With the onset of the autumn-winter season, from year to year, the circulation of non-influenza respiratory viruses (adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, parainfluenza viruses) begins in the space around us. Sporadic detection of influenza A and B viruses is also periodically observed. Many of these diseases are called colds. But in fact, there is no such disease as a cold in official medicine, but only acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections.
• What are acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections • How to distinguish between acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections • The difference in symptoms • Modern approaches to treatment in adults • Drugs for etiotropic therapy • Drugs for antiviral therapy
Major viral infections
A viral infection is a disease that occurs when pathogenic viral particles enter the body. Viruses hijack normal living cells in the body. They use these cells to replicate and multiply, ultimately destroying the host cell - this is what causes the symptoms of a viral infection. It is important to understand the differences between viral and bacterial infections. Unlike bacterial infections, which can be treated with antibiotics, viral infections are not as easy to treat. Many, such as ARVI, run their course and the body recovers on its own, while others, such as HIV, do not.
Viral diseases are extremely common infections. There are many types of pathogens that cause a wide variety of viral diseases. The most common type of viral illness is the common cold, caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). Other common viral diseases:
- chicken pox;
- flu;
- herpes;
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS);
- human papillomavirus (HPV);
- Infectious mononucleosis;
- mumps, measles and rubella;
- shingles;
- viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu);
- viral hepatitis;
- viral meningitis;
- viral pneumonia.
Viral infections are highly contagious and are transmitted from person to person when the virus enters the body and begins to multiply. The source is a sick person (animal) or carriers. Common routes and mechanisms of human-to-human transmission of viruses include:
- inhalation of airborne droplets contaminated with the virus;
- eating or drinking water contaminated with the virus;
- sexual contact with a person infected with a sexually transmitted virus;
- indirect person-to-person transmission by a viral host such as a mosquito, tick, or field mouse;
- touching surfaces or body fluids contaminated with the virus.
Viral diseases vary in their development and course and cause a wide range of symptoms that vary in nature and severity depending on the specific cause of the viral infection and other factors, including the person's age and general health.
Viral diseases cannot be treated with antibiotics, which can only cure bacterial diseases and infections. However, the most common forms of viral infection - ARVI and influenza - go away on their own in relatively healthy people. Source: Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. Selkov S.A. Infection and immunity, 2021. p. 216. This means that common species cause illness for a certain period of time, then the effects of the viral infection subside, all symptoms disappear as the immune system attacks the virus and the body recovers.
Symptoms and treatment of ARVI
The content of the article:
- What is ARVI
- Causes of ARVI infection
- Forms of ARVI
- ARVI symptoms
- Treatment of infection
- Prevention of ARVI
- Myths about the treatment of ARVI
What is ARVI
ARVI is a viral infectious disease transmitted by airborne droplets. The abbreviation contains the word respiratory, which is translated from Latin as “breathing”.
ARVI is more often a seasonal disease, the peak occurs in the autumn-winter period and on average an adult suffers from it about 2-3 times a year.
The causative agents are different types of respiratory viral infections; in fact, there are about 200 of them, and this list even includes the now well-known coronavirus.
We will discuss in the article what signs of ARVI you can diagnose yourself and how to treat the pathology.
Causes of ARVI infection
The main and main cause of acute respiratory disease is contact with an infected person. If a sick person is too close and does not use protective equipment in the form of a mask, if he sneezes or blows his nose, then there is a high probability of infecting others. Particles of mucus and saliva containing infection fly around and land on people's skin.
Factors that aggravate the situation and increase the chances of infection:
- large crowds of people;
- dry indoor air and lack of ventilation;
- failure to comply with hygiene rules.
The infection can also be transmitted through household contact. For example, if a person blows his nose and does not wash his hands afterwards, the virus remains on his skin. And now another person, shaking the patient’s hand, receives a dose of infection. However, this is not enough to get sick, but if you rub your eye, nose or mouth with this hand, infection will occur through the mucous membrane.
What else contributes to virus infection:
- reduced immunity;
- stressful state;
- bad habits: alcohol and tobacco abuse;
- chronic diseases;
- allergy.
