Flu spreading. Viral flu. People prone to complications

Influenza is an acute viral disease that affects millions of people every year. Influenza is caused by three types of viruses - A, B, C. Influenza A is the most common, but influenza B should not be underestimated. In the WHO forecast of the circulation and relevance of influenza viruses for each epidemic season, type B viruses are almost always present. The upcoming 2017-2018 season is no exception. In it, two strains of influenza A virus and one strain B can cause an epidemic outbreak.

Symptoms of influenza B

The disease develops acutely. It all usually starts with an increase in body temperature (up to 38 and even 39 degrees). In addition to fever, patients may be concerned about:

severe weakness, weakness, malaise;
, bones, joints;
redness of the eyes, discomfort in the eyeballs;
sensations of dryness and burning in the nose and throat.

After 1-2 days, the following manifestations of the disease are added:

dry sweltering (may be barking);

Influenza B lasts on average 5-7 days. If the patient’s immunity is weakened or if he ignores the doctor’s recommendations (self-medicates, goes outside and to work with a fever, etc.), complications may develop (they are presented in accordance with the frequency of occurrence - from the most common to the rarest) :

Features of influenza B

The clinical picture of influenza B is very similar to influenza A. However, some features can be distinguished in it (comparison with influenza A):

The numbers to which the patient’s body temperature rises are lower, but in general the fever lasts longer.
Patients often suffer from pain in the head, muscles and joints.
Cough, runny nose, sore throat are short-lived.
Complications develop less frequently.

Of course, based on these features, the doctor cannot accurately determine that the patient has Influenza B. Moreover, an accurate diagnosis of “Influenza” can only be made based on the results of virological studies. Therefore, during an epidemic, any cold should be treated as a flu and be sure to seek medical help and in no case self-medicate.

Treatment of influenza B

Treatment tactics for influenza B include:

, which allows you to reduce the symptoms of the disease and the risk of complications - bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, a light diet, antipyretic drugs, multivitamin complexes, vasoconstrictor nasal drops, expectorants, topical medications, etc.
Specific therapy– purpose of and inducers (stimulators of synthesis) of interferons.

In most cases, patients need basic therapy (many studies confirm that the use of antiviral drugs and interferon does not significantly affect the overall duration of the flu). If the disease is severe, if the patient is weakened, or if he is at risk of developing complications, the use of specific therapy is advisable. Oseltamivir is considered the most effective drug for this disease, but rimantadine, which is often used to treat influenza A, is ineffective. This, by the way, is another distinctive feature of influenza B.

Patients with mild to moderately severe influenza B can be treated at home. A prerequisite for such treatment is to call a therapist and follow his recommendations.

Prevention of influenza B

There are several ways to protect yourself from influenza B. The most effective of them is. It must be done before the epidemic rise in incidence - before December. But since flu vaccines appear in medical institutions no earlier than September-October, the time period for vaccinations is reduced to 2 months - October-November. It’s also worth noting that to get truly effective protection against influenza B, you need to get vaccinated every year.

In addition to vaccination, there are other measures B. All of them are not specific, since they imply a special model of behavior that makes it possible to prevent various respiratory viral diseases. Such preventive measures include:

Minimizing visits to public places.
Avoid contact with sick people.
Frequent hand washing. On the road and in public places, it is advisable to have wet wipes or a special disinfectant spray with you, since it may not always be possible to wash your hands.
Daily ventilation of premises.
Regular wet cleaning.

In addition, it is important to increase the body's natural resistance to infections. To do this, first of all, you need to become an adherent of a healthy lifestyle. Cigarettes, alcohol - all this kills ours. Another important link in maintaining health is a balanced diet. Don't forget about sleep and proper rest. Exhausted by work, the body simply cannot be healthy and strong.

And finally, it is worth mentioning one more preventive measure - moisturizing mucous membranes. If the mucous membranes are dry, secretory immunoglobulins, which are part of the local immunity of the respiratory tract, disappear from their surface. Therefore, it is extremely important in winter to use special nasal sprays with sea water or simply rinse your nose with a salt solution. This procedure is considered most effective before going outside. Although after visiting public places, moisturizing and cleansing the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract also does not hurt.

Zubkova Olga Sergeevna, medical observer, epidemiologist

Influenza is an acute viral disease that can affect the upper and lower respiratory tract, is accompanied by severe intoxication and can lead to serious complications and deaths, mainly in elderly patients and children. Epidemics appear almost every year, usually in autumn and winter, and more than 15% of the population is affected.

Influenza is part of the group of acute respiratory viral infections -. A person with influenza poses the greatest infectious danger in the first 5-6 days from the onset of the disease. The route of transmission is aerosol. The duration of the disease, as a rule, does not exceed a week.

We will look in more detail about the causes, first signs and general symptoms in adults, as well as treatment and complications in this material.

What is the flu?

Influenza is an acute respiratory viral infection caused by viruses of groups A, B or C, occurring with severe toxicosis, fever, and damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Many people mistake the flu for a common cold and do not take appropriate measures to stop the effects of the virus and prevent infection of persons in contact with a sick person.

In winter and autumn, the increase in the incidence of this virus is explained by the fact that large groups of people stay indoors for a long period of time. Initially, an outbreak of infection is observed among preschool children and among the adult population, and then the disease is registered more often in older people.

Prevention of influenza epidemic largely depends on the consciousness of an already sick person, who needs to avoid public places with large crowds of people, for whom the sick person, especially coughing and sneezing, poses a potential risk of infection.

Types of influenza virus

Flu is divided into:

type A (subtypes A1, A2). The cause of most epidemics is the influenza virus type A, its varieties are numerous, it is capable of infecting both people and animals (bird flu, swine flu, etc.), and is also capable of rapid genetic changes.
type B. Type B influenza viruses often do not cause epidemics and are much more easily transmitted than type A influenza.
type C. Occurs in isolated cases and occurs in a mild or completely asymptomatic form.

Once inside the cell, the virus begins to actively multiply, provoking an acute viral respiratory infection called influenza. The disease is accompanied by a feverish state, intoxication of the body and other symptoms.

The influenza virus is extremely variable. Every year, new subtypes (strains) of the virus appear that our immune system has not yet encountered and, therefore, cannot easily cope with. This is why flu vaccines cannot provide 100% protection - there is always the possibility of a new mutation of the virus.

