Flu
Description flu
Influenza is a viral infection. It acts on the respiratory system and may be of varying severity – from mild to severe, and sometimes even cause death.
Best way to avoid getting the flu – annual vaccination.
Flu Causes
Influenza is caused by influenza virus. Each winter, the virus spreads around the world. Strains, usually, from year to year vary. Although it is sometimes possible to get the flu in the offseason.
There are two main types of influenza – virus type A and type B.
Infected with the virus may sneeze or cough. When this drop of saliva or mucus into the air. After inhalation of infected droplets can catch the flu. It is also possible to become infected by touching. If you touch contaminated surfaces can transfer the virus from your hands to your mouth or nose.
Risk factors
Factors, which increase the risk of influenza:
- Live or work in a team (nursing home, school, Army, Kindergartens);
- Physical or mental disability – People with disabilities are not able to communicate easily and can not take adequate preventive measures against influenza.
Some groups of people are at higher risk for complications of influenza. Risk factors for complications include:
- Children up 5 years;
- 65 and older;
- The presence of certain diseases, including chronic lung disease (eg, asthma); CVD; kidney disease, liver, Nervous System, blood, or metabolic disease (eg, diabetes);
- The consequences of the suppression of the immune system (eg, HIV);
- Pregnant during the flu season;
- Age – younger 18 years, long-term use of aspirin (exposure to risk of Reye's syndrome);
- Living in nursing homes or other long-term care;
- Obesity.
Flu-like symptoms
The spread of influenza from the carrier can start the day before the onset of symptoms, and five (sometimes more) days after disease onset. Thus the patient to become a peddler of influenza is often not aware of it.
Symptoms usually begin suddenly. They may include:
- High fever and chills;
- Muscle aches;
- Severe fatigue;
- Headache;
- Loss of appetite or other gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children, than adults);
- Cold, nasal congestion;
- Sneezing;
- Lacrimation, conjunctivitis;
- Sore throat;
- Cough (It can last for two or more weeks);
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Influenza patients may feel better after 7-10 days after infection, but probably, will cough and feel tired.
Diagnosis of the flu
The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history. Diagnosis of the flu, usually, It is based on symptoms.
In some cases, the physician may take a sample from the nose or throat, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of influenza
Antivirals, prescription
Most people, with the flu do not need antivirals. The patient may need antiviral medication, if it is in a high risk group, or if he has a serious illness (eg, breathing problems).
Antiviral drugs in general can help relieve symptoms and shorten the time of illness. They must be taken during the 48 hours after the first symptoms of flu.
Examples of drugs in this group are:
- Zanamivir (Relenza) It may worsen the symptoms of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) – It may increase the risk of self-injury and confusion after taking, especially in children. Children must carefully watch for signs of unusual behavior while taking this medication. (Zanamivir may also cause these side effects).
- Amantadin;
- Rimantadin.
Some strains of seasonal influenza virus are resistant to these drugs.
Recreation
It is important to get plenty of rest, when the body is fighting the flu.
Fluid intake
It is necessary to drink plenty of fluids – water, juice, and decaffeinated tea.
Painkillers, used without a prescription
These drugs are used to control fever, and to treat pain. Adults can use:
- Acetaminophen;
- Ibuprofen.
Decongestants
Decongestants are available in the form of tablets or nasal sprays. In ispolyzovanii nazalynogo spray, You can not use it more than 3-5 days, otherwise you may be faced with an increase in nasal discharge after you stop using the spray. This is called a rebound effect.
Cough medicines
They include:
- OTC cough and cold medicines, including decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines and cough suppressants;
- These agents should not be used, to treat infants and children, which is less than two years. There are reports of rare, but serious side effects. These include death, convulsions, tachycardia and reduction in brain function. On the serious side effects have also been reported in children 2-11 years. Research is still going on for OTC drugs for this age group.
Treatment herbal preparations
Elderberry extract may reduce flu symptoms. Researchers found, that drugs, containing elderberry (Sambucol and ViraBLOC) in some cases, reduce the symptoms of flu. But it must be borne in mind, that herbal remedies are often not certified and, perhaps, contain unstudied components and impurities (things, that should not be in Preparation).
Prevention of influenza
How to avoid the flu?
The best way to protect yourself from influenza – vaccination. Vaccination should be done every year, because the strain of the virus may change every season. Two forms of the vaccine are available :
- The flu shot (injection) – all men between the ages of 6 months and older is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against influenza;
- Nasal Spray Spray – for healthy, non-pregnant people ages 2-49 years.
For the best protection against influenza need to get vaccinated before the influenza season, which usually begins October.
Who should not be vaccinated against influenza?
There are groups of people, who should not be vaccinated:
- Children up to six months;
- People, allergic to chicken eggs;
- People, have had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past;
- The presence in the past Guillain-Barre syndrome;
- Patients with fever and fever;
- Before a vaccination is necessary to consult a doctor.
General measures, which can reduce the risk of contracting influenza
- It is necessary to wash hands frequently, especially after contact with flu patients. Wash hands in more recommended 15-20 seconds with soap and water. Potirka hands with alcohol-based cleaner is also useful;
- We need to avoid close contact with people, who are sick with respiratory infections. Influenza can spread the day before and up to seven days after the onset of symptoms. If you want to be in close contact with the sick person, you need to wear a mask or a disposable respirator;
- It should cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- You can not spit;
- You do not need to share with the flu drink or personal belongings;
- Surfaces should be cleaned with a household disinfectant.
Antivirals
Sometimes it is useful to take antiviral medications for the prevention of influenza. We need to talk to your doctor about taking these medicines, to reduce the risk of influenza in the following cases:
- Exposure to flu;
- There is a high risk of complications.
It must be remembered, that these drugs do not replace vaccination. Vaccination is still the best way to prevent the flu.
How to avoid the spread of influenza?
When you have the flu you must take the following steps, to avoid its spread:
- It is necessary to avoid close contact with people. Before returning to school or work, fever should disappear within 24 hours without the aid of sohm. This step can take up to seven days after the onset of symptoms of influenza. It is important to stay home etc available influenza, leaving the House only to see a doctor;
- If you can't avoid close contact, cover your mouth and nose mask.
- It is necessary to wash hands for 15-20 seconds with soap and water. Even if someone in the house has the flu, perhaps, the disease can be avoided by using this simple precautions. It is also useful to use disinfectant;
- It should cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw it after use;
- It is necessary to wash dishes with hot water and soap;
- You can not bite your nails or touching your eyes, mouth or nose;
- Surfaces should be cleaned with a household disinfectant.