Hypothermia, as such, is not the cause of an acute respiratory disease, but when it occurs, the body’s immunity is reduced, which means it can easily become infected with viruses and infections.
Children usually become infected with ARVI more often than adults, this is facilitated by close contact between classmates, children in kindergarten, etc.
Forms of ARVI
The infection usually affects the upper respiratory tract. Most often, it all starts with a slight runny nose, and after a few days you already feel a sore throat. Depending on which part of the respiratory tract the virus affects, ARVIs are divided into:
- rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
- tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils;
- laryngitis - inflammation of the tissues of the larynx;
- pharyngitis - inflammation of the pharynx;
- tracheitis - inflammation of the trachea;
- bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi.
If the infection gets into the conjunctiva of the eyes, conjunctivitis may develop.
It is impossible to predict in advance how ARVI will develop, but treatment can be started in a timely manner so that the virus does not descend into the bronchi and lungs.
Interesting on the topic: What to do if your throat hurts?
ARVI symptoms
Like any disease, ARVI has its own incubation period, which lasts about 3 days. After this, the prodromal stage begins - the virus invades the cells.
Characteristic symptoms of infection begin to appear:
- fatigue, irritability;
- chills, body aches;
- headache;
- lacrimation;
- sore throat;
- runny nose.
Body temperature gradually rises and can reach febrile levels of 38-39 degrees.
Typically, the catarrhal period of an acute respiratory disease with a febrile state lasts no more than 2-3 days. With proper treatment, general symptoms of the disease disappear within 5-7 days, after which recovery occurs. Throughout the entire period of illness, a person is contagious and easily spreads the infection.
Complications of ARVI are also possible when the virus is accompanied by a bacterial infection and affects the lungs or nerve tissue. In the first case, pneumonia develops, in the second, meningitis is possible. A common complication of ARVI is otitis media, when the middle ear becomes inflamed.
Urgent hospitalization is required if the following alarming symptoms appear:
- chest pain;
- dyspnea;
- heavy breathing with wheezing, whistling;
- convulsions;
- loss of consciousness;
- the appearance of a rash on the body;
- blood impurities in the sputum.
Treatment of infection
ARVI is a standard disease that the human body’s immune forces can cope with on their own. However, thanks to medical advances, it is possible to significantly ease the course of a cold by using various medications.
Treatment of acute respiratory viral diseases first of all begins with the need to consult a doctor. If the symptoms are already obvious, then it is better to call a doctor at home.
The specialist will examine the mucous membrane of the throat, listen to the lungs, perform thermometry and palpate the lymph nodes of the neck. After this, he will collect anamnesis and prescribe treatment.
If the patient's breathing is abnormal, radiography may be required.
What should the patient do first:
- maintain bed rest;
- ventilate the room. The air in the room should be humid.
- drink more warm (not hot!) liquid.
Drug treatment is often aimed at relieving unpleasant sensations, since the immune system fights the infection, but in modern realities there are drugs that directly affect the infection, an example is “Triazavirin”
The standard protocol for the treatment of ARVI includes the following drugs:
- antihistamines;
- antiviral and immunomodulatory agents;
- antipyretics;
- vasoconstrictor nasal drops;
- anti-inflammatory sprays and throat lozenges;
- expectorants;
- cough medicines.
What are the drugs aimed at:
Antihistamines.
During illness, the mucous membrane of the nose and throat swells, which causes difficulties with nasal breathing, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and it becomes painful to swallow. Antihistamines block histamine receptors responsible for swelling and make it easier to cope with a cold. For treatment, drugs of the latest generation are usually used, which contain the substance Cetirizine.
Antipyretic drugs.
They should be taken only if there is a significant increase in temperature to 38 degrees or if a severe headache or muscle pain begins. As far as possible, the immune system should cope with the virus itself. Typically, products based on Ibuprofen, Paracetamol or Acetylsalicylic acid are used to lower the temperature. It is important to follow the dosage of the medication and not use it more than the number of times per day indicated in the instructions.
Throat tablets.
An unpleasant, raw feeling in the throat is caused by inflammation of the mucous tissue. To alleviate your condition, you can use antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory tablets and lozenges. For example, some lozenges contain substances that have antiseptic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects and have a pleasant taste.
