Immunomodulators: types, application features and contraindications

• What is an immunomodulator?
• Immunostimulants and immunomodulators: differences
• Classification
• Action and use of immunomodulators and immunostimulants
• For children
• For children under one year old
• During pregnancy
• Natural immunomodulators
• For a cold
• Harm and contraindications
• Is an immunogram necessary before and after treatment?

Medical specialists answer frequently asked questions from users

Immunostimulants and immunomodulators: differences

Immunostimulants and immunomodulators are two groups of drugs that stimulate the immune system. In a broad sense, these drugs are identical, since they perform the same function, but still, they have differences from each other. In order to once and for all understand and remember what the differences are between immunostimulants and immunomodulators, you need to know what each of these terms means.

Immunomodulators are (conditionally) “weakly neutral” drugs that simply act on the body and force its own immunity to work more thoroughly under certain conditions (for example, during ARVI).

Immunostimulants are more “powerful” and “strong” drugs that are used only in cases where the human immune system suffers significantly, and one’s own immunity cannot cope with even minor diseases. In other words, these drugs are used mainly only for immunodeficiency conditions (for example, HIV).

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Modern drugs for the treatment of ARVI and influenza

Acute respiratory infections (ARVI) are the most common among all infectious diseases. ARVI and influenza account for at least 70% of infectious diseases. In Russia, about 50 million infectious diseases are registered annually, of which up to 90% of cases are ARVI and influenza.

Almost 90% of the population experience one of the respiratory infections of viral etiology at least once a year, which generally determines high morbidity and even affects the mortality rate [2].

Such a high incidence of respiratory tract diseases is explained by a variety of etiological factors (influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, reoviruses, respiratory syncytial (RS) viruses, mycoplasmas, chlamydia, bacterial agents), as well as the ease of transmission of the pathogen and the high variability of viruses.

Differential diagnosis of influenza and ARVI is difficult due to the similarity of the clinical picture of these diseases, but it is quite possible. The main differences can be considered the initial signs of the disease, symptoms of intoxication, the nature of catarrhal symptoms and fever, the type of complications that develop, etc. The clinical diagnosis, confirmed by laboratory tests, determines the choice of therapy.

The clinical picture of ARVI and influenza depends on the causative virus (see table).

It should be noted that complications from ARVI, especially during an epidemic, are recorded in 20–30% of cases. The main causes of complications are disorders of the immune defense, leading to long-term insufficiency in the functioning of the immune system. A decrease in the body's antibacterial resistance leads to protracted periods of convalescence and creates the possibility of complications over a long period of time. A special place among complications is occupied by the so-called post-viral asthenia syndrome (PAS), which can develop in 65% of patients within 1 month from the onset of the disease. The leading symptoms of SPA are fatigue, emotional disturbances and various mental disorders.

The range of drugs used in the treatment of ARVI and influenza is wide and varied. It includes live and inactivated vaccines, chemotherapy drugs with etiotropic action, as well as drugs used for immunocorrective and pathogenetic therapy.

However, the course of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections remains difficult to control. This is due not only to the polyetiology of these diseases, but also to the unique variability of viruses and the global nature of epidemics. The spread of ARVI largely depends on the environmental, socio-economic situation, the presence of allergic diseases in patients and a number of other factors.

Antiviral drugs

Chemotherapy

The mechanism of action of this group of drugs is based on the selective suppression of individual stages of viral reproduction, without interfering with the vital activity of the cell of the macroorganism. For respiratory infections, two groups of drugs are used - M2 channel blockers and neuroaminidase inhibitors, as well as ribavirin, which is active against the RS virus.

M2 channel blockers

In 1961, a symmetrical amine, amantadine, was synthesized, and then a number of its derivatives (rimantadine, midantan, deutiforin). In our country, rimantadine is widely used, which is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza caused by the type A virus. The effectiveness of this drug is 70–90%.

The antiviral effect is realized by blocking special ion channels (M2) of the virus, which is accompanied by a violation of its ability to penetrate cells and release ribonucleoprotein. This inhibits the most important stage of viral replication. In approximately 30% of cases, resistance to rimantadine may develop [6].