Causes

Influenza is caused by a group of viruses belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. There are three large genera - A, B and C, which are divided into serotypes H and N, depending on which proteins are found on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin or neuraminidase. There are 25 such subtypes in total, but 5 of them are found in humans, and one virus can contain both types of proteins of different subtypes.

The main cause of influenza- viral infection of a person with subsequent spread of the microorganism throughout the human body.

The source is an already sick person who releases the virus into the environment by coughing, sneezing, etc. Having an aerosol transmission mechanism (inhalation of droplets of mucus, saliva), the flu spreads quite quickly - the patient poses a danger to others within a week, starting from the first hours of infection.

In each epidemic year, influenza complications claim an average of from 2000 to 5000 people. These are mainly people over 60 years of age and children. In 50% of cases, the cause of death is complications from the cardiovascular system and in 25% of cases complications from the pulmonary system.

How is influenza transmitted?

Like all infectious diseases, influenza spreads from a source to a susceptible organism. The source of influenza is a sick person with obvious or subtle clinical manifestations. The peak of contagiousness occurs in the first six days of the disease.

Mechanism of transmission of influenza– aerosol, the virus spreads by airborne droplets. Excretion occurs with saliva and sputum (when coughing, sneezing, talking), which in the form of a fine aerosol spreads into the air and is inhaled by other people.

In some cases, it is possible to implement a contact household route of transmission (mainly through dishes and toys).

It has not been established precisely due to what protective mechanisms the virus stops reproducing and recovery occurs. Usually after 2-5 days the virus stops being released into the environment, i.e. a sick person ceases to be dangerous.

Incubation period

The incubation period of influenza is the period of time that the virus needs to multiply in the human body. It begins from the moment of infection and continues until the first symptoms of influenza appear.

As a rule, the incubation period leaves from 3-5 hours to 3 days. Most often it lasts 1-2 days.

The smaller the initial amount of virus that enters the body, the longer the incubation period of the flu will be. This time also depends on the state of the person’s immune defense.

First signs

The first signs of the flu are as follows:

Body aches.
Headache.
Chills or fever.
Runny nose.
Trembling in the body.
Pain in the eyes.
Sweating.
Unpleasant feeling in the mouth.
Lethargy, apathy or irritability.

The main symptom of the disease is a sharp rise in body temperature to 38-40 degrees Celsius.

Flu symptoms in adults

The duration of incubation is approximately 1-2 days (possibly from several hours to 5 days). This is followed by a period of acute clinical manifestations of the disease. The severity of an uncomplicated disease is determined by the duration and severity of intoxication.

In the first days, a person with the flu looks as if he was in tears, there is pronounced redness and puffiness of the face, shiny and reddish eyes with a “sparkle.” The mucous membrane of the palate, arches and walls of the pharynx is bright red.

Flu symptoms are:

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

Objective signs are the appearance in the patient:

hyperemia of the face and conjunctiva of the eyes,
scleritis,
dry skin.

High fever and other manifestations of intoxication usually last up to 5 days. If the fever does not subside after 5 days, bacterial complications should be assumed.

Catarrhal phenomena continue a little longer - up to 7-10 days. After their disappearance, the patient is considered recovered, but for another 2-3 weeks the consequences of the disease may be observed: weakness, irritability, headache, possibly.

In the absence of complications, the disease lasts 7-10 days. During this time, its symptoms gradually subside, although general weakness may persist for up to two weeks.

Flu symptoms that require calling an ambulance:

Temperature 40 ºС and above.
Maintaining a high temperature for more than 5 days.
Severe headache that does not go away when taking painkillers, especially when localized in the back of the head.
Shortness of breath, rapid or irregular breathing.
Impaired consciousness – delusions or hallucinations, forgetfulness.
Cramps.
The appearance of a hemorrhagic rash on the skin.

If the flu has an uncomplicated course, the fever can last 2-4 days, and the disease ends in 5-10 days. After the disease for 2-3 weeks, post-infectious asthenia is possible, which is manifested by general weakness, sleep disturbance, increased fatigue, irritability, headache and other symptoms.

Disease severity

There are 3 degrees of severity of influenza.

Easy degree	Accompanied by a slight increase in temperature not exceeding 38°C, moderate headache and catarrhal symptoms. Objective signs of intoxication syndrome in the case of mild influenza are a pulse rate of less than 90 beats per minute with unchanged blood pressure. Respiratory disorders are not typical for mild cases.
Average	Temperature 38–39 °C, there are pronounced symptoms, intoxication.
Severe degree	Temperature above 40 °C, convulsions, delirium, and vomiting may occur. The danger lies in the development of complications, such as cerebral edema, infectious-toxic shock, hemorrhagic syndrome.

Complications of influenza

When the virus attacks the body, the resistance of the immune system decreases, and the risk of complications (a process that develops against the background of the underlying disease) increases. And you can quickly get over the flu, but suffer from its consequences for a long time.

Influenza can be complicated by various pathologies both in the early period (usually caused by an associated bacterial infection) and later. Severe complicated course of influenza usually occurs in young children, elderly and weakened individuals suffering from chronic diseases of various organs.

Complications are:

, (frontal sinusitis, sinusitis);
bronchitis, pneumonia, ;
, encephalitis;
endocarditis, .

Typically, late complications of influenza are associated with the addition of a bacterial infection, which requires antibiotic treatment.

People prone to complications

elderly (over 55 years old);
infants (from 4 months to 4 years);
people with chronic diseases of an infectious nature (having chronic otitis media, etc.);
those suffering from heart and lung diseases;
people with immune system disorders;
pregnant women.

Flu unfortunately affects all vital systems of the human body, which is why it is one of the most unpredictable diseases.

Diagnostics

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

Diagnosis of influenza is based on a typical clinical picture. In case of a sharp rise in temperature, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Observation by a doctor during influenza is very important, because... it will allow timely detection of the onset of possible bacterial complications.

When the temperature rises sharply, the following is required:

medical examination;
taking anamnesis;
general blood analysis.

Flu treatment

In adults, treatment of influenza, in most cases, is carried out at home. Only severe illness or the presence of one of the following dangerous symptoms requires hospitalization:

temperature 40°C or more;
vomit;
convulsions;
dyspnea;
arrhythmia;
decrease in blood pressure.

As a rule, when treating influenza the following are prescribed:

drinking plenty of water;
antipyretics;
immune support products;
drugs that relieve catarrhal symptoms (vasoconstrictors to facilitate nasal breathing, antitussives);
antihistamines if there is a threat of an allergic reaction.

