Flu, ARVI is just around the corner!

13.02.2025

“The influenza virus has grown very much in the whole world, three or four, it is spreading, the disease is growing.” Surely, many remember these lines from V. Vysotsky’s song. And although half a century has passed since they were written, they have not become less relevant.

Indeed, every year we hear about new influenza epidemics, sometimes with unusual, previously unknown properties. And new strains of viruses, as a rule, are increasingly deadlier and more dangerous. What to do in such a situation? How to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection?

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Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a common group of viral diseases of the upper respiratory tract. ARIs include influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviral diseases, respiratory syncytial and rhinovirus infections.

Influenza is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Included in the group of acute respiratory infections (ARI).

Influenza is caused by three types of influenza virus (type A, type B and type C). All three types of influenza virus belong to the group of paramyxoviruses, which, however, are very different in structure and therefore immunity against one type of virus “does not work” against a virus of another type. In addition, viruses of the same type (especially type A) are capable of rapidly changing and changing their structure. As a result of this process, new forms of influenza viruses are formed every year, unknown to our immune system. This is why most people get the flu every year. All age categories of people are susceptible to influenza.

The maximum prevalence of ARI in the autumn-spring, as well as winter months, is associated with hypothermia, which is most conducive to the development of these diseases. People with reduced immunity are most susceptible to ARI: these are children, the elderly, and people suffering from any congenital or acquired immunodeficiency.

The source of infection is a person with a clinically pronounced or erased form. Transmission of infection occurs through airborne droplets and through contaminated hands or objects containing respiratory viruses.

The main symptoms of ARI are runny nose, cough, sneezing, headache, sore throat, fatigue, and fever.

Flu clinic.

The incubation period of influenza is very short - from several hours to 2-3 days.

All types of influenza virus have a high affinity for the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, where the primary reproduction of the virus occurs. Flu symptoms increase rapidly: after a sore throat, sneezing, body temperature rises (up to 40°C), malaise, severe muscle pain and headaches appear. In the following days, against the background of persistent fever, a dry, ringing cough appears, accompanied by pain in the chest. A dry cough gradually becomes a wet, chesty cough. Regression of influenza symptoms, with an uncomplicated course of the disease, is observed on days 5-6.

From the respiratory system, the development of bronchitis and pneumonia is possible. Children may develop viral encephalitis or meningitis as a result of influenza. High-risk groups are children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic heart and lung diseases.

Self-medication for the flu is unacceptable, especially for children and the elderly. After all, it is impossible to predict the course of the flu, and complications can be very different.

When the first symptoms of the flu appear, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to receive the correct treatment in a timely manner, as well as to avoid the development of complications. Semi-bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids (1.5-2.0 liters of fluid per day), antiviral and symptomatic therapy are prescribed. It should be remembered that the independent use of antibiotics without indications can worsen the course of the disease; use all medications only as prescribed by a doctor and under no circumstances “carry an infection on your feet”! This is dangerous not only for the sick person, but also for others.

Immunity after illness is strictly type-specific, for example, to influenza virus, parainfluenza, rhinovirus. Therefore, the same person can get ARI up to 5-7 times during the year.

Prevention of ARI and influenza consists of general health improvement, strengthening the body and stimulating the immune system through hardening, physical exercise in the fresh air, skating, swimming, eating nutritious food rich in vitamins, and at the end of winter and beginning of spring - moderate intake of vitamin preparations.

The traditional way to prevent influenza is vaccination, carried out during the pre-epidemic period.

In the midst of an epidemic, it is recommended to limit attendance at public events, especially those taking place indoors, try to avoid too close contact with sick people, observe “respiratory etiquette ,” and also ventilate rooms and carry out wet cleaning as often as possible. Oxolinic ointment can be used as agents with antiviral activity.

“Respiratory etiquette” is a set of simple rules of behavior in public places aimed at limiting the spread of respiratory diseases.

These are the rules:

  • when coughing and sneezing, you must use a handkerchief; it is preferable to use disposable paper tissues, which are thrown away immediately after use;
  • in the absence of a handkerchief, people with a cold should sneeze and cough into the crook of the elbow, and not into the palm, because traditional covering of the mouth with the palm leads to the spread of infection through hands and household items;
  • it is important to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and try not to touch your lips, nose and eyes;
  • If possible, avoid coughing and sneezing people in closed spaces and keep a distance from them.

If you have ARI and influenza patients in your family, remember the principles of preventing transmission of infection:

  • isolation of the sick person in a separate room;
  • wearing masks (the mask must cover the mouth and nose);
  • compliance with personal hygiene rules;
  • regular ventilation of premises and wet cleaning;
  • limiting visits of other people to the patient.

Today it is fashionable to take care of your health, and every modern person who has information about the possibility of preserving it is free to manage it correctly. Vaccination against influenza is the only correct and affordable way to prevent influenza and its complications and maintain your health.

Your health is in your hands, and early contact with a specialist is the key to success in maintaining it.

Information material was prepared by: epidemiologist of the 1st City Clinical Hospital Vasechko E.A.