Rimantadine is available in the form of rimantadine in tablets of 50 mg and syrup for children from 1 to 7 years of age - algirem - 2 mg/ml. For therapeutic purposes, the drug is prescribed from the moment the first symptoms are registered. The duration of therapy should not exceed 5 days to avoid the emergence of resistant forms of the virus. As a preventative measure, rimantadine should be taken for at least 2 weeks.

Neuroamindase inhibitors

Drugs in this group are effective not only against type A influenza viruses, but also against type B viruses.

Neuroamindase (sialidase) is one of the key enzymes involved in the replication of influenza viruses. When neuroamindase is inhibited, the ability of viruses to penetrate healthy cells is impaired, their resistance to the protective effect of respiratory tract secretions is reduced, and thus the further spread of the virus in the body is inhibited. Neuroamindase inhibitors are able to reduce the production of cytokines (IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor), preventing the development of a local inflammatory reaction and weakening systemic manifestations of a viral infection such as fever, pain in muscles and joints, and loss of appetite [7].

Preliminary studies have shown that the effectiveness of such an inhibitor as a prophylactic agent is 70–80%. Taking these drugs can reduce the duration of the disease by 1–1.5 days (if you start taking the drug no later than 36–48 hours from the moment the first symptoms appear). At the onset of the disease and in its early stages, the average duration of viral replication is reduced by an average of 3 days, and the number of severe forms of ARVI and influenza, characterized by elevated temperature, by 85%. The drugs do not have a harmful effect on the central nervous system. However, it should be noted that it is not always possible to use them in the first 48 hours: due to the difficulties associated with the differential diagnosis of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.

Representatives of neuroamindase inhibitors are oseltamivir and zanamivir.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is prescribed 75–150 mg 2 times a day for 5 days. For prevention - 75 mg 1 or 2 times a day for 4–6 weeks. In patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min, the dose is reduced by 2 times.

Zanamivir (Relenza) is a structural analogue of sialic acid, a natural substrate of influenza virus neuroamidase, and therefore has the ability to compete with it for binding to the active site. It is inhaled using a special device - a diskhaler. For therapeutic purposes, 10 mg is prescribed 2 times a day (with an interval of 12 hours) for 5 days, for prevention - 10 mg 1 time a day for 4-6 weeks. The inhalation route of administration has the advantage of providing a fairly rapid antiviral effect in the area of ​​the primary source of infection.

Adverse reactions of this group of drugs account for no more than 1.5% of cases. Most often these are headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and sinusitis. Patients with obstructive bronchopulmonary diseases may develop bronchospasm.

Drugs active against other viruses

Ribavirin (virazol, rebetol), which acts on many RNA and DNA viruses, is used in aerosol dosage form to treat infections caused by the RS virus. It is assumed that the drug inhibits the early stages of viral transcription, disrupting the synthesis of ribonucleoproteins, messenger RNA, and blocking RNA polymerase. It is used inhalation using a nebulizer only in a hospital setting.

When taking ribavirin, bronchospasm, rash, and eye irritation may occur, not only in patients, but also in medical staff. In rare cases, leukopenia, insomnia, and irritability are observed. There is a risk of drug crystallization in the respiratory tract and endotracheal tubes. Has a teratogenic effect.

A promising antiviral drug is plenoconaril, recently developed in the USA. In vitro studies and animal experiments have revealed its activity against enteroviruses and rhinoviruses. Data from the first placebo-controlled studies indicate the effectiveness of the drug against respiratory infections and enteroviral meningitis [8].

In Russia, original antiviral drugs are used, created on the basis of domestic developments. The most widely known of them is arbidol. It has an inhibitory effect on influenza viruses type A and B and other respiratory viruses, the mechanism of which is not fully understood. It is believed that such an effect is associated with both the interferon-inducing and immunomodulatory properties of the drug. In particular, arbidol stimulates the activity of phagocytic cells. Available in tablets of 0.1 g. For medicinal purposes, 0.2 g is prescribed 3-4 times a day for 3-5 days. For prophylactic purposes, 0.2 g/day is used for 10–14 days.