To combat fever, antipyretic drugs are indicated, of which there are a lot today, but it is preferable to take paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as any drugs that are made on their basis. Antipyretic drugs are indicated if body temperature exceeds 38° C.

For the flu it's important to drink more fluids- it will help to quickly remove toxins from the body and alleviate the patient’s condition.

Treatment regimen for influenza in adults

The treatment regimen for influenza includes sequential procedures to relieve current symptoms of the disease and neutralize viral cells.

Antiviral. Antiviral medications for influenza are indicated to kill viruses. So, you should take: Arbidol, and Anaferon. Taking antiviral drugs for influenza will not only help shorten the duration of the disease, but also prevent the development of complications, so they should be used in people with reduced immunity. Antiviral drugs are also used to treat complications.
Antihistamines. Special antihistamines are prescribed for influenza - these are medications used in the treatment of allergies, since they reduce all signs of inflammation: swelling of the mucous membranes and nasal congestion. Drugs belonging to the first generation of this group - tavegil, suprastin, diphenhydramine - have a side effect such as drowsiness. The next generation of drugs - fenistil, Zyrtec - do not have a similar effect.
Antipyretic. To combat fever, antipyretic drugs are used, of which there are a great variety today, but it is preferable to use paracetamol and ibuprofen, as well as drugs made on the basis of these substances. Antipyretic drugs are used when the temperature rises above 38.5 o C.
Expectorants. In addition, you should take expectorants for the flu (Gerbion, Ambroxol, Mucaltin).
Drops. To relieve symptoms such as a stuffy nose, vasoconstrictors are used: Evkazolin, Naphthyzin, Tizin, Rinazolin. Drops are instilled three times a day, 1 drop into each nasal passage.
Gargling. Periodic gargling with herbal decoctions, soda-salt solutions, regular plenty of warm drinks, rest and bed rest are also recommended.

With influenza, as with other acute respiratory viral infections, there is no need to prescribe antibiotics; they are advisable only if the bacterial nature of the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is suspected.

To prevent complications from developing, always strictly follow the prescribed treatment, maintain bed rest during the acute period, do not stop taking medications and treatment procedures prematurely.

To cure the flu at home it is worth observe the truisms:

Bed rest is required.
Taking antiviral drugs and other drugs to support immunity.
Ventilate the room daily, wet cleaning of the room if possible is advisable. A patient with flu symptoms is wrapped up and a warmer environment is created. You shouldn’t freeze the room, but you should do regular ventilation.
You need to drink plenty of fluids. About 2-3 liters per day. Compotes, fruit drinks, tea with lemon, with fruit will be the best helper.
To prevent the development of complications on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, maximum rest is necessary; any intellectual stress is contraindicated.
During the period of illness and for several weeks after it, it is necessary to take the utmost care of your health; taking vitamin-mineral complexes and consuming vitamin-containing foods is recommended.

Nutrition and diet

How to treat flu at home? A flu diet is a prerequisite for a quick recovery. However, do not be alarmed when you see this word. You don't have to starve yourself if you have the flu. The list of foods that are best to eat during illness is quite extensive.

Decoctions of medicinal herbs;
Fresh fruit juice;
Warm broth, chicken broth is especially useful;
Baked fish or lean meat;
Light vegetable soups;
Dairy products;
Nuts and seeds;
Legumes;
Eggs;
Citrus.

As you understand, nutrition for the flu consists not only of those foods that you can eat, but also those that are not recommended to eat. The latter include:

fatty and heavy foods;
sausages and smoked meats;
confectionery;
canned foods;
coffee and cocoa.

Sample menu:

Early breakfast: semolina porridge with milk, green tea with lemon.
Second breakfast: one soft-boiled egg, cinnamon rosehip infusion.
Lunch: vegetable puree soup with meat broth, steamed meat balls, rice porridge, pureed compote.
Afternoon snack: baked apple with honey.
Dinner: steamed fish, mashed potatoes, fruit juice diluted with water.
Before bed: kefir or other fermented milk drinks.

Drink

You need to drink, on average, at least 2 liters of fluid per day, periodically, without waiting for thirst to appear. Tea, rosehip decoction, tea with lemon or raspberry, herbal teas (chamomile, linden, oregano), and dried fruit compote are good to drink. It is advisable that the temperature of all drinks be approximately 37-39 °C - this way the liquid will be absorbed faster and help the body.

Folk remedies for flu

Folk remedies in the treatment of influenza are used to restore the patient’s immunity, supply his body with vitamins and medicinal extracts that promote recovery. However, the greatest effect will be achieved if you combine the use of folk remedies with the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

Pour a glass of milk into the pan, add 1/2 tsp. ginger, ground red pepper, turmeric. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Let cool slightly, add 1/2 tsp. butter, 1 tsp. honey Take a glass 3 times a day.
Make viburnum tea with linden petals! Take 1st tbsp. spoon of dried linden flowers and small viburnum fruits, pour ½ liter of boiling water and let the tea brew for one hour, then strain and drink half a glass 2 times a day.
The most active remedy for influenza is black currant in all forms, with hot water and sugar (up to 4 glasses per day). Even in winter you can prepare a decoction from currant branches). You need to break the branches finely and brew a full handful of them with four glasses of water. Boil for a minute and then steam for 4 hours. Drink 2 glasses with sugar in bed very warm at night. Carry out this treatment twice.
Required: 40 g of raspberry fruits, 40 g of coltsfoot leaves, 20 g of oregano herb, 2 cups of boiling water. Grind the collection and mix. Take 2 tbsp. l. the resulting mixture, pour boiling water into a thermos, leave for 1 hour, strain. Drink a warm infusion of 100 ml 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
When you have a runny nose, put fresh aloe juice (agave) into your nose, 3-5 drops into each nostril. After instillation, massage the wings of the nose.

Vaccination

Flu vaccination is a way to prevent infection. It is indicated for everyone, especially risk groups - the elderly, children, pregnant women, people of social professions.

Vaccination is carried out annually, before the start of the epidemic season, from September-October, to form stable immunity by the time of the epidemic. Regular vaccination increases the effectiveness of protection and the production of antibodies to influenza.

