Acute respiratory diseases and influenza - methods of control

Autumn and winter are the period of colds and the spread of viral infections. It is during this time that the incidence rate increases significantly. For some people, distinguishing the flu from a cold can be difficult. Although these two diseases are similar in symptoms, course and even cause, treatment for the flu and colds can be very different. And incorrectly prescribed medications can only worsen the situation.

How to distinguish the flu from a cold - we'll figure it out in this article.

How is the flu different from a cold?

• Onset of the disease . Flu symptoms develop rapidly. And it progresses quickly in the body.

The source of influenza is sick people during the incubation period or the height of the disease. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets when sneezing, coughing, shaking hands, and also through dirty food (it has not been thermally processed enough). The infection begins to manifest itself in the period from 4 hours to 3 days. In general, the disease goes away in 5-7 days.

A cold is a disease of the body associated with hypothermia. A cold develops gradually, progressively, and painful symptoms appear within a day or two. It is usually easy to treat. But in advanced forms it can develop into other more severe diseases.

• Temperature . With the flu, there is a high body temperature, which can reach 39-40 degrees. With a cold, the temperature usually remains at the standard level.
• Weakness . People with a cold often ignore symptoms such as cough and runny nose, thinking that it will “go away on its own” with time. A cold can be carried on your feet, although it is undesirable.

But during the flu, the patient immediately realizes that he is sick; often he cannot even have the strength to get out of bed. Aches all over the body, severe headache, fever - these symptoms cannot be confused with anything else.

• Cough and runny nose . During the flu, these symptoms do not appear immediately (only after 5 days), and may not appear at all. With a cold, a debilitating cough, sore throat when swallowing and a runny nose are noted.
• Red eyes, itching and watery eyes . The picture of the flu is complemented by red eyes, severe weakness, fever, and bursting blood vessels in the nose. And in severe forms, even convulsions, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and lack of air are possible.

When you have a cold, your eyes do not turn red or water, and if this happens, it is more likely to indicate a bacterial infection.

How to help your child at home

If you suspect a respiratory infection, you should not self-medicate. If the child does not have a fever, he visits the clinic and is examined by the doctor on duty in a special box. When the temperature crosses 37 ℃, you can call a pediatrician at home. Recommendations: how to treat, to what level to lower the temperature, what to pay attention to are within the competence of the doctor. Below are general uses and warnings.

Advice from Dr. Komarovsky

An increase in temperature in response to an infectious agent entering the body is a completely normal reaction. The production of interferons, restriction of reproduction and further spread of the virus occurs against the background of fever. A well-known pediatrician shares his experience: if parents are afraid that he will not tolerate a high temperature, then they try in every possible way to “bring it down” to normal numbers. Such a baby will be sick for longer than 3-4 days. And the child whose fever remains at 37-38.5 ℃ has a better chance of a quick recovery. It produces substances that protect the body, and the virus “feels” not very comfortable and spreads less.

E. O. Komarovsky tells what can be done at home to alleviate the child’s condition:

1. Cool air in the room (temperature up to 18-20 ℃), regular ventilation. The fan will not bring the desired effect: the flow of cold air can cause spasm of peripheral vessels.
2. Humidify the air by any means (wetting the floor, a wet towel or a container of water on the radiator).
3. Drink plenty of fluids, the temperature of which should be equal to body temperature (fruit drinks, juices, water). Raspberries increase sweating; it should not be used as a means to replenish fluid; it is not recommended for children under 1 year of age.
4. Do not rub dry skin, do not use vinegar or alcohol for rubbing. A warm shower and light wiping with a towel soaked in water are allowed.
5. If a child tolerates a fever up to 38.5 ℃ normally, he should not be given antipyretics.

Fighting fever with flu

When treating a child, the fight against high fever often comes to the fore. Approved medications include: paracetamol, ibuprofen. The dosage and frequency of use depend on the age of the child and the clinical situation: the medicine should not be given “hourly” 3-4 times a day. The drug is taken only when high fever and general intoxication cause severe discomfort.

The exception is children with brain damage, a tendency to episyndrome, a history of febrile convulsions, and poor tolerance to fever. They receive the drug without waiting for their body temperature to rise to 38.5 ℃. If paracetamol does not alleviate the patient's condition, a second antipyretic drug (analgin) is added to therapy.

Why is it necessary to distinguish between these diseases?

The group of people with weakened immune systems includes pensioners and children, people with chronic diseases. This means that their immune system is most susceptible to attack by pathogens. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to deterioration in the functioning of the entire body and incorrect treatment.

Due to influenza, the natural functions of the immune system are weakened, against the background of this, other infections can join and develop. These are mainly respiratory tract infections: the lungs are affected by streptococcal or staphylococcal flora. This contributes to the development of pneumonia, pulmonary hemorrhage, and edema.

