Mental changes during influenza. Neurological aspects of influenza Hallucinations in influenza

Influenza is perhaps the most insidious viral disease, which is characterized by rapid development, pronounced symptoms, severe course and many complications. Every year, this dangerous disease affects about 15–20% of the total population of the planet and kills 2% of those infected. Therefore, it is very important to know and correctly identify the first symptoms of influenza, as well as to be able to provide the patient with proper medical care before doctors arrive.

On a note! At the first manifestations of the flu, you must definitely call a doctor at home! Timely medical care makes it easier for the patient to endure the disease and avoid serious complications after it.

Flu and its features

The influenza virus is transmitted by airborne droplets from an infected person to a healthy person. The virus enters the external environment with particles of saliva and mucus of the sick person during talking, sneezing, coughing. The virus can survive at temperatures ranging from -20 to 70 degrees Celsius for several years. Influenza pathogens can be killed by exposure to ozone, ultraviolet light and chlorine in small concentrations, as well as drying and heating.

Once influenza enters the human body, it develops very rapidly, since its incubation period ranges from several hours to two days. Depending on the type of virus and the individual characteristics of the body, there are several forms of the disease:

1. Mild - the temperature rarely reaches 38 degrees, other symptoms are completely absent or mild.
2. Average – the temperature stays between 38–39 degrees. Intoxication of the body (headache, body aches, increased sweating), changes in the throat (redness, swelling), nasal congestion, damage to the lower respiratory tract (change in voice, dry cough, chest pain) are observed.
3. Severe – the temperature reaches 40 degrees, there is pronounced intoxication (nosebleeding, vomiting, fever, hallucinations).
4. Hypertoxic - the temperature exceeds 40 degrees, and as a result of intoxication, toxicosis of the nervous system, as well as cerebral edema, can develop. As a result, respiratory failure and infectious shock of varying severity occur.

On a note! If you know how the flu begins, you can easily cope with it with the help of medication. It is important to immediately consult a doctor for help when the first symptoms appear.

How to recognize flu symptoms?

Very often, the first signs of the flu are confused with the symptoms of a cold or other acute respiratory viral infection. However, this viral disease has its own viral pathogens, and its onset differs from the symptoms of acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections.

In almost all cases, the flu has an acute onset with pronounced symptoms. The main symptom of the disease is a rapid increase in body temperature - from 37 to 40 degrees within 2-3 hours. A high temperature cannot be reduced with the help of antipyretic medications, and if an effect can be achieved, it is only for a short time. Often, an increase in body temperature is accompanied by chills and fever. If the thermometer exceeds 40 degrees, the patient may experience hallucinations and fainting.

In addition, characteristic signs of influenza, which are observed from the first hours of the development of the disease, are:

• severe headache that gets worse with loud noises;
• eye pain, redness, watery eyes;
• nasal congestion in the absence of liquid discharge;
• dry cough, sore throat, pain when swallowing;
• severe chest pain;
• aching joints and muscle pain;
• drowsiness and irritability.

Depending on the state of the immune system, adults and children may react differently to a rapid viral attack. In general, adults tolerate intoxication much easier in the first hours of the development of the disease. Children's bodies react more strongly to the spread of the virus. Toddlers and teens may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nosebleeds, facial swelling, and redness of the skin.

On a note! If such signs appear for a short time, you should immediately consult a doctor. Correct diagnosis and timely treatment will allow you to quickly and easily cope with the disease.

First aid for flu

It's no secret that the flu can immediately manifest itself in severe form. An increase in temperature to 40 degrees, fever, hallucinations, and convulsions are the body’s reaction to severe intoxication. In such cases, you need to urgently call an ambulance to hospitalize the patient. But what to do before the doctor arrives?

First aid for the flu consists of a few simple steps:

1. Place the patient in bed or sit comfortably in a chair, cover with a blanket or blanket.
2. Don't panic or express concern. Speak calmly and quietly.
3. Provide the patient with plenty of fluids. You can offer warm tea or milk, fruit drink, compote, juices, herbal infusions, mineral water.
4. You can take medications such as Panadol, Paracetamol, Coldrex in accordance with the instructions. You must inform the arriving doctor about taking any medications.
5. Provide a flow of fresh air into the room by opening a window or window for a short time.

On a note! If you are taking medications, it is better not to drink milk. Many drug components are incompatible with lactic acid and can cause allergic reactions.

How to treat the flu?

Treatment of influenza can be carried out at home if the disease is mild or moderate in severity. And in a hospital setting, if it acquires a severe, hypertoxic or fulminant form.

