Symptoms of the flu virus

Fighting the influenza virus

Flu is the most common seasonal disease associated with lung damage.The cause of the disease is the influenza virus, which is characterized by a huge number of species and their characteristics.The degree of severity of the disease and the individual tolerability of it by a sick person directly depends on the state of the immune system. The greatest risk of the disease can be for young children, pregnant women and the elderly due to their vulnerability to this pathology. The seasonal flu gets a special breadth of development. The time of its activity comes in the autumn-winter period with the aggravation of the epidemiological situation in the region.

This viral disease is characterized by the fact that it has acquired the status of an annual phenomenon that mutates, complicated by new strains, so during the onset of colds it is necessary to clearly understand what is the flu and how with it fight.

Danger of influenza

Every year, a large number of people die from the flu. Most of them are children and elderly people with weakened immunity. The peculiarity of the disease is that it can cause significant harm to the human body, affecting its various organs and systems. The big threat is influenza at conception of the child, in view of the fact that spreading, he starts to develop toxic substances that adversely affect human organs. Influenza viruses destroy all the environment favorable for engraftment of the fetus and can cause a miscarriage. If the fetus nevertheless begins to develop, the heavy influence of the virus can cause a number of pathologies in the genital area, respiratory and other body systems. Therefore, the flu and conception are not compatible.

In addition to the probability of getting an inflammatory process in the lungs (pneumonia), the flu is dangerous and the development of diseases such as otitis, pleurisy and bronchitis in a complicated form. Pleurisy is dangerous and insidious because it affects the shell, which covers the lungs.

Purulent inflammation of the middle ear - otitis, can cause not only inflammation in the ears, but also the neck and teeth. The flu that caused complications can cause this disease to be chronic, which is fraught with constant suppuration from the ears, frequent inflammation, and with severe form and partial loss of hearing. The greatest danger at any stage of the flu is the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the airways through which oxygen passes into the lungs. The bronchial mucosa is damaged, thereby creating conditions for the multiplication of bacteria. If the patient does all the recommendations for the flu, then the shell can recover. But in another course of circumstances, the ailment can cause serious pathological changes in the body.

Every year, doctors set a single indicator of the epidemiological threshold of influenza. Despite preventive measures against the disease, the epidemic threshold for influenza changes its indicators annually, and most of it is made up of children and the elderly.

Clinical picture

The mechanism of development and origin of the disease is that the pathogenesis of influenza has a number of characteristics. At the beginning of the autumn-winter period, very often patients are confused with influenza and parainfluenza.

These two states have a completely different picture of development. Influenza is an acute, sudden and severe disease that begins with a lung injury. Parainfluenza manifests itself gradually with headache, coughing, runny nose and changes in voice. The dominant influenza virus in the beginning of winter is seasonal, which gradually changes into a type A virus and all its subtypes.

The classification of influenza has its own peculiarity: for many years infectious diseases have divided this disease into three types: influenza A, B and C. Of all forms, type C is the safest and easiest in its clinical development: it does not cause an epidemic and is characterized as a mild respiratory disease.

The type of influenza A virus has a variety of complicated forms. The reason for this was the mutation of influenza, which leads to completely different reactions of the patient to the same type of virus. As a result of such a feature, many people who have weak immunity, very hard to tolerate the flu. The first type of illness is classified as seasonal. Sometimes, especially at the first stages of manifestation, its symptoms can be confused with catarrhal diseases, its course looks like ARVI, ARI. This type of disease begins because people are infected with the virus as a result of being permanently in stuffy, enclosed spaces with a large number of those present. This type of influenza is characterized by a number of complications, including:

• the appearance of bacterial pneumonia;
• violation of water balance in the body;
• exacerbation of concomitant diseases;
• an inflammation of the ears.

To treat this type of disease virus doctors recommend immediately anti-influenza drugs. In addition, do not forget about wearing a gauze bandage so as not to infect the surrounding people with airborne droplets. It is mandatory to use vitamins and other means that strengthen the immune system. Influenza in adults and children is treated almost equally, the difference is only the dosage.

Another subtype of virus A in medical practice was called avian influenza, in which the carriers of the virus are poultry. Symptoms of this disease are very similar to colds, but can be complicated by the appearance of pneumonia and heavy breathing. As a rule, if this type of infection occurs, patients die if treatment is not started at the earliest stages.

The third type is swine flu. It is very similar in its symptoms with seasonal, but it adds high body temperature, fever, cough, bowel disorder, lung damage. Treatment procedures are appointed depending on the patient's immunity and on what signs of the disease predominate.

This type of illness requires that the treatment be carried out at home. The patient needs bed rest with the doctor's therapy. With proper and timely treatment, the patient can count on recovery.

Types of disease

It is customary to distinguish between such types of influenza as:

• atypical;
• highly pathogenic;
• intestinal.

Atypical flu begins very quickly and differs from seasonal flu with serious complications. He is very cunning, because a person can get sick in any season, even in the summer. His unexpected appearance indicates that the virus is in the air constantly, which causes danger.

Highly pathogenic influenza is a disease that occurs as a result of a specific strain of the virus, for example, avian flu, and poses a huge threat to human life.

No less dangerous is rotavirus influenza, which appears as a result of rotavirus intestinal infection.

In view of the fact that the incubation period of the disease is about five days, the patient becomes a carrier of the infection from the very first days. Although after an illness the body produces a permanent immunity to this type of virus, a person can get sick twice. In the course of the disease, the intestinal mucosa is affected, and its inflammation begins.

Very often people confuse their flu-like condition with common colds. But there are features of the flu and it is necessary to clearly distinguish between its symptoms and cold symptoms, since improper treatment or neglected flu can lead to poor results. With the flu, the disease begins sharply, with a cold - sluggish. Colds are characterized by low temperature.

With flu, fever for several hours passes into a severe form and gives a high body temperature.

Characteristic for the common cold is the preservation of working capacity, there are no symptoms of intoxication, there is no severe headache. With the flu, there are symptoms such as photophobia, severe headache and temporal pain, dizziness, muscle aches. During the examination of the throat, a plaque is often observed in the tongue, which may indicate a strong toxicity of the body. Cough and a feeling of heaviness in the chest for a cold are observed almost immediately. With influenza, such symptoms can occur only on the second day.

Quite often, the flu causes reddening of the eyes. Even after two or three weeks after the treatment of the disease, the patient may experience rapid fatigue, loss of strength, sleep disturbance, irritability.

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Historical epidemics of influenza

In the world medical practice cases are known when, during the pandemic (epidemic) of influenza, the most dangerous were varieties of the influenza virus, leading to mass deaths. Among such it is worth noting the deadly Spanish flu, which killed more than fifty million people. This is the most terrible epidemic in the history of mankind, which has gone into oblivion and today is not a threat to the world community.

At present, there is a so-called goat flu - fever Ku, which is spread by infected animals. A person can become infected with the virus of this flu only by close contact with the animal, or by eating his meat.

When infected with goat flu, a person increases the size of the spleen and liver, a rash appears on the body, the pupils turn red and the symptoms of pneumonia develop. To date, cases of infection have been reported only in the Netherlands.