Influenza in adults can be complicated by the development of sinusitis, sinusitis, pericarditis and acute cardiovascular failure. Influenza in children is complicated by otitis media, focal pneumonia, and bronchitis.

Complications of influenza

A young, healthy person usually survives seasonal flu without any consequences. The duration of the disease is about 10 days. However, children and adults at risk may develop the following complications of influenza:

• pneumonia;
• acute bronchitis;
• onset of bronchial asthma;
• inflammation of the heart muscle - myocarditis;
• otitis.

The most dangerous complication, especially for older people, is pneumonia. With influenza, it is often the cause of an unfavorable outcome of the disease.

Diagnosis of flu and colds

If you suspect a disease, you should seek help from a doctor. For adults - a therapist, for children - a pediatrician. The consultation takes place in several stages.

• Initial examination. The doctor will ask you questions about your health, review your medical history, and refer you for tests and diagnostics. After a private consultation, the therapist prescribes an ultrasound of internal organs and laboratory tests to detect viruses and infections.
• Establishing diagnosis. After collecting anamnesis, the specialist will identify the disease based on the results obtained. He will tell you about the causes of your condition, prescribe treatment with various methods and drugs, or refer you for hospitalization.
• If necessary, the therapist will refer you to a specialist for further examination.

As for the examination of the child by the pediatrician, parents must be present. This helps the doctor quickly find a common language with the patient. Initially, the pediatrician listens to the lungs, measures the child’s body temperature, and examines the throat for inflammation.

The specialist listens to parents' complaints about the child's health. After this, it is necessary to undergo an examination to diagnose the disease. The pediatrician will order a blood/urine test, as well as additional tests if necessary (scraping, x-ray, bronchoscopy). At a follow-up consultation, the specialist will make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, or refer you to a specialized specialist.

When to see a doctor immediately

When observing and treating a child at home, you should first of all pay attention to the symptoms of complications listed in the clinical guidelines for patient management:

• cyanosis (bluish tint) of the skin, shortness of breath at rest or when moving;
• cough streaked with blood, feeling of pain, heaviness in the chest;
• disturbances of consciousness, the child is inhibited or excited;
• convulsions;
• repeated vomiting;
• decreased blood pressure and cessation of urination;
• in children under one year of age – rapid breathing, low activity, difficulty waking up.

If your child experiences symptoms of a respiratory viral infection, you should contact your pediatrician. Particular attention should be paid to the well-being of young children or those suffering from chronic diseases.

How are colds and flu treated?

Hospital mode

The first thing the doctor will prescribe for such a disease is bed rest. Carrying an illness on your feet is extremely dangerous for both you and those around you. The influenza virus is highly contagious. Everyone you come into contact with will also get sick. You, in turn, risk getting a bacterial complication of the flu.

It is also necessary to adhere to a certain diet: try to drink as much warm drink as possible (herbal teas, milk with honey, berry fruit drinks, water), do not eat heavy fried foods. If you or your child suffering from a disease does not want to eat, there is no need to force it. Decreased appetite is a common symptom of the disease.

Drug therapy

First of all, antiviral drugs are prescribed for influenza and colds , which inhibit the vital activity and spread of the virus inside the human body. Such medications are prescribed for severe or moderate severity of the disease. The drug is most effective in the first days of the disease.

Antipyretics are used only at very high temperatures to help the body cope with the fever and prevent complications from developing. These drugs also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Antibiotics for colds are taken only after a doctor's prescription. When, against the background of the development of influenza, an acute bacterial infection appears that the body cannot cope with on its own. Important: if you start taking antibiotics, the course cannot be interrupted.

Antihistamines relieve the unpleasant consequences of the disease, such as redness, itching, lacrimation, swelling of the nasopharynx and nasal discharge.

Immunostimulants help strengthen the body's defenses and help the immune system independently repel attacks from viruses and bacteria.

Drops for a runny nose relieve swelling of the mucous membrane, allow the nose to breathe normally and prevent the occurrence of microbial complications. However, the drug should not be taken for more than 5 days, because there is a risk of chronic swelling of the mucous membrane.