The question of how to treat the flu, what medications and procedures to take, can only be answered by the attending physician based on an examination and additional examinations of the patient. At the same time, there are proven methods.

To avoid catching a cold, make it a habit for the whole family to take Oscillococcinum during the sick season. For prevention, it is enough to take one dose of the drug per week. This will help you and your immune system cope with the attack of viruses and infections.

Oscillococcinum can be taken at any age, because the drug is safe even for infants. You no longer need to fill your home medicine cabinet with many medications, because one Oscillococcinum is enough.

In addition, at the first signs of a respiratory disease, it will not be superfluous for the patient to follow certain rules. Necessary:

• stay at home and not visit public places;
• immediately call a doctor at home;
• Be sure to stay in bed and under no circumstances suffer from the flu “on your feet”;
• avoid hugs, kisses and handshakes;
• wash your hands with soap more often;
• Cover your face with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
• throw napkins in the trash after use;
• use protective masks and gauze bandages to prevent the spread of the disease within the family.

If you have a flu patient in your home, you should ventilate the premises more often and do wet cleaning, include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, and observe personal hygiene rules.

On a note! The initial symptoms of the flu are not as harmless as people think at first glance, so it is better to immediately seek help from a doctor. You should not self-medicate, as this can lead to dangerous complications and worsening of the disease. If you follow all the doctor’s prescriptions and recommendations, the disease will pass quickly and without complications.

Influenza is a severe acute infectious disease, which is characterized by severe toxicosis, catarrhal symptoms and damage to the bronchi. Influenza, the symptoms of which affect people regardless of their age and gender, manifests itself annually as an epidemic, more often in the cold season, affecting approximately 15% of the world's population.

History of influenza

Flu has been known to mankind for a long time. Its first epidemic was in 1580. In those days, people knew nothing about the nature of this disease. Pandemic of respiratory disease in 1918-1920. was called the “Spanish flu”, but it was precisely an epidemic of severe influenza. At the same time, an incredible mortality rate was noted - pneumonia and pulmonary edema occurred at lightning speed even in young people.

The viral nature of influenza was established only in 1933 in England by Andrews, Smith and Laidlaw, who isolated a specific virus that affected the respiratory tract of hamsters, which were infected with swabs from the nasopharynx of patients with influenza. The causative agent was named influenza A virus. Then, in 1940, Magill and Francis isolated the type B virus, and in 1947, Taylor discovered another variant - the influenza virus type C.

The influenza virus is one of the RNA-containing orthomyxoviruses; its particle sizes are 80-120 nm. It is weakly resistant to chemical and physical factors; it is destroyed in a few hours at room temperature, and at low temperatures (from -25°C to -70°C) it can be preserved for several years. It is killed by drying, heating, exposure to small amounts of ultraviolet radiation, chlorine, and ozone.

How does infection occur?

The source of influenza infection is exclusively a sick person with erased or obvious forms of the disease. The route of transmission is airborne. The patient is most infectious in the first days of the disease, when the virus begins to be released into the external environment with droplets of mucus during sneezing and coughing. In an uncomplicated course of the disease, the release of the virus stops approximately 5-6 days from its onset. In the case of pneumonia, which can complicate the course of influenza, the virus can be detected in the body within two to three weeks from the onset of the disease.

The incidence of illness increases and outbreaks of influenza occur during the cold season. Every 2-3 years, an epidemic is possible, which is caused by the influenza virus type A; it has an explosive nature (20-50% of the population can get sick in 1-1.5 months). The type B influenza epidemic is characterized by a slower spread, lasting approximately 2-3 months and affecting up to 25% of the population.

There are such forms of the disease:

• Lightweight - body temperature rises by no more than 38°C, symptoms of intoxication are mild or absent.
• Moderate - body temperature is within 38.5-39.5 ° C, classic symptoms of the disease are noted: intoxication (headache, photophobia, muscle and joint pain, profuse sweating), typical changes in the posterior wall of the pharynx, redness of the conjunctiva, nasal congestion, damage to the trachea and larynx (dry cough, chest pain, hoarse voice).
• Severe form - severe intoxication, body temperature 39-40°C, nosebleeds, signs of encephalopathy (hallucinations, convulsions), vomiting.
• Hypertoxic - body temperature is above 40°C, symptoms of intoxication are most pronounced, resulting in toxicosis of the nervous system, cerebral edema and infectious-toxic shock of varying severity. Respiratory failure may develop.
• Lightning form influenza is dangerous due to the possibility of death, especially for weakened patients, as well as patients with existing concomitant pathologies. With this form, swelling of the brain and lungs, bleeding and other serious complications develop.