Vaccinations are especially recommended for:

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

Prevention

To avoid getting the flu, try to strengthen your body throughout the year. Let's look at some rules for preventing the flu and strengthening your body:

Prevention should first and foremost consist of preventing the influenza virus from entering your body. To do this, as soon as you come home from the street, be sure to wash your hands with soap, and it is recommended to wash your hands almost up to the elbows.
Nasal rinsing will be very useful for preventing influenza in children and adults. Rinsing can be done with a warm saline solution of water, or with a special spray.
Before eating food that was previously on the counter, be sure to rinse it thoroughly under running water.

To maintain normal immunity you should:

Eat well, and most importantly, eat right: food should contain a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins. During the cold season, when the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed in the diet is significantly reduced, an additional intake of a complex of vitamins is necessary.
Exercise regularly in the fresh air.
Avoid all kinds of stress.
Quit smoking, because smoking significantly reduces immunity.

To summarize, let us recall that influenza is an infectious, contagious disease that can lead to various complications. The likelihood of infection increases in autumn and winter.

This is all about the flu: what are the main symptoms of the disease in children and adults, features of treatment. Be healthy!

Currently, according to the decision of WHO experts, the name “influenza” has been adopted in the international terminology of infectious diseases; grippe - English, French
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease of viral etiology, occurring with symptoms of general intoxication and damage to the respiratory tract. Refers to airborne anthroponoses.
Etiology. Until 1933, the causative agent of influenza was considered to be the Afanasyev-Pfeiffer bacillus. The reliably viral nature of influenza was established in 1933 in England by Smith, Andrews and Laidlaw, who isolated a specific pneumotropic virus from the lungs of hamsters infected with swabs from the nasopharynx of patients with influenza, and designated them as influenza virus type A. In 1940, Francis and Magill discovered the influenza virus type B, and in 1947 Taylor isolated another new variant of the influenza virus - type C.
Influenza viruses types B and C practically do not change their antigenic structure, while influenza virus type A quickly changes, forming new subtypes and antigenic variants. The antigenic structure of influenza A viruses has undergone significant changes. In 1946-1957 New variants of the influenza A virus - Al and A2 - were identified, and the viruses isolated in subsequent years differ significantly in antigenic properties from the influenza A2 virus.
Influenza viruses belong to the group of RNA-containing orthomyxoviruses with particle sizes of 80-120 nm. Influenza viruses contain various antigens. The S-antigen, or internal nucleocapsid, includes ribonucleic acid and viral protein, making up 40% of the virion's mass. The outer shell of the virion contains the surface V antigen. It contains hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
Changes in hemagglutinin or neuraminidase cause the emergence of new subtypes of the virus within type A. New antigenic variants of the virus cause influenza epidemics that are more severe and more widespread in nature.
According to the modern nomenclature of influenza virus type A, adopted by WHO in 1980, influenza viruses isolated from humans have been identified as having 3 subtypes of the H antigen (HI, H2, NZ) and 2 subtypes of the N antigen (N1 and N2). In accordance with this nomenclature, influenza viruses circulating among the population before 1957 have a general antigenic formula A (H1N1), from 1957 to 1968 - A (H2N2), and since 1968 - A (H3N2).
Influenza viruses are weakly resistant to physical and chemical factors and are destroyed at room temperature within a few hours, while at low temperatures (from -25°C to -70°C) they persist for several years. They quickly die when heated, dried, and also when exposed to small concentrations of chlorine, ozone, and ultraviolet radiation.
Epidemiology. The source of influenza infection is only a sick person with obvious and erased forms of the disease. The route of transmission of infection is airborne droplets. Maximum infectivity is observed in the first days of the disease, when coughing and sneezing with droplets of mucus releases the virus into the external environment. Isolation of the virus in uncomplicated influenza ends by the 5-6th day from the onset of the disease. At the same time, with pneumonia, which complicates the course of influenza, the virus is detected in the body up to 2-3 weeks from the onset of the disease.
Increased incidence and outbreaks of influenza are observed during the cold season. Epidemics caused by the influenza virus type A recur every 2-3 years and are explosive in nature (20-50% of the population falls ill within 1 - 1.5 months). Influenza B epidemics spread more slowly, last 2-3 months and affect no more than 25% of the population.
Due to the fact that not the entire population gets the flu at the same time and the duration of immunity varies, a significant non-immune layer periodically forms, especially susceptible to new imported variants of the virus. Local strains of influenza viruses often cause only a seasonal increase in incidence.
Influenza C does not cause epidemic outbreaks; the disease is only sporadic.
Pathogenesis. The influenza virus selectively infects the epithelium of the respiratory tract (mainly the trachea). By multiplying in columnar epithelial cells, it causes their degenerative changes, using the contents of epithelial cells to build new viral particles. The massive release of mature viral particles is often accompanied by the death of epithelial cells, and necrosis of the epithelium and the associated destruction of the natural protective barrier leads to viremia. Influenza virus toxins, together with the breakdown products of epithelial cells, have a toxic effect on the cardiovascular, nervous (central and autonomic) and other systems of the body. Influenza infection leads to suppression of the immune system, and when secondary bacterial flora penetrates through the necrotic surface of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, various complications can arise.
In the pathogenesis of influenza, there are five main phases of the pathological process:
I - virus reproduction in respiratory tract cells;
II - viremia, toxic and toxic-allergic reactions;
III - damage to the respiratory tract with a predominant localization of the process in any part of the respiratory tract;
IV - possible bacterial complications from the respiratory tract and other body systems;
V - reverse development of the pathological process.
At the heart of the damage to various organs and systems during influenza, the leading role is played by circulatory disorders, the cause of which is disturbances in the tone, elasticity and permeability of the vascular wall, especially capillaries. An increase in the permeability of the vascular wall leads to impaired microcirculation and the occurrence of hemorrhagic syndrome (nosebleeds, hemoptysis, and in severe cases, hemorrhages into the substance and membranes of the brain, into the alveoli, which is manifested by the syndrome of infectious-toxic encephalopathy or hemorrhagic toxic pulmonary edema).
Influenza causes a decrease in immunological reactivity. This leads to an exacerbation of various chronic diseases, as well as the occurrence of secondary bacterial complications. The most common and serious complication of influenza is acute pneumonia. It is now generally accepted that pneumonia due to influenza is of a mixed viral-bacterial nature, regardless of the timing of its occurrence.
The inflammatory process in the lungs can be caused by the addition of various bacterial flora (usually pneumococci), but in recent years Staphylococcus aureus has become increasingly important.
Symptoms and course. Incubation period lasts from 12 to 48 hours. The following clinical forms of the disease are distinguished: typical influenza and atypical (afebrile, acatarrhal and fulminant); according to severity - mild, moderate, severe and very severe influenza; according to the presence of complications - complicated and uncomplicated influenza.
Typical flu begins acutely, in most cases with chills or chills. Body temperature already reaches its maximum level on the first day (38-40°C). The clinical picture is manifested by a syndrome of general toxicosis and signs of damage to the respiratory tract. Simultaneously with the fever, general weakness, fatigue, adynamia, increased sweating, muscle pain, and severe headache with a characteristic localization in the frontal region and superciliary arches appear. Painful sensations appear in the eyeballs, intensifying when the eyes move or when pressing on them, photophobia, and lacrimation.
