Influenza goes to Ukraine: how to prepare for an epidemic

What flu is currently running and how much more dangerous is it than all other types of flu? Today this question is heard from everywhere - from TV screens, from the pages of the media and the Internet. People are intimidated by the contradictory information obtained in fragments from unreliable sources. According to the data for the second week of February, the flu in Russia has begun to decline, but anxiety is still continuing. What is the current epidemic connected with and what is called "swine"?

Why is that?

This year, the flu in our country is not quite common, although it has common features with all previous epidemics. Influenza epidemics are usually expected by doctors closer to February-March, in the same year the flu came much earlier. This is explained by the fact that this year weather anomalies made themselves felt - frosts, followed by rare thaws, gave the viruses room for reproduction and mutations. By this time, people are weakening, they become more available for the spread of infection.

What is the strain?

Scientists told what the flu is now: its symptoms are similar to the one that was first identified seven years ago, during the 2009 epidemic. As then, this year, WHO experts have identified in the smears of the sick a strain of the type A virus called H1N1 or "swine" flu. It acquired its name because of the similarity with some strains of the influenza virus in pigs. But, in fairness, it should be noted that it is precisely the "swine" flu that animals do not get sick. During the 2009 epidemic, a California strain was spreading, this year it is a South African subtype. It was formed as a result of mutations and acquired some extremely unpleasant properties.

Why did the epidemic arise? Scientists annually predict the type of virus that may develop using their own algorithms. Based on this, a vaccine is being developed. In 2015-16, the emergence of H1N1 influenza was assumed in combination with two other strains, from which mass vaccination was carried out. Predictions have confirmed what kind of flu is currently running.

Feature of the flow

Unlike many other flu epidemics, this year's virus has a lightning-fast development of the clinic, it grows literally in a matter of hours, an active spread and a high frequency of lethal complications among high-risk groups (children early age, elderly people). First of all, this flu makes itself felt high temperature and coughing from the early stages. In a weakened contingent from the risk group, it can quickly turn into influenza pneumonia, which is difficult to respond to traditional therapy and leads to respiratory failure. In addition, according to clinicians, today's flu is difficult to treat and has a difficult course. For the treatment of this type of flu, the use of special antiviral drugs is necessary.

In this regard, doctors urge you to be more vigilant, to prevent infection, especially if you have elderly people or small children in your family. It is prevention that can significantly reduce the risk of influenza. At the first sign of malaise, you should immediately call a doctor, the flu cannot be carried on your feet, this greatly increases the risk of complications!

• New strains of flu
• Situation on morbidity today
• Social risk groups
• Features of the course, Symptoms
• How ARVI differs from influenza
• Treatment
• Complications
• Prevention
• Strengthening immunity
• What is the danger of influenza
• Feature of vaccines in the current season

According to the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of the epidemic season high epidemic rate recorded almost throughout the country, in 21 regions of Ukraine.

The coming October cold snap led to increase the number of patients with influenza and ARVI.

According to the deputy chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration, over the past seven days, the city has recorded a significant increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza - about 17 000 sick ARVI turned to medical institutions in Kiev for help.

According to experts, the epidemic threshold not yet exceeded, the incidence rate is still lower than it by 17.7%.

According to the information of doctors, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza among adults in Kiev increased by 21.1%, the number of sick children increased by 15.4%.

It is also reported that over the past week, the capital's hospitals had to hospitalize 140 residents of the capital, including 119 - these are kids.

Experts predict a peak in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in the country after the New Year, but today medical institutions have to visit thousands of patients.

New strains of flu

According to the forecasts of the World Health Organization, for the 2017-2018 season, Ukrainians are expected to spread three strains of influenza: Brisbane, Michigan and Hong Kong... It should be noted that the Michigan virus is expected in Ukraine for the first time. At the moment, experts have recorded cases of infection with the respiratory syncytial virus, in which inflamed nasopharynx, as well as parainfluenza, adenovirus.

