To fight viruses and colds in medicine, anti-influenza drugs are used that suppress the vital activity and spread of pathogens. When choosing a remedy, it is necessary to give preference to the one whose effectiveness has been proven by scientific research.
Influenza virus: what is the danger?
One of the main tasks of medical science is the development of drugs to fight the influenza virus. This contagious disease, in the absence of adequate and timely therapy, can significantly harm the body and provoke complications. Individuals with weak immune systems are most at risk. Children and the elderly are at risk. During the period of the disease, meningitis, inflammation or pulmonary edema, bronchitis, pneumonia may develop. For those who suffer from chronic conditions, the influenza virus strikes at a weak point, and the disease escalates, which can lead to death.
The virus is constantlymutates, new strains appear, and it is difficult for the human body to cope with an unfamiliar “enemy”. Pandemics (Spanish flu, Asian, Hong Kong, swine) take the lives of many people, and therefore influenza drugs are constantly being improved to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Antiflu agents: mechanism of action
When treating influenza, it is important not only to remove the symptoms of the manifestation of the disease, but also to eradicate the virus from the body. Anti-influenza drugs are aimed at suppressing the pathogen, protecting the cell from the penetration of the virus and further spread. There are drugs that are suitable for the treatment of influenza, and those that are used exclusively for prevention.
According to the mechanism of action, the means are distinguished:
- inhibiting the process of connection (synthesis) of early proteins;
- inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA-type nucleic acids;
- inhibiting the "assembly" of protein and nucleic acid (virion formation);
- enhancing the ability of cells to resist viruses.
Classification
Drugs with proven efficacy against viruses are divided into two groups: M2-channel blockers (prescribed for the treatment of influenza A) and inhibitors of the enzyme from the virus shell - neuraminidase (affect influenza types A and B). There is also a group of interferon - human and synthetic.
Depending on the type of disease, antiviral agents are classified into the following categories:
- Antiflu drugs ("Amantadine", "Arbidol", "Rimantadine", "Tamiflu").
- Antiherpetic drugs ("Valacyclovir", "Gerpevir").
- Anticytomegalovirus drugs ("Foscarnet", "Ganciclovir").
- Drugs used in the treatment of immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C ("Phosphonoformate", "Zidovudine").
- Antiviral (anti-influenza) broad-spectrum drugs ("Interferon", "Amiksin").
Interferons are broad-spectrum drugs
Interferon is a protein (protein) of the type of cytokines, which is produced by the immune system upon contact with "foreign" microorganisms. Three types of interferon are known: alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ). Each of them has certain properties and affects specific diseases. Broad-spectrum anti-influenza drugs effectively fight not only viral, but also bacterial infections. It has been established that human and synthetic interferon create a protective barrier to the spread of pathology and make immune cells (especially macrophages) work.
Preparations with interferon can be in different forms: injections (intravenous and intramuscular), ointments for external use, drops, tablets, suppositories. Natural interferon can cause side effects due to a foreign protein in the composition, so synthetic anti-influenza drugs of a new type are more popular.generations. You can choose the right remedy with the help of a doctor.
Which antivirals are suitable for children?
A child's body is more susceptible to infection with a virus, because, unlike adults, his immune system is not yet strong enough to give a worthy rebuff to pathogenic microorganisms. The disease quickly overcomes a small person and can give complications to the organs of the upper respiratory tract. Among modern medicines, there are anti-influenza drugs for children that are allowed to be used from birth. It can be homeopathic ("Viburkol") and means from the group of interferons. Among the latter, candles are especially respected by parents: "Viferon", "Anaferon", "Kipferon". These are anti-flu drugs, reviews of which are mostly positive.
Anti-influenza drugs of synthetic origin - "Tamiflu", "Arbidol", "Rimantadine" - are effective only if they are given in the first hours of the manifestation of the disease. Even if the drug is given on time, all the same, relief may not come. This is due to the ability of the active substance: influenza type A cannot be treated with a remedy for type B. It is worth refraining from buying pharmacy medicines that have not passed clinical trials: Panavir, Cycloferon, etc.
Therefore, before the arrival of the pediatrician, it is better for the child to give plenty of fluids that relieve symptoms and antiviral drugs(anti-influenza, anti-herpetic). These should only be products with proven effectiveness, and they must be given strictly according to the instructions.
Flu drugs and pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's immune system is weakened and easily "misses" pathogenic microorganisms. Most drugs are forbidden to be taken in the first trimester, so as not to harm the developing fetus, but the flu virus also poses a danger to the baby and the expectant mother. Permitted anti-influenza drugs for pregnant women and during breastfeeding: Viferon, Tamiflu, Oscillococcinum. Before starting treatment, it is imperative to consult with a gynecologist who is in charge of the pregnancy and knows the characteristics of the body of the expectant mother.