Interferons

Interferons (IFNs) are among the regulators of immunogenesis. They are produced by various cells and not only implement the antiviral response, but also regulate immunological reactions. The main effects of interferons can be divided into antiviral, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, immunomodulatory and radioprotective.

Despite the diversity of the genetic material of viruses, IFNs suppress their reproduction at a stage required for all viruses: they block the onset of translation, i.e., the synthesis of virus-specific proteins. This may explain the universality of the antiviral action of interferon. Under the influence of interferon in the body, the activity of natural killer cells, T-helper cells, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, phagocytic activity, the intensity of B-lymphocyte differentiation, and the expression of MHC type I and II antigens increases [1].

α- and β-interferons are used to treat viral infections. A good effect in treatment is achieved by the combined use of chemotherapy and IFN drugs.

β-interferon (betaferon) is available in powder form, in bottles containing 9.5 million units of IFN. For influenza, it is instilled or sprayed into the nasal passages at least 4–5 times a day [2].

Human leukocyte interferon is a mixture of interferons synthesized by leukocytes of donor blood in response to exposure to a viral inducer. The drug is administered by inhalation or an aqueous solution prepared from a dry substance in an ampoule or bottle is instilled into the nasal passages.

Viferon - recombinant interferon-α 2b - is available in the form of rectal suppositories and is used in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. Damage to cell membranes observed during the development of the infectious process is the reason for the decrease in the antiviral activity of interferon. Tocopherol acetate and ascorbic acid, which are part of Viferon, are membrane-stabilizing components, antioxidants, in combination with which the antiviral activity of recombinant interferon-α 2b increases 10–14 times [1].

The peculiarities of the administration of the dosage form ensure long-term circulation of interferon-α 2b in the blood.

The drug is used both in newborns and in adult patients with ARVI and influenza in age-specific dosages. Children under 7 years of age are prescribed Viferon-1, children over 7 years of age and adults - Viferon-2.

Interferon inducers

Exogenous interferon preparations are logically combined with the use of its inducers in clinical practice. They represent a very heterogeneous family of high- and low-molecular natural and synthetic compounds, united by the ability to induce in the body the formation of its own (endogenous) interferon α- and β-interferons in different proportions by leukocytes, macrophages, epithelial cells, as well as tissues of the spleen and liver , lungs, brain. The drugs penetrate the cytoplasm and nuclear structures and activate the synthesis of “early” interferons. Helps correct the immune status of the body [3].

Amiksin is a low molecular weight synthetic inducer of endogenous aromatic interferon, belonging to the class of fluorenones. The main structures that produce interferon in response to the administration of amixin are intestinal epithelial cells, hepatocytes, T-lymphocytes, and granulocytes. In human leukocytes, amixin induces the formation of interferon, the level of which in the blood is 250 U/ml. After taking amixin orally, the maximum interferon in humans is determined sequentially in the intestines, liver, and blood after 4–24 hours [2].

When treating influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, amixin is prescribed in the first hours of the disease; 5–6 tablets are enough per course. For the purpose of prevention, it is prescribed once a week for 4–6 weeks.

Cycloferon is a low-molecular-weight inducer of IFN-α, which determines a wide range of its biological activity. It quickly penetrates cells, accumulating in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Cycloferon intercalates cell DNA, which is responsible for the mechanism of its interferon-inducing activity [3].

Cycloferon quickly penetrates the blood. There is low binding to blood proteins and at the same time widespread distribution in various organs, tissues, and biological fluids of the body.

Due to the fact that cycloferon is a low-molecular drug, it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, causing the formation of IFN in the brain. Cycloferon is quickly eliminated from the body: 99% of the administered drug is eliminated unchanged by the kidneys within 24 hours.

Cycloferon is well tolerated by patients and is prescribed from the first day from the onset of the disease in tablet form or parenterally [4].

Ridostin is a high molecular weight IFN inducer of natural origin. Ridostin is a double-stranded RNA obtained from the lysate of the killer yeast Saccharamyces cervisiae.

Systemic administration of ridostin stimulates the production of early IFN. The maximum accumulation of IFN in serum is observed 6–8 hours after injection; after 24 hours it is not detected in the bloodstream [1].