Flu symptoms

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.

Intoxication syndrome with influenza is the leading one; it is expressed already from the first hours after the onset of the disease. In all cases, influenza has an acute onset. Its first sign is an increase in body temperature - from slight or subfebrile to reaching maximum levels. Within a few hours the temperature becomes very high, accompanied by chills.

With a mild form of the disease, the temperature in most cases is subfebrile. With influenza, the temperature reaction is characterized by relative short duration and severity. The duration of the febrile period is approximately 2-6 days, sometimes longer, and then the temperature begins to decrease rapidly. If there is an elevated temperature over a long period of time, the development of a complication can be assumed.

The leading sign of intoxication and one of the first symptoms of influenza is headache. Its localization is the frontal region, especially in the supraorbital region, near the superciliary arches, sometimes behind the eye orbits, it can intensify with movements of the eyeballs. Headache in older people is more common. The severity of headaches varies greatly. In severe cases of influenza, headaches can be combined with repeated vomiting, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and symptoms of damage to the nervous system. Children may experience seizures.

The most common symptoms of influenza are fatigue, feeling unwell, general weakness, and increased sweating. Increased sensitivity to sharp sounds, bright light, and cold. The patient is most often conscious, but may become delirious.

A common symptom of the disease is joint and muscle pain, as well as aches throughout the body. The patient's appearance is characteristic: a puffy, reddened face. It often occurs, accompanied by lacrimation and photophobia. As a result of hypoxia and impaired capillary circulation, the patient's face may acquire a bluish tint.

Catarrhal syndrome during influenza infection is most often weakly expressed or absent altogether. Its duration is 7-10 days. The cough can persist for the longest time.

Already at the beginning of the disease, changes can be seen in the oropharynx: significant redness of the soft palate. After 3-4 days from the onset of the disease, a vascular infection develops at the site of redness. In severe cases of influenza, small hemorrhages form on the soft palate; in addition, swelling and cyanosis can be detected. The posterior wall of the pharynx is reddened, shiny, often grainy. Patients are concerned about dryness and sore throat. 7-8 days after the onset of the disease, the mucous membrane of the soft palate takes on its normal appearance.

Changes in the nasopharynx are manifested by swelling, redness and dryness of the mucous membrane. Breathing through the nose is difficult due to swelling of the nasal turbinates. After 2-3 days, the above symptoms are replaced by nasal congestion, less often by nasal discharge, which occurs in approximately 80% of patients. As a result of toxic damage to the vascular walls, as well as intense sneezing, nosebleeds are often possible with this disease.

In the lungs with the flu, breathing is most often hard, and short-term dry wheezing is possible. Tracheobronchitis is typical for influenza. It manifests itself as pain or rawness behind the sternum, and a dry, painful cough. (hoarseness, sore throat) can be combined with.

In children with influenza laryngotracheitis, croup is possible - a condition in which a viral disease is accompanied by the development of swelling of the larynx and trachea, which is complemented by difficulty breathing, rapid breathing (i.e. shortness of breath), and a “barking” cough. Cough occurs in approximately 90% of patients and with uncomplicated influenza it lasts about 5-6 days. Breathing may become faster, but its character does not change.

Cardiovascular changes in influenza occur as a result of toxic damage to the heart muscle. When auscultating the heart, you can hear muffled tones, sometimes a rhythm disturbance or a systolic murmur at the apex of the heart. At the beginning of the disease, the pulse is frequent (as a result of increased body temperature), while the skin is pale. After 2-3 days from the onset of the disease, along with weakness in the body and lethargy, the pulse becomes rare, and the patient’s skin turns red.

Changes in the digestive organs are not significant. Appetite may decrease, intestinal motility worsens, and constipation may occur. There is a thick white coating on the tongue. The stomach is not painful.

Due to damage to kidney tissue by viruses, changes occur in the organs of the urinary system. Protein and red blood cells may appear in a urine test, but this only happens with complicated flu.

Toxic reactions from the nervous system most often manifest themselves in the form of a sharp headache, which intensifies under the influence of various external irritating factors. Drowsiness or, conversely, excessive agitation is possible. Delusional states, loss of consciousness, convulsions, and vomiting are often observed. Meningeal symptoms can be detected in 3% of patients.

In the peripheral blood the amount also increases.

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.

Flu treatment

In the acute period of the disease, bed rest is necessary. Mild and moderate flu can be treated at home; in severe forms, patients require hospitalization. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids (compotes, fruit drinks, juices, weak tea).