Today, the once dangerous Hong Kong flu, caused by the A (H3N2) virus, is a seasonal flu and spreads to South Korea and China. Its name was received because of the main distribution in Hong Kong in 1969.

Modern infectious disease noted a few years ago the emergence of a new viral variety, which, despite a very small threat to the world, gained wide publicity and led to a world panic. This is a type of disease, like Chinese flu. After studying the molecular structure of the virus, scientists excluded him from the list of dangerous, giving him the status of Chinese seasonal flu.

Preventive measures

One of the most important moments in the treatment of the disease is its prevention. People prone to catarrhal and viral diseases should prepare in advance to make the flu as easy as possible.

The basis of prevention includes several components that help to withstand the disease qualitatively. It is easier to survive the incidence of influenza due to a timely vaccination. To date, there are two types of vaccines: live and inactivated. Live vaccines have a group of non-contagious and weakened viruses, inactivated do not contain live viruses. Vaccines "Grippol "Microgen "Fluarix "Influvac" are very popular.

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Strengthening the body in the fight against influenza plays an important role. The use of vitaminized foods in the daily diet will help replenish the supply of useful substances, strengthen the body. Particular attention should be paid to vitamin C and group B.

In a period of complicated epidemiological situation, it is better not to visit places with a large number of people. This will help protect yourself from infection. A good antiviral is washing the nose with a solution of sea salt. To prevent the drying out of the mucous membrane, it is necessary to keep the air humidified in the apartment. This will help to avoid the accumulation and penetration into the nasopharyngeal mucosa of pathogenic bacteria that cause the reproduction of a viral infection and lead to the spread of the disease with influenza. Do not forget that you have to begin to temper the body from the summer. Water procedures, cold wiping can be done at home and in winter.

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Particularly dangerous is self-medication, the use of methods of traditional medicine, which can not only complicate the process of recovery, but also lead to serious consequences. Only strict adherence to medical recommendations can give a positive result in the treatment of the disease.

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General characteristics of the H3N2 flu and treatment of the disease

H3N2 influenza is a relatively young strain.It is dangerous because of insufficient knowledge. In addition, this variety of the strain of the virus can provoke a person to develop complications with hemorrhagic lesions.

General information about varieties of the influenza virus

The influenza virus belongs to the family Ortomyxoviridae, which also includes Influenza A, B, C. The affiliation of the virus to one of them is determined by the antigenic properties of the virion proteins. More detailed division of different types of viruses is carried out in accordance with the subtypes existing on the surface of the virus of proteins - hemagglutin (NA) and neuraminidase (NA). At the moment, 16 subtypes of HA and 9 subtypes of NA are known.

Specific epidemics for humans are viruses of three types of HA. These subtypes include H1, H2 and H3. Viruses A and B contain NA and HA, which play the role of the main structural components of the virus. The influenza C virus does not have neuraminidase. The viral particle of influenza C contains haemagglutinin-esterase (penetrating) protein.

The strand of RNA, which is a part of the virus, is surrounded by a protein and packed into a membrane consisting of lipoproteins. Virions have the ability to agglutinate erythrocytes and enter into them with the help of virus-specific enzymes.

Influenza A H3N2 is a subtype of influenza A virus.

The name of the species of the virus is based on the names of the recombination of genes.

The influenza virus has a spherical shape, having a diameter of 80-120 nm. At the center of the viral particle are eight fragments of RNA. Each of the available RNA fragments is encapsulated in a separate capsule of lipoproteins, the surface of which has spines. Antibodies produced by the body in response to hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), are the basis of the body's immunity against a particular type of virus.

Viral particles have an unusual property, which is uncharacteristic for viral particles, fragmentation of the genetic material and high protein variability. The proteins that make up the virus particles can dramatically change their properties. This phenomenon is called antigenic shift. It leads to the appearance of varieties of virus particles causing a pandemic.

The new form of the virus particle undergoes a slow change in properties, called antigenic drift. This phenomenon contributes to the extension of the emerging epidemic.

Susceptible to influenza virus are all age groups of the population. The source of infection in society becomes a sick person with a pronounced form of the disease.

Symptoms of the H3N2 Influenza Virus

Most often, the clinical picture of the disease manifests itself 12-48 hours after the moment of infection. This strain of the virus is characterized by a very rapid process of reproduction of viral particles in the body in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. The disease develops very quickly, literally for several days.

The most vivid symptoms manifested with the development of influenza H3N2 in the body are the following:

• • development of chills;
  • the occurrence of severe headaches;
  • the appearance in the body of a patient of a strong general weakness;
  • the appearance of lacrimation;
  • development of muscle pain;
  • the appearance of aches in the joints;
  • increased sweat production;
  • absence or sharp decrease in appetite;
  • appearance of dryness in the nasal cavity and pharynx;
  • the appearance of a feeling of perspiration in the throat;
  • the appearance of a dry cough;
  • pain in the chest;
  • development of photophobia.

  Sometimes during the development of the disease there is a runny nose. In addition to the characteristic symptoms of influenza in the body when you join the influenza infection of colds, the symptoms of a cold develop.

Carrying out treatment for influenza

The first vaccination against influenza was carried out in the early forties of the last century. Almost until the last period, the treatment of influenza infection was carried out by relieving the emerging symptoms. Treatment is carried out by taking antipyretic, expectorant and antitussive drugs. In addition, to strengthen the immune system is used to take vitamins.

When performing treatment procedures, patients are recommended complete rest, and during the treatment requires the use of a large amount of fluid. During the period of illness, you should stop smoking and drinking alcohol. With the development of a cold that is not complicated by a cold, it is not treated with antibiotics.

Used in the treatment of antiviral drugs affect a certain phase of the development of viral infection of the body. For effective exposure, treatment is required before the onset of the first clinical symptoms of infection in the human body. Late reception of antiviral medications is practically inactive and not effective.

To treat the influenza state, two types of medicines have been developed, which are inhibitors of neuraminidase and inhibitors of M2. A separate group of drugs - means based on interferon, which have antiviral, anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, these medications show immunomodulatory activity.

Preparations with inhibitory properties

Preparations that have proven effective in treating influenza infection are oseltamivir and zanamivir. These neuraminidase inhibiting drugs are effective against most influenza strains, including avian and porcine strains. They help suppress the spread of the virus in the human body, while reducing the severity arising symptoms while reducing the duration of the disease and the incidence of secondary complications.

The use of these drugs, depending on the individual characteristics of the body, can provoke the occurrence of side effects in the body, such as the occurrence of vomiting, diarrhea. Sometimes it is possible to develop mental disorders, hallucinations and psychoses.

The inhibitors of M2 are preparations of amantadine and remantadine, which block proton pumps, which leads to preventing the virus from entering the cell.

Prevention of the occurrence of infection with influenza

The most traditional and one of the most common methods of counteraction is the implementation of vaccination.

The influenza vaccines used can provide moderate protection against the virologically confirmed influenza strain. The effectiveness of the use of vaccination proves its effectiveness for young children.