Aerosols for the throat act like tablets, only the dosage form differs.
Cough medications.
It is important to distinguish between dry and wet (productive) cough, since the drugs and their mechanism of action in both cases are completely different. For dry cough, agents are used that act at the level of the central nervous system. It is necessary to “extinguish” the cough reflex that torments the patient.
When you have a wet cough, it is important to eliminate the mucus that has begun to separate.
Vasoconstrictor drugs.
During ARVI, swollen mucous membrane interferes with normal nasal breathing. To relieve nasal congestion, sprays based on xylometazoline or oxymetazoline are used. However, drops of plant origin, which contain pine, mint, and eucalyptus oils, can also be used to treat a runny nose.
Saline solutions in the form of sprays or nasal drops have also proven themselves to be effective. They help moisturize the mucous membrane and maintain its normal physiological state. The saline solution has an anti-inflammatory, cleansing, restorative effect.
Immunomodulatory drugs.
These drugs have a moderate immunostimulating effect and have interferon-inducing activity, helping to alleviate the symptoms of acute infection.
Antiviral drugs.
Such drugs have a direct effect on the virus itself, one way or another disrupting the functioning of its cells and their reproduction processes, due to which the disease is often fleeting.
Prevention of ARVI
In order not to catch an infection, it is enough to follow the simplest preventive measures:
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap;
- use antiseptics and hand sanitizers;
- When sneezing or coughing, use disposable tissues, which must be disposed of immediately.
To avoid infecting other people, at the first signs of illness, you must wear a disposable medical mask.
Myths about the treatment of ARVI
Since Soviet times, there have been various methods of treating viral infections, which are actually ineffective, but rather have a placebo effect, and sometimes can even be harmful.
What is not recommended to do:
- If you have a runny nose, put onion, garlic or plant juice into your nose. All this only leads to irritation and burns of the mucous membrane;
- use mustard plasters and jars. It is enough to use dry heat or warming ointments if necessary;
- carry out inhalations over pots of hot water. You can burn the nasopharyngeal mucosa. If inhalations are carried out, then only with the help of safe and modern devices - nebulizers, which spray medications into tiny particles and help the medication penetrate better into the mucous membrane.
It is not difficult to detect symptoms and begin treatment for ARVI yourself. The main thing in this matter is not to endure the disease “on your feet”, maintain bed rest and use the right dosage of medications.
Viral infection: main symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of viral diseases vary depending on the specific type, the characteristics of the virus causing the infection, the area of the body affected, the age, medical history of the patient and other factors, the initial condition of the viral infection. Symptoms of viral diseases can affect almost any area of the body or body system. These may include:
- flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains);
- gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting;
- irritability;
- malaise;
- rash;
- sneezing;
- nasal congestion, runny nose, or postnasal drip;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- inflammation, swelling of the tonsils;
- unexplained weight loss.
In infants, the pattern of viral infection may also include:
- protrusion of the fontanel on the top of the head;
- feeding difficulties;
- constant crying or restlessness;
- excessive sleepiness.
acute respiratory infections
ARI is an acute respiratory disease with an acute course of the disease, which is caused by both viruses and bacteria.
Acute respiratory infections in children
Acute respiratory infections are frequent companions of childhood, with cough, nasal discharge, and malaise.
Acute respiratory infections in children are accompanied by the following symptoms:
- runny nose with sneezing;
- dry cough;
- a sore throat;
- headache;
- temperature increase;
- poor sleep at night;
- loss of appetite.
When treating acute respiratory infections in children, you need to consult a pediatrician or otolaryngologist, who, after a thorough examination, will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment for acute respiratory infections.
For the child to recover, it is necessary to provide a favorable atmosphere with clean, cool air, give the patient plenty of fluids, ensure complete rest and prepare warm clothes.
Treatment of acute respiratory infections in children:
- during a runny nose, you can rinse the child’s nose with aquamaris and other means;
- if a child has a severe cough, you can give him antitussives;
- You can give aflubin, remantadine to increase the body’s protective properties;
- ventilate the room more often;
- Feed your baby light food.
Acute respiratory infections in adults
Acute respiratory infections in adults are much less common than in children and have their own differences. Infection occurs through airborne droplets from a person who is sick with acute respiratory infections.
