Prevention of influenza and SARS

ARVI is a group of respiratory viral diseases caused by various viruses and characterized by damage to the upper respiratory tract and general intoxication of the body. Today, there are more than 200 viruses of ARVI pathogens that form various groups (parainfluenza viruses, influenza viruses, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, enteroviruses, etc.)

Influenza is one of the varieties of SARS, but the most epidemiologically significant. It is very important to notice the developing symptoms of influenza or ARVI at an early stage. This will allow you to quickly cure the flu, and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Influenza and SARS viruses are transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets-when coughing and sneezing, with drops of saliva. When a sick person coughs and sneezes, microscopic droplets containing the virus spread in the air, and then settle on the surfaces of surrounding objects, from where dust particles can enter the upper respiratory tract of surrounding people.A sick person is most contagious to others in the first 3-4 days of the disease, although the virus may be released throughout the disease and even during recovery. Children, especially young ones, are potentially "dangerous" for a longer period (7-10 days).

The flu starts suddenly and is accompanied by a sharp jump in temperature. There is a pronounced intoxication of the body, which has the following symptoms: chills, weakness, muscle and headache, aches throughout the body, dry cough with pain behind the sternum. Weakly expressed catarrhal phenomena. With any other viral infection (ARI, adenovirus infection or just a viral infection), catarrhal symptoms usually prevail, that is, a runny nose begins, a sore throat. And only then, against the background of these catarrhal phenomena, there is a temperature.

The main difference between acute respiratory infections and influenza is that they have the least pronounced temperature, it rarely rises above 38°C, and catarrhal phenomena come to the fore: an abundant runny nose, sore throat, wet cough.

What you need to do to avoid getting sick yourself and infecting others:

• avoid contact with sick people;
• try not to approach the patient closer than 1 meter;
• when in contact with sick people, wear a mask;
• wash your hands with soap or antibacterial agents (alcohol-containing solutions) to prevent the spread of infection;
• cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing, using disposable handkerchiefs;
• avoid large crowds of people (entertainment events, meetings, meetings);
• ventilate the room regularly;
• do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands;
• lead a healthy lifestyle (full sleep, fresh air, active recreation, balanced food rich in vitamins), which will help the body fight any infections.

If you still get sick, then:

• Stay at home so as not to endanger other people and avoid dangerous complications.
• Observe bed rest
• If possible, isolate yourself from other family members
• At the first symptoms of the disease, call a doctor
• Use disposable handkerchiefs, and throw them away immediately after use.
• Drink more fortified liquids, as well as infusions of cranberries, cranberries, which have antipyretic properties
• Follow all doctor's prescriptions and take medications, especially antivirals, strictly according to the scheme. It is necessary to complete a full course of medication, even if you think that you are already healthy

Carefully monitor your condition, so that if you feel worse, you can consult a doctor in a timely manner and get the necessary treatment.

It should be noted that the most effective preventive measure is annual vaccination. Having received immunity, your body will be able to resist the flu virus, and there will also be no risk of developing severe complications, often leading to death.

Head of the Department of Epidemiology,
GUZ " Lipetsk Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases»,
A.V. Shcheglova.