As a rule, the vaccines used contain antigens of three strains of the virus. Vaccination is considered desirable in at-risk groups, which include children, people in old age and patients with chronic heart and lung ailments. In addition, vaccination is recommended for doctors.

To prevent the spread of infection to strangers in the room where the patient is, regular wet cleaning is carried out using disinfectants.

To disinfect the air, ultraviolet irradiation and special air purifiers are used.

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In the case of human infection with influenza in uncomplicated its course, the prognosis is favorable. With the development of complications in the body, there are cases of death for a person.

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Influenza A - what is it? Influenza A and B: symptoms and treatment

Its name was given to the flu by the French word "grasp what is good characterizes its effect."

This disease develops rapidly. Since morning, a healthy person starts complaining about health at noon, and by midnight in some cases may no longer have a chance of recovery.

Historical facts

Influenza epidemics periodically cover the entire space of the globe and become a historical fact. For example, from such a type of flu as the Spanish, for 1918 and 1919 people died more than during the entire time of the First World War.

The causative agent, which is considered the cause of the flu, was discovered in 1933 and was subsequently called the virus A.

The year 1944 was marked by the discovery of the virus B, the next - the virus C - was discovered in 1949. Over time, it was determined that the viruses that cause influenza A, B, are heterogeneous, are constantly changing, and as a result of these transformations, a new modification of the flu can appear.

What is the flu

I wonder what the flu A or B. This is an acute infectious disease that begins almost instantaneously. Immediately viruses affect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Because of this, a runny nose appears, the paranasal sinuses become inflamed, the larynx is affected, breathing is disrupted and a cough develops.

With blood, the virus moves through the body and, by poisoning it, disrupts vital functions:

• high fever, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting;
• there are headaches and muscle pains;
• and in some cases hallucinations may occur.

The most severe situations are characterized by intoxication, which leads to the destruction of small vessels and multiple hemorrhages. The consequences of influenza may be pneumonia and heart muscle diseases.

Influenza A and B are types of acute respiratory diseases. When a disease occurs, there is a violation of the human defense mechanism. Under the action of microbes that are in the upper respiratory tract, cells die on the trachea and bronchus, opens the way for infection in deeper tissues and the process of purification becomes more difficult bronchi. In this case, the function of the immune system is suppressed. Because of this, a short period is sufficient to initiate pneumonia or to awaken other respiratory viruses.

How is it transmitted

A person is susceptible to a disease such as influenza A and B. This means that the likelihood of getting sick in the second and third time, especially a new subspecies. The disease is transmitted as follows:

• during communication with a sick person, through his droplets of saliva, mucus, phlegm;
• together with food that has not been thermally treated;
• with a direct touch of the hands of the patient;
• through the air, through the dust.

The patient is enveloped by a zone consisting of infected particles, the size of which is from two to three meters. Through any items that were in his hands (for example, the phone, armrest arm, door handle) can catch the flu A.

What is a contagious disease, everyone should know - a person poses a danger to others even during the incubation period, even before he felt unwell. However, on the sixth day from the onset of the disease, he practically does not pose a threat to the health of others.

Influenza A virus

So, the type A flu - what is it? This is one of the most terrible varieties of this disease. Immunity, which is acquired by a person who has had type A influenza, lasts two years. Then it becomes dangerous again.

It is interesting that between human and animal viruses, hereditary materials can be exchanged, and viral hybrids may appear on contact. As a result, the flu can affect not only humans, but also animals.

Approximately, every 35 years, a virus that causes influenza type A also undergoes significant changes. What is it, it is better not to know. After all, mankind does not have this serotype of immunity, as a result of which the disease covers most of the world's population. It flows in a very severe form. And in this case they speak not of an epidemic, but of a pandemic.

Symptoms and peculiarities of percolation

It should be mentioned, telling about the type A flu, that this is a disease that is characterized by rapid spread. The incubation stage lasts from two to five days, and a period begins that is characterized by acute clinical manifestations.

For flu, taking place in mild form, it lasts from three to five days. And after 5-10 days a person recovers. But for another 20 days a person can feel tired, weak, have a headache, be irritable and suffer from insomnia.

Let's list what causes the flu A symptoms in children:

• the temperature rises to 40 ° C;
• the child is shivering;
• the kid stops playing, whines, becomes very weak;
• complains of headache and muscle pain;
• he has a sore throat;
• possible abdominal pain and vomiting;
• begins a dry cough.

Treatment

Treatment includes recommendations not only on the intake of medications, but also on compliance with the regime. Since influenza A and B symptoms and treatment are the same, our advice is suitable for each of them.

During a period of elevated temperature, a person loses a lot of fluid that must be replenished. The first thing you need to do in the period of illness is to drink tea, drinks, decoctions of herbs abundantly. Chicken broth has a good effect on the course of the disease. By increasing the speed of mucus discharge, it reduces the swelling of the nose.

The use of coffee and alcohol causes dehydration of the body, which has already lost a lot of liquid, so it is better not to drink during illness.

What is dangerous about influenza A

What is it - the flu, know almost everything. But the opinion that this is a common disease, which everyone has been ill many times and without consequences, is mistaken. Its main danger is in the consequences that it can cause: pneumonia, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis. It can exacerbate chronic diseases, provoke complications of the cardiovascular system, create problems from the muscular system.

By the way, the type A flu, unlike the disease caused by the B virus, is more dangerous. As a result of this disease, intoxication, hemorrhages into important organs, pulmonary complications, cardiac and pulmonary insufficiency can lead to death.

Prevention

In order not to be among the infected, each of us needs to follow preventive measures that can prevent the flu. And what is it? First of all, you must follow the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle, such as proper nutrition and even physical exercise. It is also important to tempering.

Vaccination helps the body to form immunity to the most expected strain of the virus. The drug is administered 1-3 months before the expected onset of the epidemic.

A cotton-gauze dressing reduces the chance of getting infected through the respiratory tract. The bandage is changed several times a day to avoid getting infected from the bandage itself.

Here are some more tips for prevention:

1. The intake of vitamin preparations increases the protective functions of the body.
2. Garlic reduces the number of microorganisms in the mouth.
3. Avoiding visits to crowded places during an epidemic lowers the likelihood of infection.
4. During the epidemic it is desirable to conduct a wet cleaning of the room daily.
5. Helps protect against microbes treatment of the nasal cavity with oxolin ointment.
6. The use of antiviral drugs protects against the disease.

If the house is sick

Despite some differences, doctors still combine influenza A and B (symptoms and treatment). First of all it is recommended to give the body an opportunity to relax. Due to this, you will help the immune system. The necessary requirement - compliance with bed rest. And most importantly - calling a doctor at home, because it may not be the flu, and what it is - without a specialist's examination is impossible to say.

In order to reduce the possibility of infection of family members, the patient is placed in a separate room or fenced off from the main room. The patient is given separate utensils and hygiene items.

It is necessary and wet cleaning with disinfectants, because thanks to it more than twice the concentration of viruses. A good health effect gives ventilation at least 3 times a day.