According to the statistics of the Influenza Center, during the first seven days of October in Ukraine he fell ill with respiratory viral infections 152 551 man, 72% of which were children. The highest incidence rates were noted for Kiev and regions, the best situation with morbidity is in the territory Luhansk area. The Center's specialists note that in almost all regions of the country, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza is quite typical for this time of year, with the exception of the Zaporozhye region, where the epidemiological threshold has already been exceeded by 4.5%.

According to the forecasts of the Ministry of Health, in the 2017/2018 season, an increase in the incidence of ARVI and influenza is expected by 14% , in comparison with the epidemic season 2016/2017. The main reason for this will be the spread of a new strain of influenza for Ukraine " Michigan". Weak immunity to influenza viruses among residents of Ukraine and an extremely low percentage of the population who vaccinate against influenza are the main reasons for the spread of the epidemic in our country.

On average, there are 1000 cases per 100 thousand of the population.

Recall that in Ukraine, the first wave of the epidemic is expected in late November - early December.

- What kind of flu is currently in Ukraine?

Laboratory molecular studies have confirmed that now the virus is most prevalent in Ukraine influenza A, strain H3.

An active influenza period has already entered the country. Doctors declare possible trends in the development of events. Doctors around the world are warning of impending new strains of flu. We will tell you about what to expect from the flu in 2017 and how to protect yourself and your children from this ailment in our article.

An outbreak of influenza for the winter period 2017 - 2018 in Ukraine is expected at the end of November. So far, the incidence rate has not reached the epidemic threshold. According to the well-known immunologist Oleg Nazar, the flu epidemic will not be global. This is due to the fact that such forms of the virus as “ Michigan"And" Brisbane". Both types have already "visited" Ukraine, so a significant part of the population has developed immunity. But there is the likelihood of an epidemic of the Hong Kong virus, which has already penetrated our country.

By the end of the last winter period, 246 fatal cases of the disease were known in Ukraine. Therefore, despite the presence of herd immunity, people should be careful about their health and not run colds... Of great importance in the fight against influenza are, among which the most significant are vaccination... Since the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, during an epidemic, avoid confined spaceswhere the presence of infected people is likely. Recommended temper, be in the fresh air... By agreement with the doctor, you can take immunostimulants, which strengthen the body and are a complex of vitamins and minerals.

Acute respiratory viral infections make up 95% all infectious pathology of people. Diseases caused by influenza viruses account for no more than 8% ... During periods of epidemic rise, this figure rises to 25% ... The features of the pathogen determine:

High infectivity;

The severity of the clinical course and the characteristic initial signs of influenza,

The likelihood of developing complications

Registration of group diseases and outbreaks.

Features of the course, flu symptoms.

How often do we go to the doctor when the first rise in body temperature to 38-39 * C, which is accompanied by a dry cough and symptoms of intoxication? But this could be the beginning of the flu! Don't hesitate antiviral drugs, which can act on the influenza virus, are most effective in the first hours of the illness.

Call a doctor at home, do not leave your home - you can become a source of infection for other people.

And do not take all the ARVI pills in a row - not all of them act on the influenza virus! Proven efficacy against influenza neuraminidase is possessed by two active ingredients - oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and proteflazid (Imunoflazid, Proteflazid).

In no case should you start drinking antibiotics on your own at the first sneeze - they have no effect on viruses at all! Only a doctor decides on the appointment of antibacterial drugs. An experienced doctor will always order an x-ray of the lungs if pneumonia is suspected. The doctor's ears are not X-ray, listening cannot give a 100% guarantee.

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It should be noted that the nature of the course of influenza depends not only on the characteristics of the influenza virus strain. Doctors note that persons with a weakened immune status, the presence of severe concomitant pathology from the respiratory system, can endure the flu in an extremely severe form, with the risk of complications. The most aggressive flu can, in particular early childhood... Doctors urge not to ignore any initial symptoms characteristic of both acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, including in children, since there are often cases of fulminant flu.

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How often do we go to the doctor when the first rise in body temperature to 38-39 * C, which is accompanied by a hacking dry cough and symptoms of intoxication? But this could be the beginning of the flu! Do not hesitate, antiviral drugs that can act on the flu virus are most effective in the first hours of illness. Call a doctor at home, do not leave your home - you can become a source of infection for other people. And do not take all the ARVI pills in a row - not all of them act on the influenza virus! Proven efficacy against influenza neuraminidase has two active ingredients - oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and proteflazid (Imunoflazid, Proteflazid).