An important part of the treatment of influenza is the use of antiviral drugs - arbidol, anaferon, rimantadine, groprinosin, viferon and others. They can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.

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.

To combat a runny nose, various drops are used - vasoconstrictors (nazol, farmazolin, rinazolin, vibrocil, etc.) or saline drops (no-sol, quix, salin).

Remember that flu symptoms are not as harmless as they seem at first glance. Therefore, with this disease, it is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor and follow all his instructions. Then, with a high probability, the disease will pass without complications.

If symptoms indicating influenza appear, you should contact your pediatrician (general practitioner).

The incidence rate of neuroinfections is about one case per 1 thousand. About a fifth of patients with consequences of neuroinfections are hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals annually, and of patients with infectious psychoses - about 80%. Mortality in the latter group reaches 4–6%.

Mental disorders due to viral infections

These diseases constitute the predominant part of neuroinfections, since most viruses are highly neurotropic. Viruses can persist, i.e. remain asymptomatic in the body for some time. With a “slow infection,” the disease is asymptomatic for a long period and only then manifests itself and slowly progresses. Discovery of slow viruses at the end of the twentieth century. was also important for psychiatry: the clinical picture of such diseases is often determined precisely by mental disorders. Slow viruses are also associated with the development of some forms of dementia. In slow infections, mainly degenerative changes in the central nervous system and mild inflammatory reactions are observed against the background of immune deficiency (AIDS, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephaly).

In the last 20 years, prion diseases in which prion protein has been detected have begun to be distinguished from the group of slow infections. These are, for example, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, kuru, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, fatal familial insomnia. With viral diseases, in some cases several different viruses are simultaneously affected - these are “virus-associated” forms of diseases. Viral encephalitis is divided into primary and secondary. Primary ones are caused by the first meeting with a new virus. Secondary ones are associated with the activation of a persistent virus. Hereditary immune deficiency plays a decisive role in the development of viral encephalitis. Along with diffuse encephalitis, especially viral encephalitis, local lesions are often observed. So, with Economo's encephalitis this is a lesion of subcortical structures (hence the picture of parkinsonism), with rabies - neurons of the hippocampal peduncles and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, with poliomyelitis - the anterior horns of the spinal cord, with herpetic encephalitis - the lower parts of the temporal lobes with symptoms of a brain tumor of the same localization.

1. Tick-borne (spring-summer) encephalitis. This is a seasonal disease caused by an arbovirus. Infection occurs through a tick bite and through nutrition. There is diffuse damage to the gray matter of the brain of an inflammatory and dystrophic nature; Vascular changes also occur. The acute period of the disease manifests itself in three variants: encephalitic, encephalomyelitis and poliomyelitis. The last two options differ from the first in the greater severity of neurological symptoms. In areas of tick-borne encephalitis, tick-borne systemic borreliosis, or Lyme disease (caused by a special pathogen), is also common.

With the encephalitic variant of encephalitis, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are observed at the onset of the disease. On the second day, the temperature and general toxic phenomena increase: hyperemia of the face, pharynx, mucous membranes, catarrhal phenomena in the trachea and bronchi. Meningeal symptoms appear. Lethargy, irritability, affective lability, and hyperesthesia are expressed. In severe cases, stupor or coma develops.

As stupor decreases, delirium, fear, and psychomotor agitation may occur. During the period of convalescence and in the long-term period, cerebroasthenia, neurosis-like, and less commonly, mnestic-intellectual disorders, and often epileptic seizures may occur. Of the neurological disorders, the main ones are flaccid atrophic paralysis of the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle, often with bulbar phenomena. Spastic mono- and hemiparesis occur less frequently. It could also be Kozhevnikov epilepsy. With timely initiation of treatment, improvement occurs by 7–10 days: mental and neurological disorders undergo a reverse development. With bulbar disorders, 1/5 of patients die.

Progressive forms of the disease are caused by persistence of the virus. They occur both asymptomatically and subacutely. In the first case, a protracted asthenoneurotic syndrome is detected with fixation of attention on the disease. At late stages of the disease, hallucinatory-paranoid psychoses have been described. More often, residual psychopathic, paroxysmal, and other disorders are identified.

Treatment: broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticholinesterase drugs, vitamins, symptomatic medications; in the acute period it is carried out in an infectious diseases hospital. Prevention: vaccination.

2. Japanese encephalitis. Caused by the Japanese (mosquito) encephalitis virus. In the USSR, after 1940, only sporadic cases were noted in the Far East. The acute stage of the disease is characterized by confusion and motor agitation. Psychosis develops after the temperature normalizes. Sometimes mental disorders precede the appearance of neurological, cerebral and focal ones. At late stages of the disease there may be hallucinatory-delusional and catatonic disorders, diffuse organic symptoms (Lukomsky, 1948). Organic dementia rarely develops.