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Influenza: types of influenza, symptoms, treatment, prevention

Influenza is a viral disease transmitted by airborne droplets, affecting the respiratory system, part of the ARVI group that causes severe complications, such as pneumonia, hearing loss, vision, death.

Annually, in addition to known, new viruses with altered RNA, causing the flu, appear. Types of influenza A, B, C. Each year, there are bursts of epidemics.

It is considered that the virus of group C is the least dangerous, since it does not cause epidemics, confining itself to respiratory diseases without coughing and fever.

The virus of group A includes the following strains: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2. Previously, not known the most dangerous strain of influenza A / H1N1, or swine flu, without timely, adequate treatment can lead to death.

Constant modification or mutation of the virus allows it to easily evade the immunity of the carrier (human, birds, artiodactyls). While the previously infected carrier is susceptible to influenza throughout life, that is, the host's body produces antibodies against the virus that caused the flu. The types of influenza that attacked a person or an animal will not be perceived by the immune system in the future and will pox the body again, and until the time of antibody production the disease will proceed at full speed.

Most people have innate immunity, but you can resort to vaccination.

Every year, more than 25 percent of the world's population develops seasonal The number of deaths associated with this disease ranges from , 00 to 5, 00 (mean per year - 38900).

Seasonal flu affects people every year from the beginning of September to the end of May, while there is unstable raw weather.

Symptoms of seasonal flu

Often a person can not always immediately distinguish seasonal flu from a cold, because the symptoms they have are quite similar: sputum discharge, thick discharge, nasal congestion, headache, weakness, heaviness in muscles and joints, increase temperature. Although the majority of the disease passes for seven days without any medical assistance, it is still very It is dangerous to treat the disease yourself, without the involvement of specialists, in some cases it is fraught with complications.

Complications of influenza can occur in:

• bacterial pneumonia;
• sinusitis, deafness, infectious diseases of the inner ear;
• dehydration of the body;
• inflammation of the heart muscle.

There is a certain group of people for whom any influenza virus can be very dangerous:

• elderly men aged sixty-two;
• women from sixty-seven years of age and older;
• babies and preschoolers.

Treatment of seasonal influenza is recommended to be carried out with such drugs as "Teraflu" Kodelak "Panadol" Dr. Mom. "

Prevention measures that are most effective against a viral disease: wearing an antiviral dressing, timely vaccination, the use of an antiseptic for hand disinfection, the intake of vitamins, and the use of fruits and vegetables.

Avian influenza in humans

Signs of H5N1 flu are similar to the initial symptoms of the seasonal virus: fever, cough, heaviness in the muscles. In this case, the developed complications in the form of pneumonia or breathing problems result in a lethal outcome in 70-85% of cases. The severity of the disease depends on the patient's immunity or vaccination and on how dangerous this strain of influenza is for a single organism.

The largest number of infected H5N1 was recorded in Mexico, Taiwan, Japan, Canada. Currently, there are no cases recorded by medicine, when the carrier of the H5N1 virus was a human, but the bird flu continues to be a disease that can be fatal.

Prevention of a dangerous disease

There is no reliable data on the transmission of the avian influenza virus from humans to humans, but there are cases when infection occurred with direct contact with an infected bird or through surfaces contaminated with fecal feathered masses peddlers.

Infection from meat or eggs is impossible, since heat treatment kills the virus.

To protect yourself from the virus, you must:

1. Eat only eggs and meat after careful heat treatment for thirty minutes at 60-65 degrees;
2. Wash hands with soap for at least twenty seconds, use an antiseptic in situations where a full washing is impossible.
3. Cook poultry meat on a separate cutting board and in a separate bowl.
4. Remove from the diet raw eggs and eggs with semi-salty (liquid) yolk.
5. Avoid contact with an infected person if contact was unavoidable, should be measured temperature for three days at least twice a day, and also to monitor the appearance of symptoms in for a week.
6. During a pandemic and in dealing with a patient, it is recommended to wear a mask, changing it every three hours.
7. Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.

Remember! Annual vaccination against seasonal influenza does not contribute to the development of immunity against avian influenza.

Effective drugs for the treatment of the H5N1 virus

In detecting early symptoms of avian influenza, patients are prescribed broad-spectrum inhibitors, such as neuraminidases.

Usually, drugs are used for drug treatment: "Oseltamivir" Zanimivir "Relenza". If the temperature is raised to 38 degrees, it is recommended to use antipyretic, for example, paracetamol. When complicating the disease and suspected of pneumonia, antibiotics are prescribed.

In some cases, the use of "Antihypin" Analgin "Aspirin" can lead to severe consequences, for example, deafness.

H1N1 or a new flu, known as pork

For the first time, swine flu cases were reported in the United Kingdom (England) in 2009, within a few months the virus spread to two hundred countries, continents.

As a rule, the symptoms of all viral infections are very similar, and the swine flu is no exception. Types of influenza, such as A and C, show the same symptoms as H1N1, but unlike it do not go so painfully and do not give complications in the form of pulmonary pneumonia.

Symptoms of the H1N1 virus

Infected with an increase in temperature to 38-40 degrees, abnormal migraine, nasal congestion in combination with a runny nose, swelling of the throat, fatigue, dry cough and shortness of breath, heaviness in the muscles and joints, signs poisoning.

The course of the disease depends on the health and immune system of the individual, however, according to the data, all Those infected with H1N1 started treatment in the first seven days of the disease, so the treatment was successful and without complications.

Risk group

In case of infection with a virus in a risk group:

• women in the 1-3 trimester of pregnancy;
• elderly people at the age of sixty years;
• babies and children under seven;
• people suffering from chronic diseases: pneumonia, pyelonephritis, diabetes, congenital heart disease, cholecystitis, seasonal asthma.

If symptoms of H1N1 are found, you should consult a doctor, if there is no way to call an ambulance, you can start treatment with antiviral drugs: "Temiflu" Relenza "Zanomovir to enhance the effect of the shock dose should be taken in the first forty-eight hours.

Swine flu in children is treated mainly by means of "Temiflu" and "Relenza but they need to be applied with a special caution, since probably the manifestation of side effects, such as: heaviness in the abdomen, migraine, signs acute poisoning.

New flu can be treated with timely vaccination, it is especially important to vaccinate people at risk.

Avoid infection if you do not neglect the following measures:

• Use a disposable napkin for coughing and sneezing;
• observe the hygiene of the hands and face;
• ventilate the premises, maintain the cleanliness of household items;
• use a protective dressing;
• to carry out a timely vaccination.

Swine flu in children is usually epidemic.

The most bloody influenza virus in history

"Spaniard or Spanish flu - a virus that has claimed a huge number of lives in the history of human existence. From history it is known that in 1920-1921 (over 20 months) more than 600 million people were infected, i.е. 30 percent of the world's population. According to the number of deaths, this epidemic is among the most large-scale disasters in the history of mankind. The virus that causes such dangerous epidemics - A / 1HN1.

Symptoms of the disease:

1. Gray-blue complexion.
2. Cyanosis.
3. Infectious pneumonia.
4. Coughing with blood.
5. The more severe stages are accompanied by the presence of blood in the lungs, which subsequently leads to death from suffocation.