In no case should you start drinking on your own. antibiotics at the first sneeze - they have no effect on viruses at all! Only a doctor decides on the appointment of antibacterial drugs. An experienced doctor will always order an x-ray of the lungs if pneumonia is suspected. The doctor's ears are not X-rays, listening cannot give a 100% guarantee.

The issue of vaccinations the population from influenza must also be viewed from the standpoint of civic duty. With the flu, the most at risk is not the one who, with more stable immunity, nevertheless became infected, but the person who is in contact with a significantly weakened immune system.

In cases where for some reason a person is not vaccinated against influenza, doctors strongly advise preventive actions... Persons in contact with sick people should use antiviral drugs as early as possible. effective remedy from the flu. It is important to follow the entire scheme recommended by the instructions for the drug. Extremely important during the first episodes of flu immediate medical attention... The doctor will explain how to properly treat the flu.

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Doctors note that most patients mistake the initial symptoms of the flu for a common cold or SARS. In the case of self-diagnosis, incorrect treatment measures, the risk of complications from influenza increases significantly. It is important that monitoring the dynamics of the course of influenza should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician. It is necessary to respond to influenza urgently, with the use of therapeutic measures already in the initial stages of influenza development. Delay often threatens with serious consequences.

Effective treatment of influenza involves an integrated approach consisting of the use of various groups of drugs, the purpose of which is to maintain the immune status and prevent complications. First of all, we are talking about the use of drugs that have an immunomodulatory, antiviral, antioxidant and antiproliferative effect. For influenza, antipyretic, antitussive, antibacterial drugs, nasal sprays are used.

Doctors advise not to ignore the abundant intake of fluids, carry out regular ventilation of the premises, as well as wet cleaning in the room.

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Is it possible to recover from flu or SARS in one day?

Scientists around the world have long been trying to find an answer to this question. In the treatment of influenza, scientists regularly introduce into practice more and more new medical drug development, including preventive vaccine therapy. Modern therapy lasts about a week. In some cases, recovery is delayed for a longer period.

More recently, new information has emerged in the treatment of influenza. The basis for the announcement of such serious statements were the recent medical research of Japanese scientists. They made a sensational announcement about new approaches to treating the flu. Virologists have come close to discovering a new cure for influenza that will help get rid of problems in just 24 hours. Scientists plan to present a new highly effective drug for influenza in two years. Japanese scientists emphasize that the drug has a powerful antiviral effect, which is achieved by blocking enzymatic processes that play a decisive role in the multiplication of influenza viruses. Scientists noted that this drug will prevent the active spread of the virus.

Medical research on the newest flu drug is ongoing. The Japanese launched the second phase of a large-scale study. Perhaps soon, thanks to Japanese developments, the problems associated with influenza can be avoided.

Complications of influenza

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How to protect the body?

Flu vaccination is an effective and low-risk measure. The flu virus in 2016 will not be scary for those who received timely vaccinations and received the necessary immune protection. However, the vaccination must be done no later than two weeks before the likely meeting with the pathogen. In the absence of the necessary time reserve, it is worth resorting to emergency means of prevention and strengthening of the body's defenses.

If the body has encountered an infection and could not overcome it, the treatment of viral flu should be specific and targeted. As prescribed by a doctor, you may have to resort to using:

Antiviral agents;

Immunomodulators;

Preparations with antioxidant and antiproliferative effects;

Symptomatic drugs (antipyretic, antitussive, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, improving nasal breathing and others);

Vitamins and trace elements;

In cases of secondary infection, antibiotics.

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What is the danger of influenza pathogens?

Influenza in Ukraine is not a new phenomenon. Every year, hundreds of people encounter pathogenic viruses belonging to the RNA-containing family of orthomyxoviruses and referred to as influenza A, B or C... There are several hundred causative agents of this kind, however, subtypes are of epidemic significance for humans. HA (H1, H2, H3) and two subtypes NA (N1, N2).

