Influenza is a common viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs.
Influenza should not be confused with the old concept of "stomach flu", which is defined viral gastroenteritis, accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.
Different strains of the influenza virus can affect both humans and many animal species.
Some strains are specific, that is, they act only on humans or only on certain animals. Other strains can be transmitted from animals to humans. Everyone remembers the famous bird flu - a zoonotic infection that originally originated among birds, but caused an epidemic of flu among humans.
Influenza strains circulate around the world, occasionally causing serious epidemics. Especially dangerous strains of influenza became the culprits of pandemics thrice in the last century. The most terrible pandemic occurred in 1918 - it was the so-called Spanish flu, or "Spaniard". Its name may not be entirely correct, because the first cases of this lethal flu appeared not in Spain, but in the US and some other places in Europe. This pandemic has claimed from 20 to 50 million human lives.
Influenza and its complications can be fatal.
Especially dangerous is the flu for certain categories of people with a weakened body:.
• Small children.
• Aged people.
• Pregnant women.
• People with impaired immunity.
• People with severe chronic illnesses.
The best protection against influenza is the timely annual vaccination.
Causes and risk factors for influenza.
Influenza virus is easily transmitted by airborne droplets when a sick person is talking, sneezing or coughing. We can inhale the virus particles directly, and we can contact them when we touch the infected objects: the handset, the buttons in the elevator, the escalator handrails, the computer keys, etc.. Then, if we do not observe hygiene, the particles of the virus fall into the eyes, nose, mouth.
Influenza virus is characterized by variability: its proteins very easily change the structure, forming all new strains.
If you have the flu, then your body will have antibodies to a certain strain of the virus, but you will be less resistant to the new strain. Everything depends on the similarity of these viruses. If the new influenza virus is immunologically similar to the one you have had, then your immunity will provide partial protection - you can not get sick so seriously. If the new strain is very different, then the old antibodies will not protect you. The same applies to vaccines that stimulate the production of antibodies in the body only to certain strains.
The risk factors for influenza include:.
• Age. Seasonal flu most often affects children and the elderly. But the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic proved to be the most dangerous for teenagers and young people.
• Occupation. Health care workers, teachers and kindergarten teachers are most often in contact with influenza patients.
• Accommodations. People who live in close quarters with other people (hostels, prisons and barracks) are most susceptible to influenza infection.
• Weakened immune system. Medicines against cancer, immunosuppressors, corticosteroid hormones can weaken the immune system. Some diseases, such as AIDS, also make the body immune to infections.
• Chronic diseases. Bronchial asthma, diabetes, certain heart diseases are associated with a high risk of complications of influenza.
• Pregnancy. Pregnant women are particularly at risk for complications after the flu, particularly in the second and third trimester.
Symptoms of influenza.
Initially, the flu looks like a common cold with a cold, sneezing, sore throat. But catarrhal diseases most often develop gradually, while influenza occurs suddenly. A cold can be just a small nuisance, and the flu often puts a healthy adult person in bed for a week, or even more.
Common signs of influenza:.
• Sudden rise in temperature above 38 ° C.
• Muscle aches, especially in the back, arms and legs.
• Chills and sweating.
• Headache, pain in the eyes.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea.
• Dry cough.
When should I see a doctor?.
If you experience symptoms of influenza and are at risk for complications, do not neglect your doctor's advice. Taking antivirals within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms will help you reduce the period of the illness and reduce the risk of complications.
Treatment of influenza.
Over the past half century, a huge number of drugs for the treatment and prevention of influenza. The approach to treatment of influenza in different parts of the world is different. In the countries of the former USSR widely used drugs interferon, immunomodulators, vitamin C. In the United States, amantadine and more advanced drugs with a direct antiviral effect (oseltamivir) are recognized, and the role of vitamin C in the treatment of influenza is completely rejected.
It should be noted Russian antiviral and immunomodulating drug tiloron (Lavomax, Amiksin), which effectively stimulates the immune system (increases the production of T cells), thereby preventing influenza and other ARVI. The timely reception of Tyloron in the first day helps to shorten the duration of the disease and alleviate the condition. In the West, including in the US, Tylorone is not used yet, but it can be found about positive reviews in the literature.
One of the newest Russian drugs, vitaglutam (Ingavirin), violates the reproduction of the influenza virus in human cells, acting on the nucleoproteins of the virus. It also increases the level of T-lymphocytes designed to fight infection. The drug is highly safe, available without a doctor's prescription.. In the West, this tool has not yet been disseminated.
American experts recommend for the treatment of influenza drugs with direct antiviral action, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). If you take them immediately after the onset of symptoms, they can shorten the period of the illness and prevent serious complications.
Oseltamivir is intended for oral administration. Zanamivir is used in the form of inhalations with a device similar to an asthma inhaler. But this remedy should not be used for problems with the respiratory tract, such as bronchial asthma. Side effects of antiviral agents include nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions. Oseltamivir is associated with the appearance of delirium and inadequate behavior in adolescents.
Some strains of the influenza virus become resistant to oseltamivir and amantadine, an old anti-influenza drug.
Tips for people with the flu.
If you get sick with the flu, you can try a few simple steps:.
• Drink plenty of fluids. It is necessary to use non-acidic juices, water and warm broth. This will help to avoid dehydration. If your urine has become amber or dark yellow, this may indicate a lack of fluid in the body. Drink plenty of fluids so that the urine returns to its normal, light yellow color.
• Take symptomatic medications. With pain, heat and cold, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers and antipyretic agents. Usually, these drugs are based on paracetamol (Pharmacitron), acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin Complex) and ibuprofen (Ibuprom-Sinus). But each anti-cold complex has its own peculiarities and limitations. Do not forget to consult a pharmacist!.
• Rest. Do not forget that a full rest (bed rest) saves your strength. This means that your body will quickly cope with the virus, and the risk of complications and the duration of the disease will decrease.
Complications of influenza.
If you are young and healthy, then seasonal flu is unlikely to be a serious problem for you. Of course, you can get out of the usual rhythm of life for a few days, but the risk of complications with proper treatment will be minimal.
But children and other categories of people with weak immunity can develop:.
• Pneumonia.
• Bronchitis.
• Sinusitis.
• Otitis.
Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) is the most serious complication of influenza. For the elderly and severely ill people, pneumonia can be fatal. The best measure for such persons is the timely seasonal prevention of influenza.
Prevention of influenza.
Recommendations for vaccination against influenza in different countries differ. The US CDC recommends seasonal flu vaccination to all people over 6 months of age.
Each year, you need to purchase a new seasonal flu vaccine that contains the three major viruses expected this year. In the US, influenza vaccines are usually supplied as a nasal spray. In many other countries, vaccines are injected.
Controlling the spread of infection.
The vaccine against influenza is not 100% effective, so it is very important to take action against the spread of infection:.
• Wash your hands thoroughly. Frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent flu, as do many other respiratory and intestinal infections. It is advisable to wash your hands using an antiseptic, such as Stop-infection or Sterilium (these drugs are available in pharmacies). On the road, use alcohol wipes.
• Restrain your cough and sneeze. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, so as not to spread the virus. In order not to contaminate your hands, use a handkerchief or hide yourself with your elbow (but not your fist).
• Avoid crowding people. Influenza is easily spread in crowded areas, such as hospital corridors, underground, to the public. Avoid visiting crowded places at the height of the epidemic.
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