Damage to the respiratory tract is characterized by a sore throat, dry cough, raw pain behind the sternum (along the trachea), nasal congestion, and a hoarse voice.
An objective examination reveals hyperemia of the face and neck, injection of scleral vessels, moist shine in the eyes, and increased sweating. In the future, a herpetic rash may appear on the lips and near the nose. There is hyperemia and a peculiar granularity of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. From the respiratory system, signs of rhinitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis are revealed. Particularly characteristic is the damage to the trachea, which is more pronounced compared to other parts of the respiratory tract. Bronchitis occurs much less frequently, and lung damage (so-called influenza pneumonia) is considered a complication. In addition to general toxic symptoms, at the height of the disease, mild meningeal symptoms (stiff neck, Kernig's, Brudzinski's symptoms) may appear, which disappear after 1-2 days. No pathological changes are found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The blood picture in uncomplicated influenza is characterized by leukopenia or normocytosis, neutropenia, eosinopenia, and relative lymphomonocytosis. ESR is not increased.
Depending on the level of intoxication and the severity of catarrhal syndrome, influenza can occur in mild, moderate, severe and very severe forms.
A mild form of influenza is characterized by an increase in body temperature of no more than 38°C, moderate headache and catarrhal symptoms. Pulse less than 90 beats/min. Systolic blood pressure 115-120 mm Hg. Art. Respiratory rate less than 24 per minute.
In the moderate form, body temperature is within 38.1-40°C. Moderately severe general intoxication syndrome. Pulse 90-120 beats/min. Systolic blood pressure is less than 110 mm Hg. Respiratory rate more than 24 per minute. Dry painful cough with chest pain.
Severe form influenza is characterized by an acute onset, high (more than 40°C) and longer-lasting fever with pronounced symptoms of intoxication (severe headache, body aches, insomnia, delirium, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, meningeal symptoms, sometimes encephalitic syndrome). Pulse more than 120 beats/min, weak filling, often arrhythmic. Systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mmHg. Heart sounds are muffled. Respiratory rate more than 28 per minute. Painful, excruciating cough, pain in the chest.
Very severe forms of influenza are rare, characterized by a lightning-fast course with rapidly developing symptoms of intoxication, without catarrhal symptoms, and end in death in most cases. A variant of the fulminant form may be the rapid development of hemorrhagic toxic pulmonary edema and a sad outcome from parenchymal respiratory and cardiovascular failure in the event of untimely provision of emergency and specialized medical care.
During epidemic outbreaks, influenza is more severe with a predominance of typical forms of the disease. During inter-epidemic times, mild and atypical forms of influenza are more often observed, when intoxication symptoms are mild and body temperature either remains normal (afebrile form of influenza) or rises no more than 38°C. In the clinical picture of the disease, the symptoms of rhinitis and pharyngitis come to the fore. If the inflammatory process is localized in the trachea in the visible absence of rhinitis and pharyngitis, then we are talking about the so-called acatarrhal form of influenza.
Flu in children differs from the disease in adults in the more severe course of the process, the more frequent development of complications, reduces the reactivity of the child’s body and aggravates the course of other diseases. Violation of the general condition, febrile reaction and lesions of the upper respiratory tract are more pronounced and lasting, often reaching 5-8 days.
People of all ages are susceptible to influenza, from infants to very old people. People 60 years of age and older suffer from influenza more severely than younger people. Features of the course of influenza in elderly and senile people are that all periods of the course of the disease are more extended in time, a more severe course with frequent complications. In this age group, a more gradual development of the disease is observed and cardiovascular system disorders (shortness of breath, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle and mucous membranes, acrocyanosis against the background of tachycardia and a sharp decrease in blood pressure) come to the fore. The phenomena of general intoxication are less pronounced in them and recede into the background in the clinical picture. The duration of the febrile period reaches 8-9 days, the temperature decreases slowly, remaining subfebrile for a long time.
Duration of the disease In general, uncomplicated influenza in elderly people is 1.5 times longer than in young patients and is 1 - 1.5 weeks. Influenza in elderly and elderly people is complicated by pneumonia 2 times more often than in young and middle-aged people.
Complications. In no infectious disease does early detection of complications present as many diagnostic difficulties as in influenza. Complications of influenza infection are very common (10-15% of all patients with influenza). In their clinical diversity, the leading position (80-90%) is occupied by acute viral-bacterial pneumonia, which was detected in up to 10% of all patients and in approximately half of hospitalized patients
influenza, mainly severe and moderate forms. The second most common place is occupied by complications from the ENT organs (sinusitis, otitis, frontal sinusitis, sinusitis); less often - pyelonephritis, pyelocystitis, cholangitis, etc.
Pneumonia, complicating the course of influenza, can develop in any period of the disease, however, in young people, early pneumonia prevails in 60% of cases, occurring on the 1-5th day from the onset of the disease, usually with severe catarrhal syndrome and general intoxication, which significantly complicates timely diagnosis these complications.
In typical cases, the course of influenza complicated by pneumonia is characterized by prolonged fever (more than 5 days) or the occurrence of a second temperature wave after a short-term normalization of body temperature. During an illness with influenza, there is no positive dynamics in either the patient’s condition or well-being. Severe weakness, sweating, chills, and shortness of breath persist. A cough accompanied by mucopurulent or bloody sputum is present. On auscultation, fine bubbling moist rales and crepitus can be heard with the patient positioned on the affected side (Kuravitsky maneuver) or after short coughs. Most patients have leukocytosis and increased ESR in their blood.
For the purpose of early diagnosis (prediction) of acute pneumonia in the very initial phase before the formation of distinct clinical, radiological and clinical manifestations, it is recommended in outpatient settings (during treatment at home) to use a set of clinical and laboratory indicators, including an increase in body temperature above 39°C, symptoms of tracheobronchitis, shortness of breath more than 24 breaths per minute, leukocytosis more than 8,109 / l and ESR above 13 mm/h. This complex was found in 65% of patients with influenza with subsequent development of pneumonia, confirmed by x-ray. The identification of such a complex in N patients with influenza provides grounds for transferring these patients to an infectious diseases hospital and conducting a cycle of antibiotic therapy along with anti-influenza etiotropic and pathogenetic treatment. If complications from the ENT organs are suspected, consultation with an otolaryngologist is indicated.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Recognizing influenza during an epidemic outbreak is not difficult when its clinical manifestations are typical, and the proportion of influenza among all acute respiratory infections reaches 90%. During inter-epidemic times, when atypical forms of influenza predominate, it is difficult to clinically differentiate it from other acute respiratory infections, since influenza during this period accounts for 3-5% of the total number of acute respiratory infections. At this time, a diagnosis of influenza can only be made after laboratory confirmation.
To quickly diagnose influenza, an “express method” is used to detect the influenza virus using fluorescent antibodies. The test material is taken from the nose in the first days of the disease. Smears prepared from it are treated with specific fluorescent fluorescent sera. The resulting antigen-antibody complex glows brightly in the nucleus and cytoplasm of columnar epithelial cells and is clearly visible in a fluorescent microscope. The answer can be received in 2-3 hours.