A natural feature of influenza is such that the virus, striving to "survive in the human population", has a high antigenic variability. The strain circulating in one season is not relevant for the next one, since the herd immunity acquired by the ill people precedes the further passage of the virus.

That is why, in organizing work on immunizing the population against influenza, it is important to timely and reliably predict the most likely strain that will dominate in the current season. Based on the forecasts received, the relevant scientific structures are developing antigenic compositions of vaccines recommended for the prevention of influenza in a specific pre-epidemic period.

According to the World Health Organization, the forecast indicates the greatest activity in Ukraine during the epidemic season 2017/2018 years of three variants of influenza: " A / H1N1» (Michigan), " H3N2"(Hong Kong) and" AT"(Brisbane).

A / H1N1 is a rather dangerous strain, develops rapidly and can lead to pneumonia;

H3N2 (influenza type A) previously did not have a mass distribution, therefore, it is capable of involving broad masses of people in the epidemiological process;

Brisbane (influenza type B), referred to as the Australian variant

Elderly people and children react to it most often and most acutely. This year, according to the forecasts of experts, 3 types of dangerous infections go to Russia at once.

“According to health services from the countries of the southern hemisphere of the planet, where the seasonal epidemic of influenza has already passed, this year in northern latitudes, in particular in Russia, a seasonal epidemic of influenza A H1N1 and A H3N2 is expected. In general, these are the same subtypes of the seasonal virus that have been encountered year after year for many decades, ”says specialist in public health and healthcare Pavel Stotsko... True, the specialist notes, it is worth understanding that viruses are constantly mutating, and their proteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, by which doctors distinguish between strains and types of influenza viruses, have changed this year. “This means that A H1N1 (Michigan) is not exactly the same virus that was in 2016 (California), and certainly not the same as it was in 1918 (Spanish flu). But the flu is still as dangerous as it was a century ago, ”says Stotsko. WHO experts add that influenza B virus may also appear in Russia.

Dangers A H1N1

Influenza with the abbreviation H1N1 is popularly known as swine flu. It is a highly infectious disease caused by a pandemic type of virus that spreads from pig to human. Naturally, it is also transmitted from person to person, which expands the coverage of cases.

The swine flu virus was discovered in the United States in 1930. Of the recent epidemics that developed against its background, the world remembers the 2009 California flu. According to official data published by WHO at that time, 17.4 thousand people died from influenza and the complications caused by it.

Infection with such a virus occurs in two ways.:

• Airborne droplets: for example, someone sneezed next to another person, the diameter of the spread of dangerous secretions is 1.5-2 meters;
• Contact-household: the virus is quite tenacious (it can live outside the body for up to 2 hours), therefore it can persist for a certain time on different surfaces (lift buttons, tables, dishes, office equipment, etc.)

The risk groups for swine flu are:

• Children under the age of 5;
• Seniors over 65;
• Pregnant;
• People with chronic diseases.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are pretty classic. A person can clearly mark the time when he suddenly became ill suddenly, the temperature rises to high numbers, muscle aches are noted, photophobia develops. The intoxication process can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Catarrhal manifestations can also join: cough, sore throat, nasal congestion.

It is important to remember that one of the worst things about this type of flu is its complication in the form of pneumonia. Inflammation of the lungs develops instantly and is far from always noticeable to a person: in just a couple of days it can almost completely destroy the lungs. That is why this type of influenza virus has a large number of deaths. And that is why the patient must be monitored daily by a doctor who will listen to the lungs.

Scary A H3N2

The second variant of influenza that doctors are waiting for this winter is ARVI with the abbreviation A H3N2. Or, as it is also called, the Hong Kong flu. For the first time they began to talk about him in the sixties. True, then it was not so heavy. But over time, the virus mutated and became more aggressive, so now this infection is extremely dangerous.

The Hong Kong flu, like the Californian flu, is transmitted through the air and with hands. Therefore, during the season of epidemics, you should be especially careful: do not visit crowded places and wash your hands more often.

