With the onset of the cold season, more and more people begin to worry about the flu, the symptoms of which are very similar to other colds. The cause of its occurrence is the penetration of a viral infection into the body with damage to the respiratory tract. It often manifests itself in the form of epidemics. It infects about 15 percent of the world's population every year.
Development and dissemination
Signs of the flu can appear in people of any age category. The source of infection can be a sick person who spreads it by airborne droplets. High-risk groups include young children and the elderly, as well as pregnant women and those with chronic respiratory and cardiac diseases.
The virus enters the human body directly through the cells of the ciliated epithelium of the trachea, bronchi and nose. It is in them that he begins to multiply, the cells are destroyed and die. In the presence of infection, irritation of the respiratory tract is noted. The immune system is suppressed, so it often joinssecondary infection leading to complications.
What are the main shapes?
Not always the signs of the flu virus appear the same, because there are several forms of the disease. Despite the differences, they are all quite dangerous for humans.
- With a mild form, the temperature does not rise more than 38 degrees. Symptoms of intoxication do not appear clearly, and may even be absent. In this case, the disease is confused with the common cold.
- The form of moderate severity is characterized by a body temperature of 38.5-39.5 degrees and classic signs. Usually, joint and muscle pains appear, sweating increases significantly, a dry cough begins to torment, the voice becomes hoarse.
- In severe form, pronounced intoxication is noted. The temperature rises to 40 degrees. There may be nosebleeds and signs of encephalopathy in the form of seizures and hallucinations.
- The hypertoxic form is expressed by a temperature above 40 degrees. Intoxication of the body can lead to cerebral edema or infectious toxic shock. Sometimes respiratory failure develops.
- Fulminant form can be fatal, especially if patients have a weakened immune system or some pathological problems with the respiratory system. There may be swelling of the lungs and extensive bleeding, as well as other serious complications.
About the incubation period
When a virus enters the body, it begins to multiply inside the infectedcells. There are no symptoms or signs of the flu yet. The incubation period usually lasts 3-5 days. Its duration is affected by the state of the immune system and the amount of virus that has entered.
The disease begins to appear when the cells begin to die. It is from this moment that the virus becomes dangerous to others. The immune system detects the ongoing destructive processes in the body and begins to react in a certain way. The most dangerous period for infection is three days after the onset of the first symptoms.
How can you tell if you have a cold?
The first signs of the flu may resemble the common cold. However, knowing some subtleties, you can not make a mistake with the diagnosis. The flu almost always starts with lightning speed. With a cold, the symptoms increase gradually. First stuffy nose, then there are pain in the throat and other symptoms. The temperature with a cold rarely rises above 38.5 degrees.
Influenza is more pronounced intoxication. It appears as a result of poisoning with harmful substances that appear due to the decay of destroyed viruses. Cough in the presence of a virus in the body does not occur immediately. It usually takes about three days after the onset of the inflammatory process. With a cold, the patient begins to cough at the very beginning.
Recognizing the first signs of colds and flu, you can avoid complications in the treatment process. The right approach to therapeutic measures can also speed up recovery.
Basicflu symptoms in adults and children
Symptoms of the disease in children and adults are approximately the same. They are quite pronounced.
- In almost all cases, the body temperature rises. It continues to rise for several hours. Chills often appear. The temperature usually lasts from 2 to 5 days. Doctors do not recommend knocking it down if it does not exceed 38.5 degrees.
- Another symptom is weakness, which appears due to the active struggle of the body with a viral infection. This consumes a huge amount of energy. Weakness may persist for several days after recovery.
- After being infected, most people develop a cough. It can keep for about a week. The virus infects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which is why cough occurs after infection in most cases.
- A sign of the flu in adults and children can be quite a severe headache, which is associated with the formation of waste products of a viral infection in the body. Intoxication is very active. Pain most often appears in the temples or eye sockets. In some situations, there may be dizziness, as the blood vessels dilate somewhat with fever.