Serological tests help retrospectively diagnose influenza. Paired blood sera taken from patients during the acute period of the disease (up to the 5th day from the onset of the disease) and during the period of convalescence with an interval of 12-14 days are examined. The most indicative in serological diagnostics are the complement fixation reaction (CFR) with influenza antigens and the hemagglutination inhibition reaction (HAI). An increase in antibody titer of 4 times or more is considered diagnostic.
Differential diagnosis Influenza treatment must be carried out both with acute respiratory diseases and with a number of other infections, since the onset of many of them, due to intoxication and catarrhal symptoms, resembles the flu.
Influenza and other acute respiratory infections differ in the location of respiratory tract damage and a number of clinical manifestations. With influenza, all parts of the respiratory tract are affected, but tracheitis predominates, manifested by a dry cough and pain along the trachea. With parainfluenza, the larynx is predominantly affected and laryngitis occurs in the form of hoarseness and a rough, strong cough. Adenoviral infection is manifested by damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, pharynx, and tonsils, with the most pronounced changes in the pharynx. With rhinovirus infection, the leading symptoms of the disease are rhinitis and rhinorrhea.
When differential diagnosis with other common infectious diseases, it is necessary to remember that in their initial period there may be a syndrome of general intoxication and catarrhal syndrome, which, however, have nothing to do with influenza. Thus, with measles, against the background of severe intoxication, the respiratory tract is always affected (rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, and sometimes bronchitis). However, a number of signs (conjunctivitis and especially Filatov-Belsky-Koplik spots on the mucous membrane of the cheeks) make it possible to diagnose measles before the appearance of characteristic measles exanthema.
Inflammatory changes in the upper respiratory tract, along with fever and general intoxication, are a characteristic manifestation of the catarrhal (flu-like) variant of the initial (pre-icteric) period of viral hepatitis.
From the group of typhoparatyphoid diseases, differential diagnosis should be carried out with paratyphoid A. In the initial period of this disease, catarrhal syndrome (rhinopharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, conjunctivitis) often occurs. But unlike influenza, paratyphoid A begins gradually, the height of the fever increases every day, and the pronounced phenomena of general intoxication syndrome do not correspond to relatively mild inflammatory changes in the respiratory tract. Fever of a constant type, and the appearance of a polymorphic rash on the 4-7th day of illness exclude the possibility of influenza.
Meningococcal infection and its localized form, nasopharyngitis, are characterized by moderate manifestations of general intoxication, sore throat, runny nose, and difficulty in nasal breathing. On examination, there is pronounced hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane of the posterior wall of the pharynx and the nasal mucosa. In the blood - leukocytosis with a neutrophilic shift to the left, increased ESR. Signs of meningism are possible. Constant observation of such patients, repeated examination of blood and cerebrospinal fluid over time make it possible to exclude influenza, or to diagnose the transition to a generalized form of meningococcal infection.
Treatment. For influenza, a complex of etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic agents is used, aimed at the causative agent of the disease, detoxification of the body, increasing defenses, eliminating inflammatory and other changes.
Treatment of mild and moderate forms of influenza is carried out at home, severe and complicated forms - in an infectious diseases hospital. During the febrile period, a patient with influenza needs bed rest, warmth, plenty of hot drinks with plenty of vitamins, especially C and P (tea, compote, rosehip infusion, fruit juices, fruit juice, 5% glucose solution with ascorbic acid). To prevent hemorrhagic complications, especially for older people with high blood pressure, green tea, chokeberry jam or juice, grapefruit, as well as P vitamins (rutin, quercetin) in combination with 300 mg of ascorbic acid per day are needed.
To reduce severe headache and muscle pain, shorten the manifestations of toxicosis and inflammatory changes in the respiratory tract, use the complex drug “antigrippin” (acetylsalicylic acid 0.5; ascorbic acid 0.3; calcium lactate 0.1 g; rutin and diphenhydramine 0.02 each d) for 3-5 days, 1 powder 3 times a day. You can also use Coldrex or aspirin upsa with vitamin C, after dissolving a tablet of these drugs in half a glass of warm water, or analgesics - amidopyrine, panadol, tempalgin, sedalgin, 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. Antipyretics (acetylsalicylic acid more than 0.5 once) should be taken only at high body temperatures, reaching 39°C or more and 38°C in children and the elderly.
It is necessary to prescribe a complex of vitamins ( "Revit", "Hexavit", "Undevit" 2 tablets each, "Dekamevit" 1 tablet 2-3 times a day), ascorbic acid up to 600-800 mg/day and vitamin P, which strengthens the walls of blood vessels, up to 150-300 mg/day.
The antiviral drug rimantadine is effective in the treatment of influenza caused by type A virus, and only when used early - in the first hours and days from the onset of the disease (0.05 g 3 times a day for 3-4 days).
To improve the drainage function of the bronchi and enhance the evacuation of mucus and sputum, it is necessary to carry out warm, moist inhalations containing soda and bronchodilators (solutan, aminophylline, ephedrine).
Inhalations are carried out for up to 15 minutes, 2 times a day for 4 days. For severe rhinitis, a 2-5% ephedrine solution or a 0.1% solution (or emulsion) is used for intranasal administration. sanorina, naphthyzin, galazolin.
Prescribing antibiotics or sulfonamides to prevent complications (pneumonia) in patients with uncomplicated influenza is unjustified, as it often contributes to the development of these complications.
Complex treatment for patients with severe forms of influenza, in addition to pathogenetic and symptomatic, also includes specific etiotropic therapy. The most effective is anti-influenza donor immunoglobulin (gamma globulin), administered in the early stages of the disease, 3-6 ml intramuscularly with an interval of 8-12 hours (for children - 0.15-0.2 ml per 1 kg of body weight per day) until pronounced therapeutic effect.
Detoxification pathogenetic therapy is enhanced by intravenous administration of neocompensan (hemodeza) 200-300 ml, rheopolyglucin 400 ml, solutions of 5% glucose with ascorbic acid, Ringerlactate (lactasol) - only up to 1.5 l/day against the background of forced diuresis using 1% Lasix (furosemide) solution 2-4 ml to avoid pulmonary and cerebral edema.
In very severe forms of influenza with pronounced toxic manifestations, corticosteroid drugs are prescribed - prednisolone 90-120 mg/day or equivalent doses of other glucocorticoids, 10,000-20,000 units of contrical, as well as cardiac medications (0.06% solution of corglycon 1 ml or 0. 05% solution of strophanthin K 1 ml intravenously, in a dropper). Oxygen therapy is administered with humidified oxygen through nasal catheters. When breathing increases above 40 per minute and breathing rhythm disturbances occur, patients are transferred to artificial ventilation.
In extremely severe forms of influenza, the prescription of anti-staphylococcal antibiotics (oxacillin, methicillin, cephalosporins in injections of 1.0 four times a day) is indicated.
Forecast. With uncomplicated influenza, working capacity is restored after 7-10 days, with pneumonia - no earlier than 3-4 weeks. Severe forms (with encephalopathy or pulmonary edema) can be life-threatening.
Military personnel are discharged after clinical recovery, normal blood and urine tests no earlier than the 4th day of normal body temperature, with release from work for 3 days. After suffering severe forms of influenza complicated by pneumonia, convalescents are sent to the VVK to be granted sick leave for up to 1 month.
Prevention comes down to isolating patients at home or in a hospital and limiting sick people’s visits to clinics and pharmacies. Persons serving patients should wear 4-6-layer gauze masks and use 0.25-0.5% oxolinic ointment intranasally.
For vaccination Inactivated influenza vaccines are used intradermally and subcutaneously. Chemoprophylaxis of influenza A is carried out by taking rimantadine (0.1 g/day), which is given throughout the epidemic outbreak. Current and final disinfection is carried out in the outbreak.