Symptoms of acute respiratory infections in adults
- copious mucus discharge from the nose;
- sore throat (difficulty speaking);
- wet cough;
- temperature up to 38 degrees.
If we compare acute respiratory infections and influenza, then with acute respiratory infections there is no sharp rise in temperature, as with the flu, there is no severe body aches, there are no severe headaches and muscle pains, and there is no dry cough.
Prevention of acute respiratory infections
Prevention of acute respiratory infections and influenza is carried out by following fairly simple rules:
- If possible, try to avoid large numbers of people in public places;
- Follow hygiene rules as often as possible, wash your hands thoroughly;
- try to use immunostimulating drugs such as propolis, eleutherococcus, ginseng, mumiyo, etc.;
- smear your nose with oxolinic ointment;
- rinse your nose with saline solution;
- eat more fruits and vegetables high in vitamins;
- walk outside more often;
- drink more clean filtered water;
- temper your body.
People often ask: are antibiotics needed for acute respiratory infections? This is decided by the otorhinolaryngologist during the appointment. Self-medication is unacceptable!
1 Consultation with an otolaryngologist in MedicCity
2 Consultation with an otolaryngologist in MedicCity
3 Consultation with an otolaryngologist in MedicCity
Antibiotics should not be taken if:
- viral diseases such as ARVI and influenza;
- high body temperature;
- cough of unknown nature, since the cough can also be allergic;
- inflammatory processes in the body.
Serious signs that may indicate life-threatening complications
In some cases, it is necessary to strictly control how the infection manifests itself. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- change in orientation in time, space or level of consciousness;
- chest pain;
- deep, wet chest cough producing yellow, green, or brownish sputum;
- high temperature (above 39 degrees);
- lethargy or lethargy;
- convulsions;
- shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing;
- stiff neck muscles;
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
It is important to know!
Expectorants and mucolytics should not be taken simultaneously with antitussives: this can cause an excess of phlegm in the bronchi. For a dry cough or cough with little sputum, sputum thinners are prescribed; for a wet cough, expectorants are prescribed. Antitussive drugs are prescribed in exceptional cases when a person has a persistent cough.
Treatment of acute respiratory infections in adults should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, especially if there are the following symptoms:
- high temperature, which has no or almost no effect from paracetamol;
- high temperature persists on the fourth day of illness;
- severe pain in the chest or head;
- purulent discharge;
- return of temperature a day after it disappears or on the seventh day of illness;
- deterioration of the condition after a short period of improvement;
- pale skin, severe lethargy, shortness of breath;
- intense sore throat in the absence of a runny nose or cough;
- severe dry cough that cannot be softened, attacks when trying to take a deep breath;
- rash.
It is important to know!
Despite numerous advice and the strong belief that a glass of vodka at night is the best medicine, alcoholic drinks do not help treat acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. Alcohol lowers an already weakened immune system, blocks the ability of the kidneys to remove toxins, constricts blood vessels, causing headaches - in a word, it prevents the body from fighting infection. And drinking alcohol at high temperatures increases dehydration and leads to an exacerbation of the disease.
Diagnostic methods
Most acute respiratory viral infections and influenza during the epidemic season are diagnosed clinically, taking into account the characteristics of the symptoms, the severity of the disease and the timing of the development of the disease (incubation period). Depending on how long the incubation period lasts - from the moment of contact with the patient to the first signs of the disease, the type of ARVI can be clarified.
In some cases, certain tests can help - blood tests, PCR tests, antibody studies. Viral infections have specific laboratory diagnostic features; they are characterized by changes in blood parameters. Additionally, the doctor can decide how to identify and distinguish specific types of viruses. For example, when infected with COVID-19, it is necessary to perform a rapid test for the presence of the virus, and during the recovery stage, it is necessary to determine the level of antibodies. Source: Improving the diagnosis of herpes viral infections. Vasiliev A.N., Fedorova N.E., Klimova R.R., Adieva A.A. Clinical laboratory diagnostics, 2012. p. 52-55.