The disease can pass and is asymptomatic, but in this case the patient dies after a few days.

The Spanish flu acquired its name because of the place in which the pandemic was first recorded - in Spain.

Gastrointestinal influenza

Types of influenza, such as rotavirus infection or gastroenteritis, are in fact not considered to be influenza, because The causative agent of the disease is calicivirus, which leads to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract rights. In general, this disease affects children under the age of seven, and in rare cases, adults. At the same time, intestinal flu in adults with a strong immune system can proceed in a latent form, full recovery in this case occurs within a week.

Usually, the virus enters the body with non-observance of personal hygiene. In people, gastric flu was called "disease of dirty hands."

Symptoms and treatment of gastric flu

A few hours before the onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, there is a cough with phlegm, signs of sore throat, runny nose, which go away in a few days.

When the first signs of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor who prescribes medicinal enzymes to improve the digestive tract, such as "Activated charcoal filter" Smecta "Polysorb".

Quarantine for influenza

Quarantine is a measure aimed at preventing viral diseases. The term of quarantine, depending on the severity of the disease and the number of infected, is an average of one week.

Most often, quarantine for influenza at school or kindergarten is announced, this is due to the fact that the immune system in the child is not yet formed, and the body can not resist infection.

Quarantine is declared if more than 20 percent of children are absent from the school.

Before the expected epidemic, it is necessary to vaccinate adults and children (with the permission of the parents), to ventilate the premises, disinfect the work surfaces, and avoid a large crowd of people. It is important to remember, during the quarantine period for influenza or ARVI, preventive vaccinations and Mantoux reaction are prohibited.

Preventive measures for influenza

Doctors recommend to strengthen their body and immunity throughout the year with the help of hardening, physical education, proper nutrition and intake of vitamins and minerals. The most effective way is vaccination against influenza two to three months before the expected epidemic. In addition, in public places it is necessary to wear protective masks, changing them every three hours.

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Flu 2016: How to avoid infection?

Autumn is already on the doorstep, and this means that seasonal diseases make themselves felt. We will study the characteristics of influenza this year, the methods of treatment and prevention, as well as the main symptoms of the disease.

Information that the virus mutates for more than a year at all on hearing. The best specialists of WHO are engaged in the study of its species, analyze and predict which strain will make itself felt in the autumn-winter period and will be a real test for human health.

Every year, people with low immunity suffer from seasonal infectious and viral diseases. The main danger of the disease is that the virus is prone to frequent mutations. Every 10-20 years, the epidemiological situation changes drastically and is complicated by a complete mutation of the strain. But this does not mean that the symptomatology of the disorder is drastically changing. As a rule, more dangerous symptoms are added to the "classic" signs.

For 2015-2016 epidemiologists expect influenza outbreaks for November-January. And this means that the planned vaccination will be carried out in September-October. But for this season experts predict a stable situation even in the first months of cold weather. Therefore, there is an excellent chance to prepare for a meeting with the infection and to neutralize it.

Flu season 2016 is a hidden danger

For the coming season, doctors do not foreshadow catastrophic outbreaks of influenza. But this does not mean that you do not need to prevent the disease. Since the virus is rightfully considered the most dangerous among known virus lesions. The greatest danger is for people with chronic diseases of the respiratory system and a weakened immune system. The risk group includes elderly people, pregnant women and children.

In 2016, analysts predict an insignificant activity of earlier known strains:

• A / California / 7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09 is a subtype of swine flu, which became known in 2009. It is this virus that caused the epidemic all over the world. The greatest danger is the complications that very often lead to death. Infection can cause sinusitis, pneumonia and even inflammation of the meninges.
• A / Switzerland / 9715293/2013 (H3N2) is a subtype of strain A. Its danger in complications, which pathologically affect the cardiovascular system.
• B / Phuket / 3073/2013 (B / Yamagata) and B / Brisbane / 60/2008 - a subtype of strain B, refers to poorly studied viruses. The disease is difficult to diagnose because of the lubricated symptoms. But doctors do not consider it dangerous, since it does not cause life-threatening complications.

Solving the problem of influenza is significantly complicated by the fact that the symptoms that appear at its early stage can be observed in other diseases. Under the mask of influenza infection can be: tonsillitis, food poisoning, typhoid fever, rheumatism, dysentery, tuberculosis and other disorders. There are known influenza-like respiratory tract infections that occur as influenza, but are caused by very different viruses.

To date, there are eight families of such viruses, including the common cold viruses, adenoviruses, parainfluenza and 1RS viruses. Diseases caused by such an infection resemble a real flu. To determine the true pathogen that caused the outbreak, an antibody test is performed.

Flu 2015-2016: special risk groups

Any disease has certain risk groups among people who are predisposed to infection. Since influenza infection is a respiratory disease caused by viruses, its main danger is a high level of infectiousness, severe course and weight of complications. With improper treatment or lack of it, the ailment can be fatal.

Consider who is at risk for the incidence of influenza infection:

• Newborn children

Children have no immunity, which significantly increases the risk of infection. The situation is complicated by the fact that up to six months, routine vaccination is not carried out. To prevent illness, it is recommended to follow preventive measures. So, if the child is breastfed, the mother should be vaccinated. This will allow the baby to get antibodies through the milk. All who contact the child should also be vaccinated. If someone from family members have symptoms of infection, then any contact with the newborn is contraindicated.

• Pregnant

Immunity is weakened by hormonal changes caused by the development of the fetus. The flu of 2016 in a pregnant woman is dangerous for both the woman herself and her child. The most serious consequence of an ailment is premature birth. If a woman carries the disease on her legs, this can lead to the development of various defects in the fetus, even miscarriage is possible. Prevent these processes can be timely vaccination and preventive measures.

• Elderly people

The risk of infection is caused by a number of factors, primarily - a large number of chronic diseases and a natural decrease in immunity. Misconduct has a disastrous effect on vaccination.

In addition to the above categories, at-risk groups include people with chronic diseases and disabilities, patients with impaired neurological development, asthmatics, patients with chronic lung, kidney and liver lesions, as well as people with developmental delays and mental disorders.

World Flu 2016 - already on the threshold

Mixovirus influenzae that is the influenza virus, is a member of the family Orthomyxoviridae and has three forms: A, B, C. Types A and B are found in humans. Virus A is the main source of influenza epidemic, and type B provokes milder forms of the disease. Infection is determined by antigenic properties, that is, for the differentiation of A and B types, a solution of antigens of matrix proteins and antigens of non-cloproteins is used.