The Hong Kong flu is especially dangerous for:

• Old people;
• Children younger age;
• Pregnant women;
• People on a diet, especially when it comes to weight loss diets;
• People with diabetes;
• People with lung disease.

The symptoms of the disease are again typical for all other types of influenza. On the one hand, it is by them that you can immediately distinguish the flu. On the other hand, the flu does not always follow a typical pattern. And then there is a risk of wasting time. Additional signs in Hong Kong include the appearance of a feeling of pain and burning in the eyes, pain in the limbs and a dry cough.

The main dangers of this variant of influenza are called the development of myocarditis, all the same pneumonia in severe forms, encephalitis and a state of shock. Some of those who had been ill showed hepatic and renal dysfunctions, there were malfunctions of the endocrine gland.

Flu B Brisbane - what is hiding

WHO experts predict the emergence of a third type of influenza: influenza B - Brisbane. It is a dangerous variety of the Hong Kong strain. Of the last epidemics of such a disease, there was an outbreak in 2007.

It begins, like all other variants of the flu, with sharp and lightning-fast developing symptoms... Fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, runny nose, fatigue, etc. - all indicate the appearance of a dangerous pathology in the body. Over time, severe exhaustion and dehydration begin to appear, and a dry cough appears. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract can also develop.

Dehydration is called one of the terrible complications of this type of infection. Indeed, against this background, the body begins to fail quickly enough. Pneumonia can also develop, which additionally undermines human health.

This type of flu is highly contagious. Therefore, you should be very careful during the risk of an epidemic.

Personal protection

During a flu epidemic, you must follow a number of simple rules that will protect you from infection. First of all, you need to avoid crowded places, but if there is a need to be in a dense traffic of people, it is recommended to use masks. It is imperative to follow the rules of personal hygiene, wash your hands as often as possible: after the street, after transport, before eating, after using the toilet. If there is a sick person in the house, it is necessary to isolate him, if possible: separate dishes and not use shared towels with him.

You can also regularly flush the nasal passages. salineto flush the virus off the mucous membrane. In addition, the intake of vitamins is recommended. It is advisable to establish a balanced diet so that the body has the strength to fight viruses. It is worthwhile to ventilate the apartment and office premises more often and carry out wet cleaning in them.

A separate item is such an option for personal protection as vaccination. “Experts know exactly the protein composition of the surface envelope of the virus, which means they are able to“ teach ”the immune system to recognize the virus with the help of a vaccine. Each year it includes components of 3-4 of the most common strains of the influenza virus, ”says Stotsko.

The vaccination campaign has already started across the country. And now is the optimal time to vaccinate, because the body will have time to develop antibodies to the virus. Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Russia, Head of Rospotrebnadzor of the Russian Federation Anna Popova:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided recommendations on the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2017-2018 epidemic season for the Northern Hemisphere, and it is recommended that the trivalent vaccine include strains similar to those included in this year's vaccine for influenza AH3N2 viruses (Hong Kong ) and for influenza B. At the same time, the pandemic A H1N1 strain of 2009 (California) is proposed to be replaced by the A H1N1 strain (Michigan).

At the expense of the federal budget, 58.4 million doses of the national influenza vaccine with the current strains recommended by WHO were purchased, including 17.8 million doses for children. This is 8 million more than was purchased last year. The best time to get your flu shots is September to November. It is important that immunity after the influenza vaccination has time to form before the onset of an epidemic rise in the incidence.

Vaccination is recommended for all groups of the population, but it is especially indicated for children from 6 months of age, people suffering from chronic diseases, pregnant women, as well as people from occupational risk groups: medical professionals, teachers, students, service and transport workers.

According to statistics, influenza causes high mortality, especially when it comes to viruses such as A H3N2 and A H1N1. Elderly people and children react to it most often and most acutely. This year, according to the forecasts of experts, 3 types of dangerous infections go to Russia at once.

This season, more than 7 million Ukrainians will get the flu, that is, every sixth, doctors predict

The flu epidemic begins in December. However, it is already worth preparing the body for a virus attack. Site "Today" learned what strains of flu are waiting for Ukrainians and who is at risk.

