Flu is a widespread disease, especially in the cold season. The chances of getting infected are very high, even if preventive measures are followed. It is important to know what the first symptoms of the disease are and how to properly treat it.
Epidemiology and source
The flu is transmitted from a sick person, who serves as the source of infection. This disease is seasonal and returns every year in the autumn-winter period. The route of transmission of the virus is airborne. Infection requires such a small amount of nasopharyngeal secretions that it is practically impossible to treat it. This virus is very tenacious and persists for several hours in the external environment.
Young children, teenagers, and people with weakened immune systems suffer from it most often.
How does the flu differ from the common cold?
There is no such term as "cold" in medicine. Colloquially, this concept is used to refer to all types of respiratory diseases. It is not so easy for an ordinary person to distinguish a viral disease from a bacterial one. There are no external signs that could only indicate the appearance of different types of acute respiratory infections.
Influenza differs from bacterial acute respiratory infections in that its development occurs very quickly, the symptoms increase within a few hours. In the morning, a person may feel fine, and in the evening they may already be lying with a high fever and chills.
The flu is almost always accompanied by symptoms similar to allergies – runny nose, watery eyes, redness and itching. At the beginning of the development of the disease, a severe runny nose with colored mucus can be observed. There is no cough or sore throat.
In bacterial acute respiratory infections, the symptoms increase gradually. The temperature usually rises to no more than 38 degrees. At the same time, a cough appears, a sore throat. A bacterial infection can be a complication of the flu when it is not treated.
What to do at the first flu symptoms
If the flu develops, you need to consult a doctor so that he prescribes treatment and prescribes a sick leave, if required, since you cannot carry the disease "on your feet". It is important to observe bed rest.
Antiviral and symptomatic medications are prescribed for the flu. You also need to follow the doctor's recommendations, which will help you recover faster.
Non-medicinal methods of treatment
You need to provide yourself with bed rest and take sick leave. A sick person is contagious from day one. If you continue to lead a habitual lifestyle, you can harm not only yourself, but also others. There is a risk of complications such as pneumonia and meningitis.
With the flu, you need to drink as much liquid as possible, because it is actively lost with sweat and other secretions. It is best to drink hot drinks, but not so much that they irritate the throat. It is recommended to eat more vitamin products. It is necessary to exclude heavy foods such as red meat, mushrooms, so that the body does not waste a lot of energy on its digestion, because it needs to be directed in another direction – to fight a viral infection.
Medicines for the flu
Etiotropic and symptomatic agents are effective in the treatment of influenza. The former include antiviral and immunostimulating agents. The second group consists of antipyretic, antihistamine and vasoconstrictor nasal drops.
Of the antiviral agents for the flu, they can be used:
• Arbidol;
• Remantadine;
• Oseltamivir.
Antiviral agents act directly on the virus. Immunostimulants do not have a direct effect on the pathogen, but they help the body fight it. Such drugs include interferon inducers and interferon preparations.
With the flu, antipyretic drugs are needed. These are drugs from the NSAID group – Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen. Of the antihistamines, Loratadine and Tavegil can be used. Nasal drops should be used several times from the first day. For example, Xylometazoline almost immediately eliminates runny nose and swelling, making breathing easier.
In case of bacterial complication, antibiotics are used. It can be penicillins, macrolides. They should be prescribed by a doctor if necessary.
Self-medication can be dangerous. Each medicine has contraindications and the risk of side effects. You need to consult a doctor. The mobile app from 1xBet is available for both iOS and Android users, bringing the full experience to your phone. When you download the app and register, be sure to use 1xbet promo code in india in the registration form field, just as you would on the desktop website. This code activates a 200% welcome bonus up to €/$130 on your first deposit, usable across all sports betting and casino sections from your mobile device. You can then place bets on the go, watch live scores, and manage your boosted bankroll from anywhere, anytime.