Consider the main clinical signs of viruses and their stages (found all over the world):

Virus	Symptoms	The form gravity	Assessment of severity	Flow features
A AT FROM	Intoxication of the body, headaches, chills, convulsive syndrome, catarrhal phenomena.	Lightweight	The temperature is subfebrile, with little indication of intoxication.	Without complications, a mild course.
Pathological changes from the bronchopulmonary system (hemorrhagic edema, bronchitis, segmental edema).	Medium Heavy	Body temperature 3, -3, ° C, symptoms of intoxication (head and muscle pains, adynamia, dizziness) are expressed. In rare cases, abdominal syndrome and segmental puffiness are possible.	Possible complications associated with the virus (neuritis, encephalitis and others).
Heavy	The body temperature reaches critical values ​​of 40-4 ° C. Possible loss of consciousness, nonsense, convulsions, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting.	It is characterized by bacterial complications (otitis media, purulent necrotic laryngo-tracheobranchitis, pneumonia, bronchitis)
Immunofluorescence and immunoenzyme assays have positive results	Hyper-toxic	Hyperthermal Syndrome; meningo-encephalitic syndrome; hemorrhagic syndrome

World statistics indicate that annually about 15% of humanity suffers from influenza. It is this affliction that causes irreversible damage to the structures of the brain and the cardiovascular system. The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a low activity of the infection for the coming year. But isolated cases of infection are possible, which can be prevented by a timely vaccine.

The flu epidemic 2016

The beginning of the flu epidemic is forecast for January-February 2016. There is still enough time to think about the options for prevention or get vaccinated. A sharp jump in the incidence rate is possible in November-December this year. The danger of the ailment is that only limited means are required to eliminate it.

Annually more than 200 thousand people die from the disease and its complications. Since infection occurs by airborne droplets, the flu takes the form of epidemics, that is, sudden outbreaks that quickly and suddenly spread. In especially acute periods, up to 50-70% of the total population can be infected.

To prevent the catastrophic extent of the disease, it is recommended to carry out prophylaxis. To date, vaccination is considered the most effective. This method not only reduces the mortality rate and maintains health, but also has a significant economic effect. This is due to the fact that the economic damage from the virus of one person is more than $ 100, and the cost of vaccination is 6-8 times lower than the losses from the disease.

For the 2015-2016 season, the composition of influenza vaccines has been updated, according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization. In the vaccine, two strains have been replaced, and now it protects against the three most commonly encountered and serious virus complications.

The strains of influenza vaccines:

• A / California / 7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09
• A / Switzerland / 9715293/2013 (H3N2) -like virus
• B / Phuket / 3073/2013-like virus

Compulsory vaccinations are free of charge: children from 6 months, schoolchildren, students, medical, educational, transport and communal workers. And also pregnant women, patients older than 60 years, persons subject to conscription for military service and people with chronic diseases. The procedure is allowed to be carried out simultaneously with other vaccinations, except for vaccination against tuberculosis.

Flu 2016 in Russia

According to the forecasts of the Federal Health Service, an increase in the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections will begin in January 2016. February will be unsuccessful, since an epidemic of moderate intensity is assumed. According to preliminary estimates by WHO in 2016, the following strains will prevail in Russia: AH1N1, AH3N2 and influenza B. These strains became the basis of the vaccine "Grippol plus which is about to vaccinate the Russians.

In all districts, the level of morbidity is monitored to prevent an epidemic. Influenza is dangerous because of complications, the most unfavorable of which is pneumonia. To date, it is this complication that holds the leading position among infectious diseases. Particular attention is paid to informing the population at the regional level.

Quarantine-restrictive measures have been developed in medical institutions. For the period of the epidemic, additional beds were procured and drugs were purchased, which would allow patients to be hospitalized in the infectious departments in a timely manner and begin therapy.

Flu 2016 in Ukraine

The World Health Organization has published a forecast of the circulation of strains of the influenza virus in this epidemic season for the northern hemisphere, which is likely to affect Ukraine. According to the data received, the composition of the viruses has been updated, so people with a weakened immune system need to be vaccinated.

For 2015-2016, it is recommended to use vaccines against such strains as:

• A / California / 7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09
• A / Switzerland / 9715293/2013 # 01
• In / Phuket / 3073/2013

In the past epidemic season, about, cases of influenza infection. At the same time, about 13% of the total population of the ARVI got sick, 49% of them - children under 16 years old. The Ukrainian Center for Disease Control and Monitoring regularly analyzes the immune stratum of the population. Fresh information indicates insufficient immunological protection of Ukrainians, which threatens the epidemic state and dangerous complications of influenza.

Symptoms of influenza 2016: warned - means armed

Clinical signs of influenza and SARS have much in common because of the defeat of the respiratory tract and general toxic symptoms. Influenza is an acute, infectious disease with mild catarrhal symptoms and severe toxicosis. The largest lesion occurs in the trachea and large bronchi. Symptomatics varies and depends on the immune status of the patient's body and age, as well as on the type of virus and its strain.

In 2015-2016, there can be both uncomplicated and complicated forms of the disease. The incubation period can last from a few hours to 1-5 days. After this, acute clinical manifestations begin. The severity of any form depends on the severity and duration of intoxication and catarrhal symptoms.

Intoxication

The main sign that manifests itself in the first hours of infection. The disease begins with a sharp rise in temperature, from subfebrile to hyperthermia. If the disease has an easy form, then the temperature is not high. Severity of intoxication shows the level of fever. When infected with type A (H1N1) virus, the symptoms of intoxication are poorly expressed even at very high body temperature.

• Temperature - acute and short. The period of fever lasts 2-6 days, after which the temperature decreases. If it persists for a long period of time, then this indicates complications.
• Headache - unpleasant sensations arise in the frontal and supraorbital areas, intensify when the eyeball moves. The severity of the pain may be different, but, as a rule, it is moderate. Pronounced pains are accompanied by sleep disorders, vomiting and unfavorable symptoms from the CNS.
• General weakness - this symptom also refers to the syndrome of intoxication. There is fatigue, increased sweating, a sense of weakness. The patient complains of muscle and joint pains, aches in the whole body, and especially in the lumbosacral region.
• Appearance - the patient's face looks red, conjunctivitis, photophobia and lacrimation possible.

Catarrhal syndrome

Another leading sign of influenza infection. But, as a rule, he recedes into the background, and in some cases is absent. The duration of catarrhal syndrome is 7-10 days, but cough may last longer.

• The oropharynx - the reddening of the soft palate with a distinction from the hard palate is observed. By the 3rd day of the disease, redness changes to a vascular network. If the ailment has a severe course, then in the soft palate there are small hemorrhages and cyanosis. The mucous membrane is restored on the 7-8th day of treatment.
• Nasopharynx - the nasal mucosa is hyperemic, dry, edematous. Nasal conchae are swollen, which significantly hinders breathing. These symptoms occur on day 2-3 of the disease and are accompanied by discharge from the nose. In the case of toxic damage to the vascular walls and intense sneezing, there may be nasal bleeding.
• Cough, tracheobronchitis, laryngitis - there are painful sensations behind the sternum, dry cough. If the flu is uncomplicated, then cough persists for 5-6 days. In addition, there is rapid breathing, pain in the throat, hoarse voices, wheezing.

• Cardiovascular system - changes due to toxic damage to the heart muscle. When the temperature rises, palpitations occur, accompanied by blanching of the skin. After this, there is sluggishness, slowing of the pulse and redness of the skin.
• Digestive system - changes are not expressed in character. There is a decrease in appetite, constipation, impaired intestinal motility. On the tongue appears a white coating, possibly an intestinal disorder.
• The urinary system - as the viruses are eliminated from the body through the kidneys, it leads to damage to the kidney tissue. In the analysis of urine appears protein and blood elements.
• CNS - toxic reactions from the nervous system entail severe headaches, drowsiness, anxiety, convulsions and loss of consciousness. In rare cases, there are meningic symptoms.