Every sixth will get sick

Doctors expect a greater epidemic of influenza and SARS this year than in 2016-2017. Last year, 6.2 million Ukrainians were ill. Most are children. According to the WHO, in the 2017-2018 epidemic season, three viruses will walk across Ukraine: , A / Hong Kong / 4801/2014 - Avian Flu and B / Brisbane / 60/2008. These viruses will come in turn. In December-January, the Michigan virus is expected - working-age people 25-49 years old are at risk. Avian flu will start circulating in January. It primarily affects children and the elderly. At the end of February-March, the weaker and less massive "Brisbane" runs. This winter will be more difficult, the Influenza and SARS Center predicts. Due to the low level of influenza vaccination this year, more than 7 million Ukrainians will get sick, analysts of the department suggest.

Children are at risk during a flu epidemic. Photo: Vladimir Smirnov / TASS

"Influenza is one of the most dangerous viral diseases. It begins suddenly with a sharp malaise. Temperature - about 40 ° C. The patient complains of headache, weakness, lack of appetite, muscle pain, dry cough. The nose is usually not stuffy. Influenza is dangerous with complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, complications in the nervous and cardiovascular systems. At the first symptoms of this disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.", - comments the therapist of clinic Into-Sana Irina Kot.

Who is at risk of catching the flu and how to prepare

The first to catch the flu are Ukrainians with weak immunity and those whose activities are associated with contact with a significant number of people. Among the professional risk groups are health workers - they are mandatory vaccinated, teachers and educators, sellers and drivers of public transport. The category of the population with weak immunity includes children, especially under five years of age, pregnant women, the elderly, as well as people with excess weight, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The main way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. The Ministry of Health has already re-registered four vaccines with virus strains relevant for this season. These are Influvac, Influenza Vaksin, Jis Flu and Vaxigripp vaccines.

Vaccination is the most effective way to fight influenza, says Oleg Nazar, director of the Kiev Center for Clinical Immunology. One vaccine a year can save you money and health. Only licensed medical facilities can be vaccinated. Contraindications for vaccination are: allergy to chicken protein, previous acute polyneuropathy, signs of ARVI and allergic rhinitis in children.

According to doctors, vaccination is the surest way to avoid the flu. Photo: Mikhail Japaridze / TASS

"You can only get vaccinated in the vaccination room, since a medical institution must be licensed to vaccinate. You can't just buy a vaccine and inject it yourself, because a doctor's examination is necessary to avoid complications.", says Oleg Nazar.

You can start vaccinating a few months before the start of the epidemic - from September to October. The vaccine starts working in a week and develops immunity for nine months. Therefore, it is recommended to repeat the vaccination every season.

How to protect yourself from the flu:

• avoid contact with people who have manifestations of the disease;
• if a person has flu symptoms, it is necessary to stay at least two meters from him;
• limit visits to crowded places;
• often ventilate the premises;
• wash your hands often with soap and water;
• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
• avoid hugging, kissing and shaking hands;
• cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a disposable tissue, which must be discarded immediately after use;
• eat well, get enough sleep, avoid overwork;
• avoid hypothermia.

What vaccination won't save you from

Influenza vaccination does not work against other ARVIs - adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, rhinovirus infection, respiratory syncytial virus, and so on. However, they can also lead to complications with the wrong treatment regimen.

Infographics: moz.gov.ua

Adenovirus infection. At first, the patient complains of a sore throat. After that, a runny nose begins. The discharge can be yellowish and yellow-green. Redness of the eyes and eyelids, watery eyes are often observed. The lymph nodes are enlarged. Dangerous complication - bronchitis.

Parainfluenza. Symptoms: The sore throat gets worse when swallowing. The nose is stuffy, but the discharge is light, there is no pus. The cough is dry. The voice is hoarse. The disease can lead to pneumonia if treatment is not started on time.

Rhinovirus infection. Symptoms - nasal discharge, frequent sneezing, sometimes coughing, headache or muscle weakness. The painful condition is observed for about a week.
Respiratory syncytial virus. This virus infects the lower airways... The patient has a sore throat and a cough that becomes dry over time. The cough becomes paroxysmal and may bother up to three weeks. Complications include pneumonia.