3. Vilyuisky encephalitis. It has been established that localized encephalomyelitis occurs with dys- and atrophic changes in the brain parenchyma; changes in the perivascular spaces and meninges are detected. The acute period of the disease resembles the flu. The chronic stage of encephalitis is more typical; dementia, speech disorders and spastic paresis gradually develop. A psychotic form of encephalitis is also distinguished (Tazlova, 1974). In this case, various psychotic disorders are observed (from obsessions to amentia), and a psychoorganic syndrome is gradually formed. It is important that there is a possibility of reverse development of the latter.

4. Epidemic encephalitis, or lethargic encephalitis Economo. It is caused by a special virus that is transmitted by droplets and contact. The acute stage of the disease begins 4–15 days after infection. Against the background of cerebral and general toxic manifestations, delirium, other psychotic syndromes and agitation are often observed. At the same time, various hyperkinesis and symptoms of impaired cranial innervation are detected. Delirium is gradually replaced by a disturbance of consciousness (domnolence), from which patients cannot be brought out. In the chronic form of the disease against the background of parkinsonism and other extrapyramidal disorders, mental disorders such as pathology of drives, bradyphrenia, hallucinations, delusions, depression, metamorphopsia and many others are detected. etc.

At late stages of the disease, the phenomena of parkinsonism dominate. There is no specific treatment. In the acute stage of the disease, convalescent serum, detoxification, corticosteroids, and ACTH are recommended. For postencephalitic parkinsonism, artane, cyclodol, etc. are prescribed. Psychotropic drugs are used according to indications and with great caution (risk of increased extrapyramidal symptoms!).

5. Rabies. Sporadic disease. Carriers of the rabies virus are dogs, and less commonly cats, badgers, foxes and other animals. The prodromal period of the disease begins 2–10 weeks or later after infection. Mood decreases, irritability, dysphoria, short episodes of darkness appear with hallucinations, but more often illusions. There is fear and anxiety. Paresthesia and pain sometimes occur at the site of the bite, radiating to adjacent areas of the body. Reflexes, muscle tone, and temperature increase. The patients' condition worsens, headaches, tachycardia, shortness of breath occur, and sweating and salivation increase.

The stage of arousal is dominated by mental disorders: agitation, aggression, impulsivity and disturbances of consciousness (stupefaction, delirium, confusion). Hyperkinesis of smooth muscles is typical - spasms of the larynx and pharynx with breathing and swallowing disorders, shortness of breath. General cerebral disorders develop with general hyperesthesia. A characteristic fear of drinking water is hydrophobia. An increase in hyperkinesis and increased spasm are replaced by paralysis, convulsive seizures, severe speech disorders, and phenomena of decerebrate rigidity. Central disturbances of vital functions lead patients to death. Persons vaccinated against rabies with a hysterical character may develop conversion disorders resembling symptoms of rabies (paresis, paralysis, swallowing disorders, etc.).

6. Herpetic encephalitis. They are caused by herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2. The first of them more often leads to brain damage. In this case, cerebral edema occurs, pinpoint hemorrhages, foci of necrosis and signs of degeneration and swelling of neurons appear. Encephalitis is widespread and very often accompanied by mental disorders. The latter can occur already at the onset of the disease and precede the development of neurological symptoms. In typical cases, the onset of the disease is characterized by fever, moderate intoxication, and catarrhal symptoms in the upper respiratory tract. A few days later, a new rise in temperature follows. General cerebral symptoms develop: headaches, vomiting, meningeal symptoms, seizures.

Consciousness is stunned, even to the point of coma. The state of stupor is at times interrupted by delirium with agitation and hyperkinesis. At the height of the disease, coma develops, neurological disorders increase (hemiparesis, hyperkinesis, muscle hypertension, pyramidal signs, decerebrate rigidity, etc.). Survivors of prolonged coma may develop apallic syndrome and akinetic mutism. The recovery stage lasts up to two years or more. Against the background of a gradual restoration of mental functions, Klüver-Bussy syndrome is sometimes detected: agnosia, tendency to put objects in the mouth, hypermetamorphosis, hypersexuality, loss of shame and fear, dementia, bulimia; akinetic mutism, affective fluctuations, and vegetative crises are not uncommon.