The best way to protect against a viral infection is prevention. Therefore, the expectant mother should take care of her he alth and increase immunity. During outbreaks of epidemics, it is necessary to limit visits to public places and not to contact with an infected person. To reduce the risk of the disease, you can use interferon-based products that your doctor will select.
Creation of new generation drugs
Scientists are constantly looking for new life-saving vaccines and drugs that can fight the mutated influenza virus. Unfortunately, not all new-generation anti-influenza drugs that have gone on sale have time to undergo a study for effectiveness. There is a danger of hightoxic effect on body cells and side effects.
Clinically proven cold and flu medications can be used safely. Positive results of studies with Ingavirin, Derinat, Tamiflu, Amiksin, Kagocel, Relenza.
How to choose a flu remedy?
Popular advertised remedies do not help everyone get rid of the disease in a matter of days. First of all, recovery depends on the state of the human immune system, and if there is a place for depletion, then a positive result from drug therapy will have to wait a long time. It is also important how quickly they started taking anti-influenza drugs. The list of recommended drugs is quite large, but those that act only on infected cells and do not cause toxicological damage to the entire body are considered effective.
Pharmacy counters are full of various antiviral drugs, but the choice must be approached consciously, after consulting with your doctor. It is difficult to independently determine the appropriate drug and paint a treatment regimen. It is also necessary to take into account the contraindications and possible side effects that the group of neuraminidase inhibitors has.
"Viferon": brief information
"Viferon" refers to synthetic interferons (α-2b) and contains vitamins C, E. This is a complex remedy for a widespectrum of action used in the treatment of colds, flu, gynecological pathologies and various infections. Quite often, "Viferon" is prescribed as a prophylaxis and strengthening of immunity. Released in the form of ointment, gel and suppositories.
Depending on age, doctors select the required concentration of the drug. Do not exceed the recommended dosage! The product is absolutely safe for pregnant and lactating women. In pediatrics, anti-influenza drugs for children are prescribed if there are certain indications. Candles with the smallest amount of active ingredient (150,000 IU) are successfully used to treat infants. For older children and adolescents, the concentration of "Viferon" may be greater.
The drug has passed the necessary tests and has virtually no side effects. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur that does not require treatment.
Ingavirin
Anti-influenza drugs of a new generation have been replenished with another development of scientists called "Ingavirin". Antiviral and anti-inflammatory action extends to influenza viruses type A, B, respiratory infections, parainfluenza. One capsule of the drug contains 90 mg of the active substance vitaglutam. Immunostimulatory effect promotes the production of interferon.
Studies have shown low toxicitymedicinal product and a positive result of anti-influenza therapy within a day after the start of taking Ingavirin. Side effects in the form of an allergic rash occurred quite rarely. Despite the good results of the experiments, it is forbidden to use the product for women in position, during lactation and for children under 18 years of age.
Amixin
A synthetic inductor of all types of interferon, the drug in the form of tablets "Amiksin" ("Tiloron") has proven itself only on the positive side. Antiviral properties apply to colds, influenza, hepatitis (B, C, A), herpes and cytomegalovirus infection.
Interferon inductor is recommended to be taken as a prophylaxis during epidemics. The course of treatment and dosage is determined by the attending physician. Contraindications are individual intolerance to the components, age up to 7 years, pregnancy and lactation.
Lipoferon
New anti-influenza drugs appearing on the pharmacy shelves are generally well tolerated by both children and adults. "Lipoferon" is a liposomal agent based on recombinant interferon of the α (alpha) group, which contains antioxidant vitamins E and C. The advantage of interferon enclosed in liposomes is the preservation of biological activity during entry into the gastrointestinal tract. Medical studies of the drug were also successful, proving the effectiveness and absence of side effects.
Like many anti-fludrugs, "Lipoferon" are produced in the form of a powder with different concentrations of interferon. In pediatrics, the use of the drug is allowed if the child is 3 years old. During pregnancy, lactation and with allergic intolerance to the components included in the composition, it is forbidden to take it.
Should I take flu medicines?
Doctors are divided on the need to prescribe antiviral (anti-influenza) drugs to patients. There are doubts about their effectiveness and among people who have experienced these funds. Immunologists, pediatricians, therapists recommend not to self-medicate and take only anti-influenza drugs prescribed by a doctor. The list of drugs of this type presented in the free sale is really large, but the greatest preference is still given to interferon inducers with the least contraindications and side effects.
For greater effectiveness of drug therapy and prevention, it is necessary to lead a he althy lifestyle and do not forget about traditional medicine recipes proven by generations to strengthen immunity in children and adults.
