not always know exactly how to treat them. And in terms it is not difficult to get confused.

We often hear the same ARVI diagnosis in the off-season, when the weather is unstable and it is so easy to catch a cold.

Influenza from other acute respiratory viral infections should be distinguished, first of all, in order to properly treat

Before you understand how to distinguish the flu from other colds, you need to figure out what this or abbreviation means.

For example, ARVI should be deciphered as an acute respiratory viral infection. This means a number of diseases that affect the respiratory system. Most often you have to deal with:

influenza virus - an infectious disease that has viral nature and considered the most common;
adenovirus infection - a dangerous microorganism consisting of DNA and causing respiratory ailment;
parainfluenza virus - affecting the respiratory tract (most often problems are with the larynx);
respiratory syncytial virus - especially dangerous for children (even for newborns);
rhinoviruses - infections that contain RNA.

People encounter these viruses everywhere.

True, children in the initial period of life are less likely to experience acute respiratory infections, because they receive immunity from such diseases together with breast milk.

At the same time, it is worth for children to grow up a little and start attending educational and educational institutions - such as kindergartens and schools - as the frequency of their infection increases markedly, since influenza and other SARS tend to spread by airborne droplets, as well as by contact.

Children can suffer up to a dozen respiratory ailments in a year. What else differs flu from other acute respiratory viral infections is that they get sick less often: most often during an epidemic. Over time, the immunity acquired with breast milk weakens and the child's body becomes unarmed against infection.

Therefore, it is necessary that the child begins to form his own immunity, which will allow him to get sick less often and better resist infection.

Of course, the difference between influenza and SARS in an adult is that it is harder to cope with influenza, but it happens less often than other respiratory infections.

At the same time, the number of diseases per year is markedly reduced in comparison with the same indicators in children - about three to four times per year.

Influenza differs from the common cold in that its sources are viruses transmitted to humans in different ways:

by airborne droplets;
through contact with a sick individual or objects that he used;
from birds as well as animals.

It is rather difficult for people susceptible to infections to protect themselves from this disease in an epidemic. Only developed and acquired immunity reduces the chances of the disease developing.

Diagnosis of diseases

How to determine if you have flu or another ARVI? To do this, you will have to consult a doctor and undergo examinations.... However, it is worth considering that, as a rule, they do not get sick with the same influenza strain, since the body, once infected, develops immunity against a particular virus, while remaining open to other viral types.

Only a doctor can accurately diagnose the disease

In addition, harmful microorganisms themselves are constantly changing and improving, adapting to "disable" even the most protected immune systems. Therefore, no prevention can give a 100% guarantee that a person will not get sick. Although the essential difference between influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections is that it is much more difficult to defend against the first illness. On the other hand, preventive measures are all the same:

reduce this likelihood;
get rid of dangerous complications illness;
help to heal faster in cases where the infection does occur.

Regardless of the differences in the symptoms of influenza and SARS, the onset of the disease occurs on the mucous membranes of the nasal or laryngeal cavities, where the virus feels best and can actively multiply. Accordingly, among the initial signs of the disease, there is always:

dry cough;
stuffy nose;
feeling of throat cuts.

Then the virus enters the bloodstream with the appearance of the rest of the symptoms:

chills;
headaches;
muscle pain;
an increase in temperature indicators.

By the way, in the body everything is thought out to the smallest detail. And although the same cough with a runny nose interferes with us, in reality, with the help of these phenomena, the respiratory tract manages to be cleared of viruses with their waste products.

Main symptoms

Comparison of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections allows us to highlight the general symptoms of these diseases:

headaches;
sore throat;
feeling weak;
eye pain;
unpleasant cough.

What is the difference between influenza and SARS in terms of symptoms? First of all, a more pronounced intensity of signs. Although in some acute respiratory diseases caused by viruses, there is no temperature, which makes diagnosis somewhat difficult. People can carry the disease "on their feet", unaware of its presence or believing that it is a common cold, which the body will cope with on its own.

Temperature is an important sign by which the body (namely, the immune system) tries to defeat the virus on its own. What is it - a fever with flu and SARS? To protect health, leukocytes are activated, thus starting the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. On the other hand, it is not good when the high temperature does not pass for a long time. As a rule, this is a sign that the immune system is unable to cope with the disease on its own. So he should be helped.

Usually at correct treatment for a successful fight against fever, no more than three (occasionally five) days are enough. During this time, the body must develop antibodies that will defeat the infection.

Temperature is also noted among the main symptoms of acute respiratory diseases in children. And just like in adults, it should last no more than five days. Moreover, doctors do not recommend immediately knocking down high temperature indicators with the help of drugs. Only in cases where the fever has exceeded 38.5 degrees. Until then, to alleviate the state of health, you should use folk methods (for example, rubdowns).

It is important that the child's body does not become dependent on antipyretic drugs, otherwise the child's immunity will not be able to cope with even a mild cold on its own.