Flu - symptoms and treatment

What is the flu? We will discuss the causes, diagnosis and treatment methods in the article by Dr. P.A. Aleksandrov, an infectious disease specialist with 12 years of experience.

Definition of disease. Causes of the disease

Flu (Grippus Influenza)- an acute infectious disease caused by various serotypes of the influenza virus, which primarily affects the epithelial cells of the trachea, characterized by a pronounced syndrome of general infectious intoxication, tracheitis and, in some cases, hemorrhagic manifestations, tends to take on an epidemic nature. The epidemic may have a negative impact on the economy through loss of labor productivity and place undue strain on health services.

Etiology

The influenza virus belongs to the kingdom Viruses, the subkingdom RNA viruses, and the family Orthomyxoviridae. Includes several genera: A (human individual, birds, mammals), B (human), C (human).

The first description of the manifestations of influenza is attributed to the Frenchman Etienne Pasquier in 1403.

The Influenza virus (type A) was discovered in 1933 by scientists Smith and Lendow.

The heterogeneity of the virus is due to the variability of internal and surface antigens. Internal (core - S) antigens are viral RNA + protein and are type-specific, on the basis of which viruses are classified into serotypes (A, B, C). Surface (glycoprotein - V) antigens with hemagglutinin (H), responsible for the penetration of the virus into the cell (binding with a specific receptor) and neuraminidase (N), responsible for the release of virions from the affected cell. Contains 7 main proteins responsible for the life of the virus (M1, M2, NS1, NS2, RV1, RV2, NP).

Epidemiology

The flu occurs periodically all over the world, and the most ordinary person of any age can get it. The source of the infectious onset can be a sick person with clinically obvious and atypical (implicit) styles of manifestation of the disease. The greatest contagiousness occurs during the first 3 days from the onset of clinical manifestations. Isolation of the pathogen continues for 6–7 days in an uncomplicated form (faster formation of immunity and elimination of the virus) and up to 3 weeks in a severe and complicated form (slow formation of immunity, including due to a possible initial weakening of protective mechanisms - associated diseases, age). The transmission mechanism is airborne droplets (aerosol route), contact route is possible (when using shared utensils, kissing, contaminated hands). Autumn-winter seasonality is quite typical (sporadic incidence is observed at any time of the year) with an epidemic component, repeating at approximately the same interval. It is noteworthy that the debut of a global epidemic outbreak, as a rule, geographically occurs in the countries of East Asia, which is partly explained by the year-round sporadic incidence in these regions and special climatic conditions favorable for maintaining the circulation and modification of viruses.

If you notice similar symptoms, consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate - it is dangerous for your health!

The incubation period is from 12 to 48 hours (rarely up to 3 days).

The initial onset is always acute (acute). Chills suddenly appear, an increase in body temperature with a maximum of 40℃ by the end of the first day. Characterized by increasing undulating fever, obvious general weakness, weakness, adynamia, increased sweating, sleep disturbances (insomnia), and decreased appetite. Clearly specific pain in the eyes, provoked by eye movement and pressure, photophobia. There is a headache localized in the forehead, periorbital areas, and muscle discomfort. Possible sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, hoarseness. By the end of the first day (i.e., already against the backdrop of vivid general infectious intoxication symptoms), a dry cough appears with increasing intensity, characterized by enviable persistence, painful course with rawness and varying intensity of chest pain. Over the course of several days, the cough becomes clear of sputum, i.e. transitions from dry to wet, the formation of viral-bacterial pneumonia may occur. Objectively, redness of the face and neck, injection of scleral vessels, shiny corneas, and increased sweating attract attention. The state of consciousness correlates with the severity and severity of the pathological process. Often exacerbation of labial herpes. Peripheral lymph nodes do not enlarge, the number of respiratory movements increases, and sometimes relative bradycardia is observed (discrepancy between the pulse rate and the temperature curve). On auscultation, harsh breathing and occasional dry wheezing can be heard. When examining the oropharynx, moderate redness of the mucous membranes, injection of blood vessels are noticeable, Morozkin's sign is visualized - granularity on the mucous membranes of the soft palate and the posterior wall of the pharynx (inflamed lymphatic follicles).