If the flu is extremely severe, complications can lead to cerebral edema and other pathologies. Lightning-fast form of influenza lesion represents a serious danger of death. Patients with chronic diseases and a weakened immune system are at risk. This form causes pulmonary and cerebral edema, various bleeding, severe respiratory failure and other complications.

Features of the flu 2016

Despite the fact that the season of acute infectious diseases has just begun, medical statistics are horrifying. Features of the flu of 2016 is that in the first week of the new year the disease was affected by about 125 thousand people. But the worst thing is an increase in the number of deaths.

The disease causes the influenza virus AN1N1, which first made itself felt in 2009. The average incidence of swine flu is 570 patients per 1, 00 population. In Ukraine, the highest rate of pathology is recorded in the Kiev and Odessa regions, the least affected in the Transcarpathian and Ternopil regions. On the territory of Russia, this strain also rages.

Because the infection is constantly mutating, this greatly complicates the process of diagnosis and treatment. In connection with the epidemiological situation, an intensified antiepidemic regime is being introduced in many cities. Schools and kindergartens are closed for quarantine, infectious hospitals are overcrowded, a masked regime is introduced. All forces are thrown on informing the population about a dangerous disease and the peculiarities of its prevention.

Who to contact?

Infectionist

What is the difference between a cold and flu?

Many people believe that the flu is a synonym for the common cold. Only the temperature rose, there was a runny nose and cough, the patients immediately diagnosed themselves as a flu. Of course, this approach is completely wrong. It is very important to understand the difference between these diseases. Colds are mild diseases with sparing symptoms. Influenza and its complications can cause pneumonia and death.

Influenza infection is a viral disease that is accompanied by high fever, muscle and joint pain, weakness. The common cold is a broader concept consisting of a complex of symptoms that are caused by both bacteria and viruses. That is, to treat the flu, you need a special medicine, and for a cold you need to establish the type of the disease and only then prescribe a therapy.

• The cold develops slowly, usually with malaise, and the flu - with a sharp temperature jump and increased weakness.
• Colds can be both viral and bacterial etiology, influenza is an acute viral lesion.
• For the diagnosis of influenza, bacteriological tests are used, and laboratory tests are used to confirm the cold.
• As a rule, the cold has a favorable outcome, and the flu, especially severe and neglected forms, leads to complications and even death.

Influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory infections are colds that have a common symptom but differ in the nature of their course and duration.

Symptomatology	Flu	Other SARS
Time from infection to the first signs	1-2 hours to 2-5 days	2-7 days
Onset of disease	Fast, there is a headache, chills, weakness.	Gradually, there is a runny nose, cough, mild weakness.
Temperature	& g;, C
Painful symptoms	General malaise and fever, pain in the muscles.	The defeat of the upper respiratory tract (cough, wheezing).
Complications	Often	Rarely

As a rule, the incidence of colds increases from the end of August and lasts until the spring period. The flu is characterized by epidemiological outbreaks in December and February.

How to treat the flu 2016?

At the first symptoms of a malaise it is very important to react correctly and prevent the development of infection. Treatment of influenza is a complex of procedures that allow to destroy the virus and restore normal functioning of the organism with minimal complications.

Consider the algorithm that should be followed for influenza infection:

• Bed rest

Disease can not be carried on legs, therefore during this period it is necessary to observe bed rest and to sleep more. But do not forget that an ailment is not an excuse to spend time watching TV or at a computer.

• Drinking regime

During illness, there is increased sweating, which can lead to dehydration of the body. Therefore, to maintain the water-salt balance, you need to consume a sufficient amount of liquid (herbal teas, juices, fruit drinks, pure water).

• The climate in the apartment

It is necessary to regularly carry out wet cleaning in the room, since a moist climate helps to tolerate the disease more easily. Ventilation of the premises will allow the accumulation of accumulated microbes and viruses. In addition, fresh air promotes recovery and improves well-being. You can use a variety of aroma lamps with aromatic oils or salt lamps that kill germs.

• Food

Despite the fact that in the early days of the disease the appetite is significantly reduced, proper nutrition will enrich the body and weakened immune system with vitamins and beneficial substances. Food should be easy, the diet should predominate porridge, soups, boiled meat, fruits and vegetables.

• Vitamins

Help to maintain the body in a tone and quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Vitamin complexes - Vitrum and Supradin - have a good immunomodulating effect.

In addition to the above methods of treatment, there is also drug therapy. Acceptance of medications should be informed and recommended by the attending physician. Independently take pills is contraindicated. To date, there is no shortage of medicines that eliminate viral and colds. Consider their classification by general criteria.

Drugs for symptomatic therapy

Drugs of this category eliminate only the symptoms of the disease: heat, muscle and headaches, nasal congestion, cough. Such pills do not affect the virus, so they should be used as a secondary agent.

• Analgesics and antipyretic drugs - have analgesic effect, relieve muscle and joint pain.
• Vasoconstrictors - help to eliminate nasal congestion, swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and nasal sinuses.
• Antihistamines - reduce swelling of mucous membranes, eliminate inflammation, lacrimation and itching. Most often, patients are prescribed: Chlorphenamine, Promethazine.

The above-described drugs do not eliminate the viral infection, but soften its symptoms. Duration of therapy is 3-5 days.

Drugs affecting the immune system and the virus

These drugs are prescribed only after determining the cause of the disease and the type of virus. Antiviral and immunomodulating drugs destroy the virus and prevent the possibility of development of the pathogen. Preparations of this category are classified according to the mechanism of action:

• Inhibitors of neuraminidase - stop the spread of infection in the body, reduce the risk of complications. Most often, patients are prescribed: Oseltamivir and Zanamivir.
• Inductors interferon - perfectly combined with other antiviral agents and enhance their effect. Promote the production of proteins in the body that suppress the infection. Effective as a preventive tool during influenza epidemics. This category includes: Cycloferon, Arbidol, Amiksin.
• The blockers of the viral protein M2 are antiviral agents of the type A. Appointed very rarely, as they have many side effects: Rimantadine, Amantadine
• In addition to the above described funds, antiviral preparations are isolated, we consider them:
• Homeopathic medicines - Aflubin, Anaferon, Arbidol, Antigrippin.
• Immunostimulating agents - Koldenflu, Imudon, Kagocel, Amiksin.
• Antitussive - Ats, Lazolvan, Kodelak, Libeksin, Sinekod.
• To relieve the inflammation of the throat and the common cold - Pharinggocept, Strepsils, Nazivin, Naftizin, Sinupret.
• Antiviral powders - Koldakt, Lemsip, Nurofen, Panadol, Tamaflu, Kodelmikst.

Any drugs aimed at treating a viral disease should be prescribed by the attending physician. Their independent use can cause serious side effects from all organs and systems, which will aggravate the course of the underlying disease.