Treatment of viral infection in adults
Treatment for viral infections depends on the specific virus and other factors. General treatment measures are aimed at relieving symptoms so that a person can rest, maintain their strength, and recover without developing complications. The doctor determines how to treat infections.
Common medications and non-drug treatments for viral infections include:
- antipyretic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fever, body aches and pain;
- taking extra warm liquid;
- additional rest and sleep;
- proper nutrition.
It is important to know that antibiotics are not indicated for viral infections; they are applicable only when microbial complications develop or threaten to develop.
Depending on the type of viral infection and the presence of complications, a wide range of other treatments may be needed. For example, a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that leads to cervical dysplasia can be treated by surgically removing abnormal cells on a woman's cervix.
In some cases, certain medications may be prescribed to treat viral diseases:
- antiretroviral drugs, which prevent HIV from reproducing, which slows the spread of HIV in the body;
- antiviral drugs that minimize the severity and duration of some viral infections such as influenza and shingles, especially in people at high risk for serious complications. For example, the drugs Oseltamivir and Zanamivir may be prescribed for some cases of influenza. These medications are not suitable for everyone who has the flu.
Flu
Influenza also belongs to the group of acute respiratory viral infections, however, due to the tendency of influenza to spread with the development of epidemics, it is isolated separately. In addition, influenza is accompanied by more pronounced clinical manifestations and has a higher risk of complications. There is a subtype of the H5N1 influenza virus that is transmitted from sick birds (ducks, chickens) to humans (“bird” flu) or pigs (“swine” flu).
Influenza is characterized by an acute onset with a rise in temperature to 38–40 °C, accompanied by pain and aches in the muscles, headache, chills, weakness, general weakness, and poor appetite. Then comes pain and sore throat, dry cough. A runny nose is not typical for influenza, which distinguishes it from other acute respiratory viral infections (“dry catarrh”). Body temperature returns to normal on days 3–5 of illness.
Complications of influenza, in addition to pneumonia, include inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, middle ear (especially in children), respiratory distress syndrome (pulmonary edema), and meningitis. The flu is most dangerous for young children, the elderly, as well as for patients with HIV infection, diabetes mellitus and people with weakened immune systems.
With acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, you need to be careful if your body temperature rises again and your health deteriorates - this indicates the development of complications or the presence of another disease. “Alarming signs”, if they appear, you should definitely consult a doctor:
Maintaining an elevated body temperature (more than 37.5 °C) for more than 7 days, as well as its repeated increase;
- increased headache;
- vomit;
- drowsiness or confusion;
- stiff neck (inability to bend your head so that your chin touches your chest);
- shortness of breath (difficulty breathing);
- chest pain;
- bloody sputum;
- any rash on the skin;
- intolerance to bright light.
The diagnosis of ARVI and/or influenza is most often beyond doubt and is based on a characteristic clinical picture. To identify complications of ARVI, a general blood and urine test, x-ray of the chest or paranasal sinuses, and sometimes bacteriological analysis of sputum may be required.
1 Laboratory diagnostics in MedicCity
2 Laboratory diagnostics in MedicCity
3 Laboratory diagnostics in MedicCity
Treatment of influenza and ARVI
- Follow home regime. If there is someone else in the apartment besides you, wear a medical mask, which you change every 2 hours.
- Drink more warm fluids (up to 2 liters per day) - this will avoid dehydration in conditions of high body temperature and improve the removal of toxins from the body.
- If your body temperature rises above 38.5 °C, or if you cannot tolerate high fever, take antipyretics (paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid). Remember that acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is strictly contraindicated for children under 16 years of age!!!
- To relieve the symptoms of ARVI, you can use complex preparations containing, in addition to antipyretics, antitussive, antiallergic components, as well as vitamins. Read the instructions for use carefully!
- To relieve cough, you can take all kinds of herbal infusions or expectorants, but these drugs do not affect the duration of the disease.
- To influence pathogens, interferons (the main factor of antiviral defense in the body) and stimulators of interferon formation are used; oseltamivir or zanamivir (effective only for influenza); anti-influenza immunoglobulin is administered to weakened people, as well as to patients with severe forms of influenza. Before taking these medications, consult your doctor!
- Antibiotics are not used to treat uncomplicated forms of ARVI and influenza because they do not affect viruses.