New, somewhat more aggressive types of influenza infection (bird flu, swine flu) deserve special mention, in which, in addition to the above-mentioned lesions, the digestive organs may be involved in the pathogenic process in a typical process, and threatening specific influenza pneumonia may occur (having a very characteristic X-ray picture in the form of “bee honeycomb"), the so-called “cytokine storm” develops, which is a predictor of complications.

Legal criteria for diagnosing “influenza” in the Russian Federation:

acute (acute) onset;
large-scale syndrome of general infectious intoxication (begins earlier than symptoms of respiratory tract disease and is more represented in the totality of symptoms);
the predominance of tracheitis symptoms in the symptoms of respiratory disorders;
epidemiological prerequisites (epidemic zone);
confirmed serology (the most significant factor in modern, scientifically and legally bureaucratic conditions).

Pathogenesis of influenza

The entry route for the pathogen is the mucous lining of the upper respiratory tract. The leading link consists of the epitheliotropic and toxic properties of influenza virus, allergization of the immune system, and immunosuppressive effects.

Primary reproduction of the pathogen occurs in the cells of the ciliated epithelium of the airways (tracheal goblet cells). Damage to the metabolism and integrity of the cell membrane is observed, followed by death and the introduction of viral particles into the systemic bloodstream. Meanwhile, in the localization of the site of inflammation, aggravation of metabolic agents of inflammation occurs, activation of nonspecific resistance factors (hyperthermia as a response to inflammation, increased production of interferon, etc.). The massive entry of viral particles, decay products of cellular structures and inflammatory mediators into the blood causes massive toxic-allergic processes, naturally accompanied by damage to the endothelium of blood vessels and microcirculation disorders. Tissue hypoxia and hypoxemia increase, and hemorrhagic imbalance of varying severity develops. With decompensation of functional adaptation mechanisms, progress of cerebral edema, acute cardiovascular and renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome are revealed. Due to the suppression of immunological reactivity and inhibition of hematopoiesis, the accumulation of secondary bacterial flora naturally occurs, complications and pneumonia are induced. Depending on the implementation (or absence) of therapeutic measures and individual characteristics, the natural course of the disease is the reverse dynamics of the pathological process (recovery) or death.

Classification and stages of development of influenza

According to clinical form:

a) typical;

b) atypical:

afebrile (presence of symptoms of respiratory tract damage in the absence or minimal increase in body temperature);
acatarrhal (no signs of damage to the respiratory tract in the presence of an intoxication component of the disease);
fulminant (sharply expressed and rapidly growing intoxication complex, specific hemorrhagic toxic pulmonary edema, acute cardiovascular failure, acute respiratory failure. Most often ends in death);

2. With the flow:

uncomplicated;
complicated;

3. By severity:

light;
average;
severe (toxic);
extremely severe (hypertoxic).

Algorithm for determining the severity of influenza

Complications of influenza

Diagnosis of influenza

Flu treatment

The choice of location for the patient depends on the nature of the course and severity of the clinical manifestations of the disease. Mild forms may not be recognized, especially during the inter-epidemic period, and accordingly, they may well be left at home. People with moderate and severe forms of influenza, especially children of the first year of life, pregnant women and elderly people with a combination of diseases, should be hospitalized in an infectious diseases hospital or a general hospital if infectious diseases departments are available (deployment of epidemic beds).

The purpose of table No. 15 according to Pevzner (a variety of healthy foods) and plenty of fluids up to 3 l/day are indicated. (warm boiled water, tea, fruit and berry juices).

Etiotropic therapy (impact on the pathogen) is indicated for all patients with influenza infection, regardless of the severity of the disease, and the effectiveness of taking these medications depends directly on the time of initiation of therapy in relation to the onset of the disease and is maximum in the first 48 hours (in the early stages of viral replication and its sparse quantity), then there is a progressive decrease in the effectiveness of use (the concentration of the virus increases exponentially and the drug simply does not have time to localize). Among the most significant modern drugs, it is worth noting neuraminidase inhibitors, for example, Oseltamivir, Zanamivir, as well as Peramivir and Laninamivir, which are not registered in our country. Recently, there have been cases of resistance of influenza viruses to Oseltamivir, so Zanamivir has acquired the greatest recommended value. In addition, there is a class of M2 channel blockers on the market (Amantadine and Rimantadine), to which there is often viral resistance, making distribution difficult.

Pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy is carried out according to general indications, including detoxification measures, combating hyperthermia, dehydration, restoring the function of the respiratory system, maintaining the functioning of the cardiovascular system, etc.

In the event of complications and emergencies, a complex of intensive measures is carried out to combat the pathology of the corresponding profile.

Forecast. Prevention

Specific

The main effective, scientifically proven way to prevent the disease or its complications is vaccination. As influenza virus changes regularly, the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (IGIS) - a network of national influenza centers and WHO centers in different countries - conducts regular surveillance of influenza viruses circulating in the human community and regularly provides guidance on necessary changes composition of influenza vaccines.

Immunization is very important for people at high risk of developing serious complications, as well as for people living with this category of people or providing medical and social care for them.

pregnant women at any stage in the absence of contraindications;
small children from 6 months to 5 years, especially from organized groups;
elderly and elderly people;
persons with chronic concomitant pathology;
persons whose activities are related to medicine.

Preventive vaccination against influenza in the Russian Federation is carried out free of charge to all categories of the population in order to prevent the development and weaken the epidemic rise. Various types of vaccines are provided for certain age groups so that there are no unwanted reactions due to the presence of virus particles in live or inactivated form. October is considered the optimal month to get a flu vaccination. By the end of December, immunity will reach its maximum level and will be able to repel the attack. A sustained response lasts six months after the vaccine is administered, so vaccinations must be done every year.

2. Nonspecific

Chemoprophylaxis

Since there is no direct evidence of the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents (immunomodulators) in the prevention, much less treatment, of influenza, these measures are not widely used in practice and are not recommended by adequate specialists.