Read also:

• The most modern means of influenza
• Treatment of influenza by folk methods
• Home remedies for flu: which ones to choose?

Complications of the 2016 flu

AH1N1 or swine flu hit the world in 2009, taking with it a lot of human lives. This year, a mutated strain appeared, which also caused deaths. Its danger in rapid spread, especially in rainy and wet weather. Since this winter lives on the weather of autumn, it is this that can explain the prevailing epidemiological situation.

Danger of the virus in its complications. Flu 2016 causes non-susceptible antibiotic viral pneumonia. The disease quickly affects the lungs and vascular system, provoking puffiness, which can lead to death within 24 hours. The preconditions for secondary infection are associated with a weakened immune system. Because of the severe inflammatory process, she can not fight new pathologies.

Signs of secondary infection in cases of flu have differed depending on the general condition of the body and the bacteria that caused the pathology. But characteristic for all the symptom (appears on the 3-6th day of the disease) is the second wave of fever. It is from this point on the life of the patient depends on the effectiveness of treatment.

Consider the most common complications of influenza 2016:

• Pneumonia - the danger of pneumonia is that it appears suddenly when it seems that the disease has receded. High body temperature 39-40 ° C is accompanied by chills, pain in the chest, cough with phlegm and blood.
• Sinusitis - a prolonged inflammatory process in the nasopharynx causes severe headaches, changes in the voice. Perhaps the redness of the skin and the release of pus from the sinuses.
• Otitis - this complication occurs in both children and adults. There are severe pains in the ears with sharp lumbago, which intensify during conversation, food intake or pressure in the ear.

With timely medical care, these bacterial complications can be quickly eliminated. For treatment use a wide range of antibiotics and vitamin therapy.

More dangerous complications:

• Hypertensive pneumonia - many specialists attribute this pathology to influenza varieties, but in fact it is its consequence. Body temperature exceeds the threshold of 40 ° C, it is accompanied by neurotoxicosis, convulsions, hallucinations, nosebleeds. It is this pathology that is the main cause of deaths from influenza.
• Reye syndrome - as a rule, occurs in patients under 12 years of age. It arises because of the use during therapy of aspirin, which destroys the functioning of the liver and the central nervous system. In half the case this leads to death. The first symptoms appear on the 5th-6th day of the disease. In children, convulsions, respiratory disorders, increased drowsiness, apathy, coma begin. The only prevention of this pathology is the rejection of aspirin during the treatment of viral infections.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome is another complication that occurs most often in children. It makes itself felt 1-2 weeks after the flu. The child suffers from muscle pain, increased weakness, heart rate abnormalities and blood pressure, impaired kidney function. The main cause of the disorder is that the body produces antibodies to its cells in the nervous system that have been infected with the virus. The acute period lasts for a month, and for a full recovery it will take years. Without timely medical assistance, the child is paralyzed, and even death.

Another group of influenza complications are brain and CNS lesions. The risk group includes children, people with predisposition to brain disorders, pregnant women and elderly patients.

• Meningitis - there are severe headaches in combination with vomiting and increased tone of the neck and neck muscles. In especially severe cases, the patient throws back his head. The prognosis of the pathology depends on the results of the diagnosis, but, as a rule, unfavorable.
• Encephalitis - influenza infection affects the cerebral cortex and cerebral vessels. It develops at the acute stage of the flu, that is, in the early days. Against this background, there is a high fever, convulsions, loss of consciousness and even violations of speech function. May lead to paralysis or paresis.
• Arachnoiditis - this complication has a hidden nature, since it may appear in a couple of months, or even a year after the flu-like defeat. For its slow course, there is a growing symptomatology. Patients complain of frequent headaches, nausea, tinnitus, increased fatigue. There are epileptic seizures, reduced visual acuity and hearing. Most often, arachnoiditis is detected in differential diagnostics with oncology.

The pathologies described above are only a small part of what the flu can lead to. The reason for concern should be an unexpectedly emerging, uncharacteristic for the viral infection symptomatology. At the first signs of a pathological condition, you need to seek medical help. After a comprehensive examination, the doctor will determine the reality of the threat of complications.

How to prevent the flu this season 2015-2016?

Many preventive measures are used to prevent influenza. But special attention is paid to vaccination, which is a specific immunoprophylaxis.

To date, there are three generations of vaccines - whole-virion, split, subunit. They have in their composition viral antigens, which allows the body to develop protection. But this method has a number of drawbacks. The vaccination is done from one virus, so if another species appears during the epidemic, the vaccine will not protect and will have to be vaccinated again. Do not forget about those cases when vaccination caused a number of negative consequences. Therefore, this method is a personal choice for everyone.

Read also: Vaccination against influenza

Common methods of preventing infection:

• Strengthening the immune system - for preventive purposes it is recommended to take immunostimulating drugs and carry out tempering of the body.
• Vitamin therapy - to strengthen the protective properties of the immune system, natural vitamins are excellent, which are found in fresh vegetables, fruits and greens.
• Hygiene - after visiting the street, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean your nose with a solution of sea salt.
• Avoid places of congestion - during the epidemic, refuse to visit public places and transport. To prevent infection, wear a cotton-gauze dressing.
• Healthy indoor climate - regularly wet cleaning and airing. If you have a humidifier, an aroma lamp or a salt lamp, then use them, they kill germs in the room and refresh the air.

Flu 2016 is a seasonal ailment, to the appearance of which it is possible to prepare. Conducting elementary preventive measures, will protect against acute viral infection.

Mortality in influenza in 2016

According to official data, about 30 people died of influenza infection in Ukraine this year. Mortality in influenza in 2016 is many times higher than this figure for the past period. Since the beginning of the epidemic season, that is, from October 1, 2015 to today, about, cases of influenza and ARVI. About 4% of all patients were hospitalized, the majority of whom were children under 17 years of age - 75%.

The seriousness of the situation is aggravated by a sharp increase in mortality. This season prevails swine flu (Californian strain). 80% of deaths are associated with late seeking medical help (5-6 days). This indicates that many people do not perform basic preventive recommendations.

To date, it is difficult to predict the extent and lethality of the influenza epidemic. Therefore, at the first sign of the disease, you need to seek medical help. In order to prevent pathology and its complications, it is very important to carry out prevention:

1. Always wash your hands - in most cases, infection occurs by contact. Malicious microorganisms can live on the surface of infected objects for several hours, or even weeks. Disinfect hands after visiting public transport and other places of congestion.
2. Limit the use of alcohol and nicotine - it is the smokers and alcoholics who are most often ill with the flu and have its complications. Tobacco smoke dries the nasal passages and paralyzes the ciliated epithelium, which begins to pass the infection into the body. Passive smoking also poses a danger, as it reduces the status of the immune system.
3. Drink plenty of fluids, do exercises and breathe fresh air. Regular airing of the room and walks in the fresh air temper the body. Physical loads accelerate the oxygen exchange between the circulatory system and the lungs, which contributes to the elimination of toxins.

Do not forget that the flu is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases to date. And even if the disease is not severe, it can cause serious consequences.

ilive.com.ua

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