Possible complications after viral infections
In some cases, the illnesses can lead to serious, possibly life-threatening complications from a viral infection, such as dehydration, bacterial pneumonia, and other secondary bacterial infections. This is especially likely in people at risk of complications. These include those with chronic illness, suppressed or weakened immune systems, infants and the elderlySource: ACUTE RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS AND THE HEART. Kirichenko A.A. Consilium Medicum, 2021. p. 22-27. In addition, some types of sexually transmitted viral infections, such as HIV/AIDS and HPV, are themselves dangerous and can lead to serious complications and death.
Why does ARVI selectively affect people?
Having been chilled outside, we try to warm up at home with hot tea and take a bath, but, unfortunately, these simple but effective procedures do not help everyone. This fact is explained by the general health of a particular person. Hypothermia of the body only triggers the mechanism of a cold, but the nature of the further development of the disease is determined by other reasons.
- A hypothermic body is easily affected by respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus. Entering into a favorable environment, pathogenic microflora begins to actively multiply.
- Susceptibility to infection is largely determined by the state of the immune system. For example, chronic diseases significantly weaken the body’s ability to fight viruses and bacteria that have entered it.
- Patients with enlarged tonsils or with constantly inflamed sinus mucosa are much more likely to be exposed to ARVI. Hypothermia will cause an exacerbation of chronic diseases in them.
- The state of the gastrointestinal tract also affects the level of immunity. The likelihood of catching a cold increases significantly with dysbiosis caused by taking antibiotics or internal causes.
- It is no secret that the likelihood of contracting ARVI increases when a person is in a stressful situation and experiences strong psycho-emotional stress.
The body's reaction to the active activity of pathogenic microflora will also be different.
Prevention and protection measures
Viruses spread in different ways, depending on their classification and characteristics. Hepatitis C, a liver disease, is transmitted through body fluids. On the other hand, the flu can be spread by contact with the virus left on an object, such as a phone, or through droplets in the air if someone with the flu sneezes or coughs in front of you. Not all viral infections can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk of contracting the virus in several ways:
- regularly vaccinate against viral infections;
- wash your hands frequently;
- avoid contact with sick people;
- Do not give personal items to anyone (toothbrushes, razors, manicure accessories).
Article sources:
- Laboratory diagnosis of congenital viral infections. Nisevich L.L., Bakhmut E.V., Ashirova A.A., Medzhidova A.A., Kushch A.A., Konopleva T.N., Talalaev A.G., Kask L.N., Parsegova T. S.S., Tumanova E.L. Children's infections, 2006. p. 12-18
- A new look at latent viral infection. Filatov F.P., Shargunov A.V., Blinov V.M. Hematology and Transfusiology, 2014. p. 28
- Improving the diagnosis of herpes viral infections. Vasiliev A.N., Fedorova N.E., Klimova R.R., Adieva A.A. Clinical laboratory diagnostics, 2012. p. 52-55
- Features of immunosuppression in viral infections. Churina E.G., Urazova O.I., Novitsky V.V., Naslednikova I.O., Voronkova O.V., Slepicheva N.R. Bulletin of Siberian Medicine, 2009. p. 112-118
- Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. Selkov S.A. Infection and immunity, 2021. p. 216
- ACUTE RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS AND THE HEART. Kirichenko A.A. Consilium Medicum, 2021. p. 22-27
Prevention of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections
The only way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated. No medications provide a proven effect in preventing viral diseases. But the likelihood of catching ARVI can be reduced if you take preventive measures. Avoid crowds of people.
Viruses are transmitted by airborne droplets, so during epidemics it is worth protecting yourself as much as possible from contact with crowds.
This is the most reliable, albeit not always accessible, method. Strengthen general immunity.
To do this, it is enough to eat right, avoid lack of sleep and stress, and find time to play sports or at least take daily walks.
Strengthen local immunity.
When the mucous membranes dry out, the protective barrier that should protect us from viruses is reduced.
In this case, the risk of infection becomes higher. Therefore, it is important to avoid dry indoor air - frequently wash the floors or use a humidifier. Wash your hands regularly.
During epidemics, wash your hands or treat them with antibacterial gel every time after external contact.