- There are certain changes in the oropharynx. Usually the soft palate becomes red, as the vessels are often affected. In severe cases, even small hemorrhages can occur. Patients sometimes complain of dry mouth. The oral cavity takes on its former appearance only7-9 days after initial symptoms appear.
- Changes also apply to the nasopharynx. Edema appears on the mucous membrane, breathing through the nose is much more difficult. There may be a burning or tingling sensation. In more severe forms, nosebleeds begin.
Recommendations for the first signs of influenza
It is advisable to provide the patient with bed rest in the presence of the first symptoms. A person who has contracted a viral infection is very contagious to others, so it is immediately necessary to limit contacts. If necessary, it is recommended to use a gauze mask.
If the first signs of influenza are already present in adults and children, then you need to ensure sufficient fluid intake. In hot weather, a person sweats a lot, so he loses a lot of water. In this case, too hot drinks should be avoided. Drink should be warm.
Herbal teas, compotes or non-acidic juices can be suitable drinks. It is advisable to refuse coffee, because it can increase the heartbeat, which will lead to a deterioration in overall well-being. It is recommended to drink more than 2 liters of water per day so that the body successfully gets rid of toxins that cause nausea, drowsiness and headache.
The room must be kept at a comfortable temperature. To reduce the concentration of the virus, you should regularly ventilate the room, even if it is cold outside. If it is not possible to take a shower, then you need to remove sweat from the skin with wet wipes.
Whatremedies to relieve symptoms?
Many people think about what to take with signs of the flu in order to alleviate their condition. To do this, you have to remove the main symptoms of the disease. Of these funds, three categories of drugs can be distinguished.
- Antipyretic drugs help lower the temperature, making the patient's condition easier. After taking the aches in the muscles and joints usually disappear. In addition, these drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect. Often take ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Get rid of nasal congestion with special drops that have a vasoconstrictive effect. With their help, it is possible to quickly remove the swelling, thereby restoring normal breathing. However, it is advisable not to use such funds for a long time. Usually instilled into the nose for 3-5 days. A significant increase in this period can lead to the development of drug-induced rhinitis, which is expressed by constant stuffiness of the nostrils.
- Antihistamines can be used to relieve some symptoms. Taking them allows you to get rid of swelling of the nasopharynx and redness of the eyes.
Drugs to influence the pathogen
Sick people should also know what to take at the first sign of flu in order to quickly eliminate the pathogen. The basis of treatment is antiviral drugs, since they act directly on the infectious agent. There are many such funds. They can affect the virus at all stages of its life cycle.
Antiviral effect is especially effective in the first stages of infection, as it prevents the non-cellular agent from multiplying. These drugs fall into two classes.
- Neuraminidase inhibitors affect many strains of the virus. They prevent the spread of the pathogen in the body, while reducing the severity of symptoms. The duration of treatment is also significantly reduced. However, there is evidence that such drugs can cause side effects in the form of nausea, diarrhea, and even mental disorders.
- M2 inhibitors act on the virus, preventing it from entering he althy cells in the body. However, many pathogens are resistant to older forms of these drugs.
Studies have made it clear that immunostimulants like donor serum and gamma globulin give a pronounced antiviral and therapeutic effect. They have high antibody titers. Gamma globulin is recommended to prescribe at the very first signs of influenza.
Interferon preparations can be used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in the CIS countries. Manufacturers claim that they have not only an immunostimulating, but also an antiviral effect. Some experts warn against their use for the prevention and treatment of influenza, as interferons can cause adverse reactions, especially if doses are very high.
Although many claim the possible use of interferon inducers in the fight against viral infection, reputable journals about the conductno clinical trial data available. These drugs are not drugs in North America and Europe.
About taking vitamin C
Linus Pauling also promoted the use of vitamin C in large quantities at the first sign of colds and flu. In this regard, the method has become quite widespread. However, not so long ago, a study was conducted that made it clear that regular intake of ascorbic acid does not help reduce the number of colds and viral diseases. It only relieves them to some extent.