At the same time, one of the differences between the flu and the common cold is associated with the fact that with it the temperature can easily "fly up" to 40 degrees. And this is already dangerous (especially for a child). With this heat, irreversible negative consequences in the human body (for example, in the central nervous system) can begin.

If you use means to lower the fever, and the temperature readings are kept at 39 degrees for three days, it is quite possible that complications have begun - for example, the addition of a bacterial infection. This is how pneumonia or bacterial bronchitis can begin.

Which disease is worse?

What is the difference between influenza and SARS? How can they differ? As you already understood, it's like asking how an oak is different from a tree. Oak is a tree, or rather, one of the tree species.

ARVI is a generalized concept for all respiratory diseases. Influenza is considered the most dangerous because it develops and spreads quickly, and also threatens with serious complications.

Influenza is usually more severe than other acute respiratory viral infections

Another thing is that you should be able to distinguish a flu infection from a cold. Traditionally, the common cold is called ARI - when the doctor cannot immediately determine the exact nature of the disease (for example, it is caused by viruses or bacteria), but a diagnosis must be made.

Symptoms of colds usually increase slowly, while viral infections are developing soon.

The temperature with a cold does not always appear immediately, as with the flu. In the case of viral ailments, these indicators not only rise rapidly, but also last much longer.

Influenza disease from acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections is also different in that a person feels chills throughout the body, and not just a slight malaise.

Even in adults and children, the flu may differ from a cold by the appearance of a runny nose, not as one of the first signs, but only in the following days of the illness.

Which of these ailments is worse is probably self-evident. However, even a common cold should not be taken lightly, as the disease can get worse at any time. The difference in symptoms, first of all, in their intensity.

You need to know how to distinguish flu or SARS in order to start and properly treat the disease in a timely manner.

You can, for example, recognize by the throat, which with acute respiratory infections becomes loose and turns red. Pain sensations in this case, they turn out to be different (sometimes not too strong). A hacking cough is possible, at first dry, but then becoming moist (when phlegm is released).

During the flu, the back of the throat can be affected, as well as the palate. Only on the second day of the disease does a painful cough and strong chest pain... Moreover, the duration of such signs can reach three weeks.

Several misconceptions

According to the sanitary bulletin, the treatment of any ARVI should be started as soon as the first signs of the disease appear.

Of course, the main difference between a cold and these diseases is that it will be much faster and easier to cope with it.

To correctly distinguish colds from ARVI, you should list and "debunk" several misconceptions that exist between people:

There is nothing wrong with the flu.

In fact, it is not only the most common acute viral-respiratory infection, but also the most dangerous. It is worth remembering only a wide range of complications that often accompany it, such as rhinitis, meningitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and so on. Due to the disease, the work of the vital systems of the human body is disrupted, and its average life expectancy is reduced.

ARVI can be safely carried "on your feet."

What and by what symptoms the flu differs from the common cold is, first of all, their greater severity. A person's malaise can be so strong that not staying in bed is simply physically unrealistic. However, even during the incubation period and with relief, it is desirable to adhere to such a regime until the body is fully strengthened. Already in the initial hours of the disease, the temperature can jump to forty degrees: the behavior of the infection and its effects on the body are completely unpredictable. In addition, one should not forget about its great contagiousness: becoming a carrier of the virus, you simultaneously become its distributor.

You can skip the treatment of the flu, as it will go away in a week.

Here's another unconfirmed and extremely dangerous myth! Until you figured out whether you have ARVI or ARI, that is, a common cold, treatment should be taken seriously. The difference between them is that the symptoms of colds, in fact, can go away on their own (that is, the body will be able to cope with them if it is strong enough). Another thing is a virus or infection. The main difference lies in the fact that for their treatment, in most cases, outside help is required, that is:

taking appropriate medications;
folk ways;
strengthening the immune system.

Correct and on time started therapy is the key to a quick recovery.

You can not carry the disease "on your feet", otherwise harm yourself and others

Disease prevention

Regardless of the difference between influenza and acute respiratory infections, prevention of these diseases is necessary, because it is better to prevent them than to treat them later.

Vaccination effectively helps against influenza infection and ARVI. It should be performed every year, as the virus is prone to constant mutation and the emergence of new strains. No one, of course, can one hundred percent guarantee that the infection will not happen after being vaccinated, but this probability is significantly reduced.

In addition, simple preventive measures will help protect against flu, colds and a variety of acute respiratory viral infections:

strengthening immunity in all possible ways;
good nutrition;
hardening;
correct daily routine;
healthy lifestyle;
regular wet house cleaning;
frequent walks in the fresh air;
playing sports;
wearing protective masks during an epidemic.

conclusions

The treatment of diseases must also be approached responsibly. For example, at a temperature of 38, do not rush to take antipyretics - perhaps this is a common cold and the body will be able to cope with it itself with the help of fever.

Do not bring down the temperature if it does not exceed 38.5 degrees

In general, the correct recognition of influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections by their symptoms and signs is a very important issue precisely in order to select the appropriate treatment course. In order not to be mistaken and not to "guess by the chamomile", it is best to see a medical professional, undergo appropriate examinations, if necessary, and then strictly follow his recommendations.