The drug exhibits a pronounced immunomodulatory effect. It stimulates T-cell and humoral immunity, proliferation of bone marrow stem cells and phagocytic activity of macrophages and neutrophils in peripheral blood. Ridostin increases the level of corticosteroid hormones; used for the treatment and prevention of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.

Currently, the drug dibazol, used for the treatment and prevention of influenza and ARVI, is undeservedly forgotten. Dibazol has immunomodulatory activity and induces the production of endogenous interferon. For prevention, 1 tablet (0.02–0.05 g) is prescribed once a day for 3–4 weeks; for treatment, 1 tablet 3 times a day for 5 days.

Indispensable in the treatment of influenza and ARVI are complex drugs such as Grippostad, Rinza, Theraflu, Fervex, as well as drugs for external and local use - Doctor Mom cold ointment, Tussamag cold balm.

Despite the variety of drugs presented for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza at the present stage, the choice of a drug remains an urgent task for the practicing physician. The choice of tactics for prescribing and managing a patient with ARVI or influenza is directly related to the severity of the infectious process, the form of the disease and the presence of complications. The success of treatment depends on the correct assessment of the patient’s condition and early initiation of treatment.

O. A. Melnikov , Candidate of Medical Sciences L. V. Averkieva “GUTA-Clinic”, Moscow

Classification

• 1. Thymic - increase the number of special cells (T cells), which largely determine the adequacy of the immune response. The latest generations of thymic drugs are synthetic analogues of thymus hormones, or the human thymus gland.
• 2. Bone marrow - they contain the so-called. myelopeptides, which have both a stimulating effect on T cells and an inhibitory effect on malignant tumor cells.
• 3. Microbial. They combine two actions – vaccinating (specific) and non-specific.
• 4. Cytokines are endogenous immunoregulatory molecules, the deficiency of which does not allow the body to adequately respond to the viral threat.
• 5. Nucleic acids.
• 6. Chemically pure immunomodulators with a wide spectrum of action - immune stimulation, antioxidant, antitoxic. They are also capable of providing a membrane-protective effect.

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In what situations may immunocorrection be required?

There are several main reasons that lead to a weakened immune system and the development of various diseases.

Poor nutrition

So far, no scientist has refuted the fact that we are what we eat. Food is a building material for cells, tissues, enzymes and hormones, and therefore directly affects the state of the immune system. Nutrients play a critical role in maintaining an optimal immune response. A deficiency of substances necessary for a person or its excess leads to negative consequences and increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogenic agents.

For a person at any age, sufficient consumption of basic food ingredients: proteins, fats and carbohydrates is important. Vitamins and microelements are also no less important, because their deficiency slows down the division of immune cells and significantly reduces their activity. A devastating blow to the immune system is caused by spontaneous fasting without careful preparation and following the recommendations of a nutritionist, as well as monotonous diets with a serious reduction in calories. Overeating is no less harmful.

Bad habits

Many doctors consider bad habits not only smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, but also excessively frequent consumption of caffeinated drinks. Alcoholic drinks impair the body's ability to fight infections for about a day by blocking the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which act as "scouts" warning of invading bacteria and viruses. This means that the likelihood of getting sick increases immediately after a feast with alcohol.

Lymphocytes (immune system cells) of smokers in the peripheral blood, spleen and lymph nodes were also studied. As a result, scientists made an unequivocal conclusion: smoking, including passive smoking, has an inhibitory effect on cellular immunity throughout the body. But tobacco causes the greatest harm to pulmonary lymphocytes.

Drinking coffee too often increases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This hormone interferes with the normal functioning of the immune system. At the moment, scientists are still talking about how many cups of coffee you can drink a day without harm to your health. American nutritionists are of the opinion that a safe and acceptable dose is within 3-4 cups of coffee with a volume of 250 milliliters.

Frequent stress

Surely you have heard the expression “all diseases come from nerves.” The predominance of excitation processes over inhibition, active consumption of resources and increased levels of stress hormones in the body weaken the immune system and lead to more frequent acute respiratory viral infections and other diseases. Stress hormones gradually suppress the immune system. Under extreme stress loads, the activity of the so-called natural killer cells (NK lymphocytes) is halved. As a result, diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, problems with blood pressure and the gastrointestinal tract may develop.