In people who have undergone surgery for bilateral removal of the temporal lobes of the brain, it was first described by Tertien in 1955. In the long-term period of the disease, residual symptoms of encephalopathy with asthenic, psychopathic and convulsive manifestations are observed. There are known cases of bipolar affective and schizophrenia-like disorders. Complete recovery is observed in 30% of patients. Schizophrenia-like disorders can also be observed in the early stages of the disease. Sometimes conditions similar to febrile schizophrenia occur. When treated with neuroleptics, some patients develop mutism, catatonic stupor, and then amentia, leading to death. In diagnosing the disease, laboratory tests are important, indicating an increase in antibody titers to the herpes virus. Treatment: Vidarabine, acyclovir (Zovirax), corticosteroids are prescribed, and with great caution, psychotropic drugs for symptomatic therapy. If untreated, mortality can reach 50–100%.

7. Influenza encephalitis. Respiratory influenza viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets; Placental transmission from mother to fetus is also possible. Influenza can be very severe and lead to the development of encephalitis. Neurotoxicosis with hemo- and liquorodynamic phenomena is combined with inflammation in the membranes of the choroidal plexuses and brain parenchyma. Identification of influenza encephalitis is based on the detection of high titers of antibodies to viruses in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. In the acute stage of the disease, on the 3rd–7th day, motor and sensory disorders appear, stunned consciousness, sometimes to the point of coma. Stunning can be replaced by excitement with deceptions of perception, and then by mood swings, dysmnesia, and asthenia. In hyperacute forms of encephalitis, cerebral edema and disturbances in cardiovascular activity can lead to death. Treatment: antiviral drugs (acyclovir, interferon, remantadine, arbidol, etc.), diuretics, detoxification agents, symptomatic, including psychotropic medications. With active treatment, the prognosis is favorable; this does not apply, however, to hyperacute influenza.

Unlike the mentioned viral diseases, which are usually confined to a certain time of year, there are also those observed in different seasons of the year. These are multiseasonal encephalitis. Let us indicate the main ones.

8. Encephalitis with parainfluenza. This is a sporadic disease that occurs in local outbreaks and affects the upper respiratory tract. There may, however, be hemo- and liquorodynamic disturbances, inflammation of the pia mater and ependyma of the ventricles of the brain; in the acute period of the disease, cerebral and meningeal phenomena are observed, symptoms of toxicosis with convulsive seizures, delirium, hallucinations, and illusions. The recovery period is characterized by transient asthenic, vegetative and mnestic disorders. The prognosis is favorable.

9.Encephalitis due to mumps. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. More common in children. Inflammation is usually observed in the salivary and parotid glands (“mumps”), but it also occurs in the brain, testicles, thyroid, pancreas and mammary glands. When the brain is damaged, serous meningitis occurs, and less commonly, meningoencephalitis. To verify the diagnosis, serological and virological studies are required. At the height of the development of meningoencephalitis, general cerebral phenomena and disturbances of consciousness, in particular delirium, are noted. There are epileptic seizures with postictal twilight stupefaction. Coma is rare; upon exiting it, psychoorganic phenomena are possible. The disease in early childhood can lead to mental retardation, and at an older age - pathocharacterological reactions and psychopathic behavior.

10.Measles encephalitis. It occurs frequently and in different age groups. Multiple hemorrhages and foci of demyelination are found in the white and gray matter of the brain; There are lesions of ganglion cells. Serous meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, encephalomyelitis and encephalopathy occur in 0.1% of patients. There are also polyradicaloneuritis syndrome, myelitis with para- and tetraparesis, pelvic and trophic disorders, and sensitivity disorders. At the height of the development of encephalitis, clouding of consciousness, agitation, visual illusions, and aggression are possible. During the recovery period, a decrease in attention, memory, thinking, as well as disinhibition of drives and violent phenomena are observed. If there was a coma in the acute period, hyperkinesis, convulsive and asthenoneurotic syndromes, and behavioral deviations remain in the residual stage. The prognosis is generally favorable.

11.Rubeolar encephalitis. Occurs mainly in children. The rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets and transplacentally. In the acute period of the disease, against the background of toxic and cerebral phenomena, there may be coma, stupor, and neurological symptoms. At the exit from the acute state, episodes of agitation with fear and aggression are noted; somewhat later, hypomnesia, violent phenomena, bulimia, as well as speech disorders and difficulties in writing and counting are revealed. Some of these disorders persist in the residual period. After an illness in early childhood, mental development may be delayed.

