Influenza, coronavirus infection, and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI)
Influenza, coronavirus infection and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are in the first place in the number of people who get sick every year
Despite the constant efforts aimed at combating the causative agents of influenza, coronavirus infection and other SARS, it is still not possible to defeat them.
Every year, thousands of people die from flu complications.
This is due to the fact that viruses, especially influenza viruses and coronaviruses, have the ability to change their structure and a mutated virus can infect a person again. So, a person who has had the flu has a good immune barrier, but nevertheless a new modified virus is able to easily penetrate it, since the body has not yet developed immunity against this type of virus.
For whom is the most dangerous encounter with the virus?
Children and the elderly are particularly hard to tolerate the infection, for these age groups, complications that can develop during the disease are very dangerous. Children are more seriously ill due to the fact that their immune system has not yet encountered this virus, and for the elderly, as well as for people with chronic diseases, the virus is dangerous because of a weakened immune system.
Risk groups
- Children
- People over 60 years of age
- People with chronic lung diseases (bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- People with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system (congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, heart failure)
- Pregnant women
- Medical professionals
- Employees of public transport, public catering enterprises
How does the infection occur?
The infection is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through the smallest droplets of saliva or mucus that are released during sneezing, coughing, and talking. Contact transmission is also possible.
Symptoms
Depending on the specific type of pathogen, the symptoms can vary significantly, both in severity and in combination options.
- Temperature rise
- Chills, general malaise, weakness headache, muscle aches
- Decreased appetite, possible nausea and vomiting
- Conjunctivitis (possibly)
- Diarrhea (possible)
On average, the disease lasts about 5 days. If the temperature lasts longer, there may be complications.
Complications
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis, meningitis
- Pregnancy complications, development of fetal pathology
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases
Treatment of the disease is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, who only after examining the patient prescribes a treatment regimen and gives other recommendations. The patient should observe bed rest, eat well and drink more fluids.
Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics in the first days of the disease is a big mistake. Antibiotics are not able to cope with the virus, in addition, they adversely affect the normal microflora. Antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor, only in case of complications caused by the addition of a bacterial infection. Taking antibacterial drugs as a prevention of complications is dangerous and useless.
A sick person should stay at home and not pose a threat of infection to others.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent influenza is an annual vaccination. The composition of the flu vaccine changes annually. First of all, it is recommended to vaccinate those who are at risk. The optimal time for vaccination is October-November. Vaccination of children against influenza is possible starting from the age of 6 months.
Vaccines against most pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections have not been developed.
Universal prevention measures
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
- Avoid contact with coughing people
- Stick to a healthy lifestyle (sleep, healthy food, physical activity)
- Drink more fluids
- Regularly ventilate and humidify the air in the room in which you are located
- Be less likely to be in crowded places
- Use the mask when you are in public transport or in crowded places
- Avoid hugs, kisses, and handshakes when meeting
- Do not touch your face, eyes, or nose with unwashed hands
At the first sign of a viral infection – consult a doctor!