Physical, mental overload and physical inactivity

Both overload and a sedentary lifestyle and lack of movement, which many modern people face, are harmful. After all, everything is medicine and everything is poison, it’s all a matter of dose. Physical overload and too intense sports have a negative impact on the immune system. The longer and more intense the training, the stronger the fatigue from overwork, the more the body’s immune response is weakened and the longer the period of decreased immunity.

With inactivity, the functioning of almost all body systems is disrupted, as a result, the production of immune cells decreases, their maturation and differentiation are disrupted, and the synthesis of immunoglobulins - blood plasma proteins designed to neutralize pathogen cells - is reduced.

Viral and bacterial diseases

A weakened immune system leads to disease. Frequently developing diseases, in turn, weaken the immune system. This creates a vicious circle. Microorganisms constantly mutate and become resistant to drugs. Those that were previously considered opportunistic pathogens, with weakened immunity, may begin to show aggressiveness, not responding to drugs that were effective before.

Lack of adequate treatment during illness can also be a factor that leads to subsequent problems with the immune system. For example, this happens when a person has been suffering from a cold or flu for a long time and does not receive the necessary therapy, hoping that the disease will go away on its own.

Action and use of immunomodulators and immunostimulants

Such drugs are prescribed as part of complex therapy. This is due to the fact that they do not have a direct effect on the pathogen. The immunomodulator corrects and stimulates the body's defense reactions, allowing you to effectively fight infection. But in some cases, the immune system begins to fight against the body's cells (autoimmune diseases) - in this case, immunosuppressants that suppress the immune system are indicated. Suppressors are also used in transplantology to prevent rejection of transplanted donor organs.

The use of immunocorrectors is indicated for a variety of infections (especially chronic, sexually transmitted infections), allergic diseases, neoplasms, and HIV. As a separate (independent) drug, they can be used as a prophylactic agent during epidemics (influenza, ARVI) - for this purpose, both herbal immunomodulators and synthetic complexes can be used. Of the modern and proven immunostimulants, there is o - a unique drug that allows its use starting from 6 months of age. The dosage of the drug is prescribed by the doctor, in accordance with the age and severity of the condition.

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The use of the antiviral and immunomodulating agent VIFERON for ARVI

Interferons are important factors in the nonspecific resistance of the human body to various viruses, therefore, immunomodulators, antiviral suppositories, for example, VIFERON, can be used in the effective treatment of ARVI and other diseases. This drug is an immunomodulator, which is due to its regulatory function. That is, during the use of this drug, the lack of interferon is replaced. VIFERON is not an antiviral immunostimulating agent, it is an immunomodulator. In immunodeficient conditions (patients at risk), boosting the immune system with stimulants is usually not recommended. The “shake-up” may not lead to the expected results, since in a weakened body there is no reserve for mobilization.

The inclusion of the drug VIFERON® Rectal Suppositories in the complex therapy of ARI of both viral and viral-bacterial etiology is intended to provide the necessary assistance to the body.

This drug helps:

• reducing the total duration of the disease (on average by 2 days);
• reducing the number of complications;
• increasing the level of sIgA on the surface of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract;
• restoration of the ability of immunocompetent cells to produce interferon alpha;
• reducing the period of release of viral antigens, which leads to a reduction in the risk of ARI in contact persons (preventive effect), incl. superinfections in hospitalized patients 2.

It is worth noting the form of the drug - rectal suppositories. Unlike tablets, which are taken orally, this drug is absorbed through the mucous membrane of the rectum, without loading the digestive organs. Its action begins immediately after dissolution.

For children

It is best to stimulate the immune system in children without taking medications. But still, there are cases when you simply cannot do without immunomodulators, and then the drug of choice becomes “Thymogen”, since this is the only drug made on the basis of substances identical to those produced by the thymus (thymus gland).

In childhood, frequent colds are inevitable, due to the fact that the child’s immune system is still imperfect (it completes its formation by the age of 9-14 years). During this period, the child goes to kindergarten, then school. His circle of contacts increases sharply, and along with this, the number of contacts with viruses also increases. Therefore, after consulting a doctor, it makes sense to use Thymogen spray. It can be used in combination with any other medications, has virtually no contraindications, and taking it once a day will not create any inconvenience for the child.