The effects of vitamin C supplementation have been shown to be negligible in studies. The risk of infection is not reduced, and the duration of the disease is reduced by no more than 10 percent.
Alternative medicine
Supporters of non-traditional methods of treatment suggest using various plants as additional means. Some of them have antiviral activity. For those who do not know what to drink at the first sign of flu from folk remedies, eucalyptus tincture can be recommended. It will require 20 grams of dry crushed leaves. However, it must be prepared in advance, as it is infused for about 7-8 days. Alcohol is simply poured into a container with leaves and tightly closed. It is necessary to take 20-25 drops, diluted in a small amount of water.
An easier option is to use an onion. It must be cut into pieces and inhaled 3-4 times a day. Between dataprocedures, you should put a swab dipped in crushed garlic into your nose.
When children show signs of flu, a safe but effective remedy can be prepared. It is necessary to grate the ginger on a fine grater and add honey to the resulting mass in a ratio of 4 to 1. After stirring, it is recommended to add a natural medicine to tea in 1-2 tablespoons.
A tangible effect brings fresh pine needles. For cooking, you need only 100 grams of the starting material. It must be thoroughly washed and chopped, then pour a liter of hot water and bring to a boil. The agent should be infused for 1-2 hours. After this period of time, it can be filtered and ingested half a glass 3 times a day.
A more affordable remedy is a decoction of pearl barley. It can be taken at high temperature. For cooking, pour 100 grams of cereal with a liter of water. Boiling should be carried out for 10-15 minutes. The cooled agent is filtered and taken orally at night. To improve the taste sensation, you can add a tablespoon of honey.
At the first signs of influenza, a tincture of three herbs mixed in equal proportions may be helpful. For cooking are used: sage, initial letter, chamomile. The listed herbs are carefully ground. For half a liter of water, you need to add one tablespoon of dry mix.
Signs of complications
Sometimes complications from the flu can occur. Signs of illness in other organs may appear if, during the course of a viralinfection on the body was a physical load. Most often, the respiratory organs are affected. Some people develop pneumonia caused by a secondary infection.
The influenza virus can even cause acute nervous disorders, which are expressed in the form of severe headache, dizziness and nausea. Quite often, complications lead to otitis media, sinusitis, meningitis, conjunctivitis and other dangerous diseases.
- Pneumonia causes breathing problems. Body temperature rises to high values. Sharp chest pain may be present.
- With sinusitis, heavy breathing is noted due to damage to the nasal passages. Usually when you blow your nose, thick yellow or green mucus comes out. There are pain around the nose and eyes.
- Otitis media is hard to miss. Immediately there is pain in the ears, the discharge of pus from them begins. Feelings of discomfort may be in the throat and neck.
- Conjunctivitis is accompanied by discomfort in the eye area. Swelling, redness and purulent discharge are noted.
- Meningitis deserves special attention, as in many cases it leads to death. In its presence, a high temperature rises, consciousness can be confused, convulsions appear. The patient becomes too sensitive to light and loud sounds.
What preventive measures can help?
To avoid the disease, you must be able to clearly recognize the signs of influenza in people and know the prevention measures. The most effective way to avoid infection is totimely vaccination. Modern vaccinations are reliable and safe for the human body. They must be done annually, as the immune response is only possible in the short term.
During the epidemic, it is advisable to avoid large crowds. It is not recommended to stay in the same room with a sick person for a long time. After visiting public places, it is mandatory to wash your hands. In your own home, wet cleaning should be carried out, which consists in washing the floor, wiping furniture surfaces with detergent. It also requires regular ventilation of the room so that the concentration of the virus does not increase.
If a person has all the signs of the flu, and contact with him cannot be avoided, then it is necessary to use a gauze mask. Do not get too close to the patient. The minimum allowed distance is 1 meter. It is with close contact that it is easiest to pick up an infection. By following these tips, you can avoid contracting the flu.