"Antibiotics or antiviral drugs for ARVI should be taken only as directed by a doctor. If the symptoms of viral diseases do not go away for more than a week, you need the help of a specialist: complications are possible.", - comments Irina Kot.

You need to treat ARVI with the right regimen, says the therapist. You need a semi-bed rest, you also need to drink several liters of fluid a day. At temperatures from 38 ° C, it is recommended to reduce it with the help of antipyretic drugs, the temperature is usually not reduced to 38 ° C. Gargles and aerosols with an analgesic effect will help get rid of a sore throat. Help from a cold vasoconstrictor drops... But you should not get carried away with them, otherwise the runny nose can become chronic.

Influenza is an infectious disease. The causative agent is viruses that are constantly around us. The disease proceeds differently for each person. Some carry it on their feet, while others have serious complications. This is due to the individual characteristics of the body and the state of the immune system.

Many people are not serious about the flu virus, and in most cases they self-medicate, so from infectious disease a quarter of a million people die every year.

The virus mutates every year, so not all medications contribute to successful treatment. The scientist is developing vaccines, the purpose of which is to enhance immunity. A person is injected with a small amount of influenza virus in order to develop immunity to a certain type of influenza. In most cases, this practice minimizes the risks of the disease, as well as avoids possible complications.

What flu is expected this year in Russia?

Many people have heard information that in the fall-winter period is expected dangerous virus, which can cause complications and in some cases lead to death. Experts suggest that during the cold season, Russians will be exposed to three types of the virus.

H1 N1 - Michigan

It is known to the population as "swine flu". It was first diagnosed in 2009, after a short hiatus, it appeared in 2016, at that time more than 100 people died, including pregnant girls and young children. And now it is predicted that people will be susceptible to this disease this fall and winter 2018.

Doctors do not yet know how the flu will manifest itself. Therefore, residents are advised to be vaccinated. Vaccinations are available at local clinics from September.

H3 N1 - Hong Kong virus

This is a variety bird flu... For the first time, residents of Hong Kong faced the disease in 1968. The immune system was not ready to fight the new virus, so the disease was widespread. Several deaths have been recorded. The risk group includes young children and the elderly over 65 years of age. This type of disease can lead to irreversible consequences. According to statistics, mortality from this flu is quite high.

Brisbane virus

This type of disease is the most harmless. The virus can lead to changes in the antigenic structure. But massive outbreaks of the disease are not predicted. If the flu manifests itself this or next year, then only local outbreaks of an infectious disease are possible.

Knowing the main symptoms is essential to start treatment promptly and to minimize transmission of the virus to family members. When the first signs appear, it is recommended not to self-medicate, but to immediately contact a medical institution.

• Cough. It is the first symptom, while it is difficult for a person to swallow and are observed pain in the throat. With frequent coughing, severe pain may appear in the chest.
• After a few hours or days, depending on the type of virus, the infected person's body temperature rises.
• Migraine.
• Broken joints.
• Influenza disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system. Therefore, patients may experience diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and lack of appetite.
• If you do not pay attention to such signs, then pneumonia, lung pathology may develop, shortness of breath appears, limbs and lips turn blue.

Timely treatment prescribed by a qualified doctor avoids serious consequences.

What Rospotrebnadzor reports

Important message! The head of Rospotrebnadzor reported that today, on October 5, the first case of the Michigan virus was recorded. The flu was found in four family members, including a pregnant girl.

From the report of Rospotrebnadzor it became known that this fall and next winter, residents of Russia may encounter a modified type viral disease... Presumably, it will be similar to swine flu, but different in its antigenic properties. The emergence of the H3N2 virus is also predicted.

Experts have already developed drugs against a new type of virus. Therefore, a massive epidemic is not expected. Vaccinations are available until December 1 of this year.

It should be noted that modern medicines against an infectious disease are effective in 90% of cases, if a person has been vaccinated accordingly. If it is not done, then modern drugs may be ineffective. The effect of vaccination is observed after ten days and protects a person for one year.