12. Encephalitis caused by the varicella zoster virus. In adults, the varicella zoster virus causes shingles. Encephalitis is relatively mild. Static-coordination disorders usually predominate. Sometimes there are disturbances of consciousness, convulsive seizures, agitation and impulsive actions, as well as neurological symptoms (hemiparesis, etc.). In the future, a decrease in memory and thinking is sometimes detected. Without treatment, convulsive seizures, mental retardation, and psychopathic behavior may persist in the residual period.

13. Post-vaccination encephalitis. They develop after 9–12 days when vaccinated against smallpox, usually in children 3–7 years old. In 30–50% it is severe and fatal. At the height of the disease development, disturbances of consciousness up to severe coma are observed. Stupefaction alternates with confusion, agitation, and visual illusions. Convulsive seizures, paralysis, paresis, hyperkinesis, ataxia, loss of sensitivity, and pelvic disorders are common. With adequate treatment, complete or partial restoration of mental functions is observed.

As mentioned, slow viral infections have now become relevant.

14.These primarily include acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - AIDS. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes damage to the immune system, and then various secondary or “opportunistic” infections, as well as malignant tumors, are added. HIV is a neurotropic retrovirus, transmitted sexually and by syringes. Cases of HIV transmission through kidney transplants and bone marrow transplants have been described.

“Vertical” transmission has also been proven - from mother to fetus. The incubation period lasts up to five years. Characteristic of AIDS are a significant frequency and variety of secondary infections and diseases, such as pneumonia, cryptococcosis, candidiasis, atypical tuberculosis, cytomegaly and herpes, fungi, helminths, tumors (for example, Kaposi's sarcoma), often toxoplasmosis (in 30%), etc. From the very beginning, prolonged fever, anorexia, exhaustion, diarrhea, dyspnea, etc. occur, and all this against the background of severe asthenia. Brain dystrophy with atrophy, sponginess and demyelination is often combined with inflammatory changes as a result of herpetic encephalitis, meningitis, etc. The virus is found in astrocytes, macrophages, and cerebrospinal fluid. At the onset of the disease, asthenia, apathy and aspontaneity dominate.

Symptoms of cognitive deficit gradually develop (deterioration of attention, memory, mental productivity, slowness of mental processes). There may be delirious episodes, catatonic manifestations, and isolated delusional ideas. During the period of advanced disorders, dementia is typical. Incontinence of affect and regression of behavior with disinhibition of drives also occur. Dementia with mori-like behavior is characteristic of damage to the frontal cortex; various neurological symptoms are also observed (stiffness, hyperkinesis, astasia, etc.). A few months later, global disorientation, coma, and then death occur. Many patients do not live to develop dementia. Psychoses with hallucinations, delusions, and mania were noted in 0.9% of HIV-infected people.

Psychogenic depression with suicidal tendencies is very common; usually these are reactions to illness and ostracism. Etiotropic treatment is reduced to the prescription of azidotimedine, dideoxycilline, phosphonofomate and other drugs. Genciclovir is also used. Zidovudine (an HIV replication inhibitor) is recommended for the first 6–12 months. Symptomatic treatment consists of prescribing nootropics, vasoactive and sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics (the latter for behavior correction). In addition, special programs of social, psychological and psychotherapeutic assistance and therapy for somatic pathology are being implemented.

15. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Its other names are: Van Bogaert leukoencephalitis, Pette-Döring nodular panencephalitis, Dawson's inclusion encephalitis. The causative agent of the disease is similar to the measles virus. May persist in brain tissue. In the brain of patients, glial nodules, demyelination in subcortical structures, and special nuclear inclusions are found. The disease usually develops between the ages of 5 and 15 years. Its first stage lasts 2–3 months. Irritability, sleep disturbances, anxiety, as well as psychopathic-like phenomena (leaving home, aimless acts, etc.) are observed.

Towards the end of the stage, drowsiness increases. Dysarthria, apraxia, agnosia are detected, memory is lost, and the level of thinking decreases. The second stage is represented by various hyperkinesis, dyskinesia, generalized seizures and peck-type attacks. Dementia is evident. The third stage occurs after 6–7 months and is characterized by hyperthermia, severe breathing and swallowing disorders, as well as violent phenomena (screaming, laughing, crying). In the fourth stage, opisthotonus, decerebrate rigidity, blindness, and flexion contractures occur. Patients live no more than two years. Subacute and especially chronic forms of the disease are less common; the development of dementia occurs against the background of apraxia, dysarthria, hyperkinesis and other neurological symptoms.

16. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Develops against the background of other diseases with immunodeficiency. Caused by two strains of papova group viruses. They are present in a latent state in 70% of healthy people, becoming more active when immunity decreases in people over 50 years of age. Degenerative changes and signs of demyelination are found in the brain of patients. The disease is characterized by rapidly developing dementia with aphasia. There may be ataxia, hemiparesis, sensory loss, blindness and seizures. A CT scan reveals areas of decreased density of the brain, especially white matter.

A separate group consists of prion diseases.

17. Particularly relevant of these is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Caused by an infectious protein - a prion, it can occur when eating meat from cows, sheep and goats that become carriers of this protein. The disease is rare (one in 1 million people). It manifests itself as rapidly developing dementia, ataxia, and myoclonus. Triphasic waves on the EEG are typical. In the initial stage of the disease there may be euphoria, hallucinations, delirium, and catatonic stupor. Within a year, patients die. Depending on the topic of brain damage, several forms of the disease are distinguished. The classic one is dyskinetic - with dementia, pyramidal and extrapyramidal symptoms.

Kuru or “laughing death” is a now extinct prion disease with dementia, euphoria, violent screams and laughter, leading to death after 2-3 months. It was first identified among the Papuans of New Guinea. Occurring in middle age with a frequency of one case per 10 million people, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome manifests itself mainly in neurological symptoms. Dementia does not always develop. Fatal familial insomnia is manifested by intractable insomnia, disturbances of attention and memory, disorientation and hallucinations. In addition, hyperthermia, tachycardia and hypertension, hyperhidrosis, ataxia and other neurological symptoms are observed. Like both last forms of the disease, it is associated with a hereditary predisposition.

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Expectorants. In addition, you should take expectorants for the flu (Gerbion, Ambroxol, Mucaltin).
5. 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.
6. 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:

1. Bed rest is required.
2. Taking antiviral drugs and other drugs to support immunity.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. To prevent the development of complications on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, maximum rest is necessary; any intellectual stress is contraindicated.
6. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!

Particular attention should be paid to sick children, elderly people and those who have other diseases.

Causes of influenza

Viruses that cause influenza are constantly around us. They tend to change (mutate) very quickly, and that is why you can get the flu many times. The virus spreads very quickly. Sneezing, coughing, talking, sick people spray tiny droplets into the air, which contain viruses. Doctors say the flu is transmitted through airborne droplets.

Flu symptoms

During the acute phase of the illness, you may have a high fever, headache, and joint pain (ache), which is very quickly followed by a runny nose, cough and sore throat. This condition can last for a week.

In some cases, the disease spreads to the lungs, causing pneumonia. It is more common in older people, smokers, people in poor health, or in patients who have asthma or other lung diseases.

What can you do

It's best to rest until you feel better and your temperature drops.

It’s good to drink up to 8 glasses of liquid a day (water, juices, sweet herbal tea with lemon and honey / if you don’t have one). It is especially important to drink a lot if you have a high fever and sweat a lot. You should not drink strong tea, coffee or alcoholic beverages, because... they do not replenish the lack of fluid in the body, but rather strengthen it. Fresh lemon juice mixed with honey and hot water, warm milk with honey reduces and softens dry cough. It is better to eat light food, and only when you want.

You can take medications to relieve pain and reduce fever. Children should not be given aspirin (); it is better for them to buy children's paracetamol at the pharmacy. Before taking the medicine, especially giving it to children, carefully read the instructions on the package and follow all recommendations.

You can talk to your doctor or pharmacy about new medications that can make your flu feel better and reduce the amount of time you feel very sick. But keep in mind that usually these kinds of drugs must be taken within the first 48 hours from the moment the first symptoms of the disease appear (pain in the joints and fever).

What can a doctor do?

It is best to immediately consult a doctor (call a doctor to your home) and take a sick leave. If you go to work, to the store or to any other public place, then you not only risk getting some complications, but also contribute to the spread of the disease. Elderly people or people who are often and long-term ill should definitely consult a doctor, if a child is sick or if an adult has a fever that lasts longer than 4 days.

The flu is caused by viruses, so using antibacterial drugs will not help. Antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor only in case of complications caused by bacteria.

Preventive measures

If you have a high risk of developing complications or a high probability of contracting the flu (including those associated with your profession: police officers, medical workers, teachers, childcare workers), then your doctor may suggest getting vaccinated. It is best to get vaccinated against influenza in October-November. You can contact your doctor or vaccination centers yourself. Getting vaccinated does not provide a 100% guarantee that you will not get sick, but it significantly reduces the risk of getting sick.

They change annually, depending on the types of viruses that are expected to lead to the development of the epidemic. The vaccine is not given to children under 6 months of age, people with an allergy to chicken protein, or those who have previously had a reaction to an influenza vaccine.