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Types of immunostimulants

• Herbal preparations
  . These are immunostimulants based on herbal medicines - echinacea, lemongrass, chicory, clover, lungwort. Without suppressing natural hormones, they restore the body's defenses naturally. Herbal medicines are available in the form of tablets, drops, lozenges, and tinctures. The treatment period is about 2 weeks.
• Immunostimulating drugs of bacterial origin
  . To create drugs of this group, particles of microbial cells – pathogens of respiratory diseases – are used. By themselves, in such small quantities, they cannot cause disease, but they can stimulate the immune system to fight the virus. These medications cope well with infectious respiratory diseases (sore throat, bronchitis, pharyngitis, influenza). Immunostimulants of bacterial origin are produced in the form of granules, drops, tablets. They can be taken from 6 months of age. However, it is contraindicated for use by pregnant and lactating women. And the course of treatment ranges from 2 weeks to one month.
• Medicines of synthetic origin
  . Immunostimulants are based on components obtained in the laboratory. Medicines are prescribed to the patient for the treatment of purulent-inflammatory diseases of the skin, respiratory, and genitourinary systems. Available in the form of spray, creams, solutions, suppositories (rectal suppositories). The course of treatment can last from 10 days to one month.
• Immunostimulants of endogenous origin
  . Drugs that are obtained from the thymus gland and bone marrow. They regulate the production of immune cells, promote the production of antibodies and restore body tissue.

For children under one year old

It is necessary for the child to develop his own immunity naturally. Children under one year of age who are breastfed receive immunoglobulins from their mother's milk - and these are “endogenous immunomodulators”. But if, nevertheless, a child under one year of age simply needs immunomodulators, then in this case only a doctor can prescribe the drug.

At this age, all drugs should be used with extreme caution, and immunostimulants are no exception. As a rule, when the baby reaches 6 months of age, the natural protection provided by breast milk ceases. Therefore, the child’s body is not always able to resist viruses. The drug "Thymogen" , being identical to the natural substance that is secreted by the child's thymus gland, gently stimulates children's immunity without causing addiction. Indicated for both acute and chronic pathologies caused by bacteria or viruses.

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Nonspecific prevention of acute and recurrent respiratory infections

It is worth saying a few words about coronavirus infection: the peculiarity of this virus is that it has “learned” to block and suppress the innate immune response, which is especially pronounced in the initial period of infection.

When faced with the task of choosing from several hundred registered immunomodulators, you can apply a strategy based on the principles of: effectiveness (experimentally proven antiviral activity of the drug, availability of evidence base and known mechanism of action), safety (evidence of the absence of significant side effects or clear knowledge of their presence, nature and frequency to assess the feasibility of using a drug) and physiology, that is, on the fundamental, evolutionary mechanisms of antiviral defense.

During pregnancy

The use of immunomodulators during pregnancy should be kept to a minimum. During pregnancy, you need to stimulate the immune system with proper nutrition, physical methods, hardening and gymnastics.

The use of medications during pregnancy requires mandatory consultation with a specialist. To correct the protective properties of the expectant mother’s body, you can use multivitamin complexes enhanced with minerals. Naturally, this should be done only as prescribed by a doctor. Homeopathic remedies and herbal stimulants are indicated.

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How to develop antiviral immunity?

There is a phenomenon of “trained immunity”, according to which innate immune cells have the ability to more effectively recognize and respond to a pathogen when they encounter it again. Common preventive methods that reduce the frequency and intensity of respiratory diseases include prevention and hardening, as well as:

• Balanced diet
• Vitamin complexes
• Walking and moderate exercise in the fresh air
• Sufficient amount of water

The antiviral immunomodulatory effect of VIFERON Gel applied to the nasal mucosa is due to the properties of interferon alpha contained in it. The gel helps block the virus at the gates of infection. Due to the gel base, the drug has a prolonged effect, which allows it to be applied only 2 times a day. The drug VIFERON Gel is approved for everyone, even children from birth and expectant mothers.