Symptoms of the flu and colds (ARVI) have some similarities, so patients often confuse these diseases with each other, calling a severe cold “flu” and vice versa. In fact, doctors say there are many more differences between the flu and the common cold.

It is very important to learn how to distinguish them by symptoms, because each disease requires a special approach when choosing treatment methods. Many medicines and medications that help cure colds will be ineffective against influenza viruses. That said, therapies often used to treat flu may not be able to cope with colds.

The salient features of the flu in the table

Flu- an acute viral infectious disease, which is characterized by severe symptoms caused by a virus that infects the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. During the winter season, when massive epidemics begin, the flu spreads very quickly, often infecting up to 30-70 percent of the population in just one month.

Currently found several main types of the virus - A, B, C. They differ in the nature of the manifestation of symptoms, as well as the ability to modify. Influenza A is considered the most dangerous type of the disease, as it changes more often than other types of the virus. It is very difficult for specialists to “keep pace” with identifying new features of its mutation in order to create a new remedy against it.

Influenza B also tends to change periodically, but it is characterized by a slower "rate" of mutation, so in most cases, scientists are able to follow these processes. Influenza C practically does not change over a long period of time, its changes are insignificant.

The table shows the key development features this diseaseto help distinguish the flu from the common cold and find similarities between them:

Cause	The reason for the development is associated with influenza viruses, which penetrate the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and gradually affect the epithelial cells. Viruses are able to easily enter the bloodstream, affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems of the body.
Influenza incubation period	Short incubation period. Within 1-2 days, but in some cases less time.
The route of transmission of the virus	The influenza virus is transmitted by airborne droplets from a sick person to a healthy person, thus infecting him. This can happen with close contact with the patient during communication, kissing, or prolonged stay in the same room. It can also happen after touching the objects used by the patient (his handkerchiefs, dishes, telephone receiver, TV remote control, computer keyboard or mouse, etc.).
Influenza forms	Depending on the degree of expression of the symptoms, several main forms of the disease differ: easy form; moderate form; severe form; a very severe form with complications that are life-threatening.

The danger of influenza is that it is practically invulnerable, because every year scientists discover new strains of the virus that periodically mutate, adapting to new living conditions and medicineswhich immediately become ineffective.

We have already written in the news about what the flu will be like in the new year and what to expect from it. There you can also get information about vaccinations and precautions.

Characteristic features of colds in the table

"Cold" people call acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), which are localized on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. A distinctive feature of ARVI is the slow development of symptoms.

The patient may have a sore throat for several days, then a runny nose will begin, the intensity of which will change within 1-2 days. There may be other options for development, but in almost all cases, colds go through several stages of progression at a slow pace.

Scientists believe that there are over 200 varieties of acute respiratory viruses. Today, the most common, according to statistics, are rhinoviruses, adenoviruses and parainfluenza.

Cause	Getting into the human body through the upper respiratory tract, the virus begins to attack the cells of the outer layer of the mucous membrane, which leads to their gradual modification and destruction.
Incubation period	Long incubation period. Duration from 1 to 10 days. In rare cases, the incubation period lasts about 3-5 days.
Infection path	The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets from a sick person to a healthy person with a weakened immune system. Infection can occur through contact with a patient, when he sneezes, coughs and uses the same things with people around him. When sneezing, SARS viruses easily spread at a distance of 5 meters from the patient.
Forms	easy form; moderate form; severe form. In adult patients, colds usually pass in a mild or moderate form, children of primary school age find it more difficult to tolerate ARVI, so they most often get sick in a more severe form.

Acute respiratory viral infections are not as dangerous as the influenza virus and, as a rule, their symptoms are easily overcome with modern treatment methods. Nevertheless, scientists still have not been able to find a vaccination drug that would help become the main means of preventing ARVI. This is due to the large number of respiratory viruses.

Flu and Cold Symptoms: Similarities and Differences

Temperature with flu, it can rise to 40 °, while this can happen already on the first day of the development of the disease. With a cold, the temperature most often does not exceed 37-38 °, and sometimes it does not rise above 36.6 °, remaining stable. In addition, with ARVI, an increase in temperature occurs gradually: usually within 1-2 days. With the flu, the temperature usually rises immediately.

Intoxication of the body at colds does not show pronounced symptoms, since they are not the main ones in the clinical picture, therefore, usually, if not high temperature, the patient feels normal. Influenza, on the other hand, causes severe intoxication, so the patient may feel severe weakness, dizziness, chills, muscle and joint pain, and may sometimes suffer from insomnia and hallucinations.

Patient appearance , who fell ill with the flu, is markedly different by puffiness and swelling of the face. The area around the eyes and sinuses becomes swollen and red, and sores or mucus may appear on the lips. The eyes are watery, it is unpleasant for the patient to look towards the light sources. With a cold, all these signs are either completely absent (often a person with a cold looks like a healthy person), or have a less pronounced manifestation.