Etiotropic drugs

Etiotropic drugs have a direct effect on the influenza pathogen. They reduce the activity of the virus and lead to its death. The most effective medications are:

1. Arbidol - helps suppress pathogen activity and stimulates the immune response. Used to treat influenza A and B. Recommended for adults and children over 3 years of age. Available in the form of tablets for oral administration. The therapeutic dose and course duration are determined by the doctor.
2. Grippferon is an interferon-based antiviral agent for the treatment and prevention of influenza infection. Used in the form of nasal drops. The therapeutic effect is determined by the inhibition of the vital activity of the pathogen and the creation of a protective barrier for pathogenic flora. The drug is a new release, approved for adults, children and pregnant women.
3. Remantadine is a drug in the form of tablets and syrup. Effective against viruses A and B. The course of treatment is 5-14 days, depending on the patient’s condition. It has contraindications and can cause an allergic process. Used as prescribed by a doctor.
4. Neovir is an anti-flu drug for injection and oral administration. It is a derivative of interferon. Has immunostimulating and antiviral effects. The maximum duration of the course is no more than 2 weeks. Not dispensed without a medical prescription.
5. Tamiflu is intended only for the treatment of influenza and is not used for preventive purposes. The medicine is effective against different types of virus and is used for adults and children. The product is highly toxic and should not be used without a doctor's prescription.

Prevention of flu and colds

The most reliable way to prevent influenza is vaccination. The flu shot is effective, but does not provide long-term immune protection, so vaccination should be done annually. Regular flu vaccination increases the production of antibodies to the virus.

The vaccine has no side effects, and the improved composition protects against mutated strains of the virus. Timely vaccination prevents infection. Even if infected, the disease will be mild.

After getting a flu shot, your temperature may rise to 37.5℃, you may experience chills, sweating, a general feeling of weakness and poor appetite. Redness, slight swelling, itching and pain may be observed at the injection site. This is an indication that your body is developing immunity to the flu. After vaccination, it is strictly forbidden to visit a bathhouse/sauna, swim in open water, engage in tiring physical activity, or drink alcohol.

Main routes of infection

Influenza is transmitted by airborne droplets. An invisible drop (0.0001 ml) of secretion from the nasopharynx is enough to become infected. The virus is also transmitted through household contact. If there is a sick person in the house, he should have individual hygiene items, dishes, and bed linen. You can also become infected through contact. For example, a person sneezed while covering his mouth with his hand. Hands are rarely washed after this. By touching various objects, a person expands the area of ​​potential infection. Crowds of people and closed types of premises are places where the flu spreads with lightning speed.

Contraindications to the flu vaccine

• at least 6 months have not passed since the last vaccination;
• bronchial asthma;
• allergic reactions;
• iron deficiency;
• diseases of the respiratory system in acute or chronic form;
• allergic reaction to chicken protein;
• heart failure;
• endocrine diseases;
• blood pathologies;
• first trimester of pregnancy;
• severe renal failure;
• period of exacerbation of chronic diseases.

To prevent flu and colds, follow a few simple rules:

• Strengthen your immune system. Exercise more often or give your body light exercise. Take a walk in the fresh air, this will saturate your lungs with oxygen.
• Avoid hypothermia. This occurs due to a sharp temperature change and the action of the air conditioner.
• Use antibacterial agents, especially during cold season.
• Eat a balanced diet. This will provide the body with the necessary microelements.

Where to get diagnosed and treated for flu and colds in Krasnoyarsk?

This can be done at the Medunion private medical clinic.

Is a child or an elderly person sick? Then do not wait to see a doctor, but simply call a specialist at home. It's not only fast, but also very convenient! The specialist will examine the patient in a familiar environment, prescribe tests, and prescribe the necessary treatment. And the nurse will take samples or vaccinate you.

Sign up for a medical appointment and take care of the health of your loved ones. You can do this in any way convenient for you - online or by phone on the website. The cost of an initial consultation with a doctor starts from 1100 rubles.

ARVI

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are a group of diseases caused by viruses with similar transmission routes (mainly airborne, that is, through the air with saliva particles) and clinical manifestations (cough, fever, sore throat, etc.). ARVIs are the most common diseases, accounting for about 90% of all infections.

The causes of ARVI are viruses that affect the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and are transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person with drops of saliva and sputum during breathing, talking, crying, coughing, sneezing. Viruses can also enter the body of a healthy person through sharing household items (dishes, towels). The likelihood of infection is highest during close contact and high crowding: in transport, educational institutions, hospitals, etc. Susceptibility to respiratory infections is very high, but can be reduced through preventative methods.

With ARVI, the most common acute symptoms include a runny nose, pain and/or sore throat, an increase in body temperature to 38–39 °C, chills, general weakness, and fatigue, which persist for 3–7 days. A cough is often associated, usually dry or with a small amount of sputum. Sometimes the sputum may become greenish in color, but this does not necessarily indicate the development of complications. It should be remembered that cough can persist for 2 weeks after recovery and is not considered a warning sign if all other symptoms of ARVI have disappeared.

Complications of ARVI do not occur often; typical complications are pneumonia, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.).