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology at Sechenov University Oleg Vitalievich Kalyuzhin calls interferons the central link of antiviral protection. Alpha interferons can be used as antiviral therapy during the period of active viral replication for treatment or emergency post-exposure prophylaxis of respiratory viral infectioniii.

Natural plant immunomodulators

Natural immunomodulators are the best thing that can be given to a child to stimulate the immune system, after mother’s milk, of course. Of the herbal immunomodulators, it is preferable to give children rose hips, aloe, eucalyptus, lemongrass, ginseng, cabbage, beets, radishes and phytoncides (onions, garlic). Many sources also talk about the usefulness of honey and propolis as the best herbal immunomodulators, but giving these products to a child under 3 years of age is highly undesirable, as they immediately cause allergic reactions in children.

It is very important to stimulate the functioning of the immune system through proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, contrast dousing and other physical factors.

They are practically not inferior in effectiveness to synthesized ones, and in the absence of side effects they are superior to them (with the exception of individual intolerance).

List of natural immunomodulators:
• • Ginseng;
• • Walnut;
• • Rose hip;
• • Schisandra chinensis;
• • Thyme;
• • Eleutherococcus;
• • Nettle;
• • Birch;
• • Sea kale;
• • Aralia Manchurian

Based on herbal immodulators, there have been simple recipes for centuries that help maintain human defenses no worse than many modern immunomodulators. See also the answer of the Cytomed specialist to the user’s question What natural immunomodulators are best to give to a child?

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Types of immunomodulators by origin:

1. Endogenous, that is, produced by the body, which include cytokines (interferons, interleukins, factors that promote the maturation of immune cells).
2. Exogenous: drugs of natural origin (bacterial lysates, probiotics, muramyl peptides), immunomodulators of plant origin (nucleic acids, drugs of fungal origin), enzymes of plant and animal origin, synthetic substances. Synthetic immunostimulating drugs can be prescribed by a doctor for the treatment and prevention of viral diseases, in particular herpes.

Reference and information material

Author of the article

Gerasimenko Igor Olegovich

General doctor

Sources:

1. N.V. Shestakova, N.V. Zagoskina Doctor.ru 2012 8(76): pp. 44-47.
2. L.V. Osidak, E.V. Obraztsova, E.G. Golovacheva, O.I. Afanasyeva, V.P. Drinevsky, O.V. Kiseleva, E.B. Pavlova “Viferon (suppositories) in the treatment of influenza and other ARIs of viral and viral-bacterial etiology in children,” 2011.

i https://cyberleninka.ru/

ii https://hepatoassociation.ru/

iii https://con-med.ru/

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Immunomodulators for colds

Colds are one of the most common reasons for using immunostimulants. To make it easier to take and increase the effectiveness of antiviral drugs, they are often combined with immunomodulators. This is completely justified and significantly speeds up the healing process and reduces the number of complications. Thus, the drug Cytovir-3, having antiviral activity and interferonogenic action, taken at the very beginning of the disease, almost halved the acute period of the disease. Its use is also possible for prevention during epidemics.

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Why is it important to prevent a long-term course of a viral disease?

Normally, if the body was not weakened before the disease, each disease lasts a certain period of time. However, factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of regular exercise, the presence of chronic somatic and infectious diseases, poor environment, allergies, and genetic factors can prolong the period of illness, as well as lead to its aggravation and complications. Influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections can be complicated by: otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis. Pneumonia is one of the most serious complications. Timely initiation of treatment and antiviral therapy, as well as restoration of immunity, helps prevent possible complications.

Harm of immunomodulators. Contraindications

Despite all the beneficial properties of this group of drugs, their use should not become uncontrolled - this is fraught with the opposite effect or addiction (typical of some drugs).

Diseases for which the use of any stimulants is contraindicated:
• • Some forms of bronchial asthma;
• • Diabetes;
• • Glomerulonephritis;
• • Toxic goiter;
• • Autoimmune hepatitis;
• • Addison's disease;
• • Multiple sclerosis.

There are a number of other pathologies for which a doctor will never prescribe drugs from this group. Self-administration of medications for the above diseases inevitably causes a relapse of the disease, the consequences of which are unpredictable.

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