What is the best thing to drink for the flu? Treatment of influenza in adults

Influenza (Latin influentia, literally - influence) is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Like any virus, it “knows how” to change – mutate, and it does this with enviable consistency and success. Each new species - strain - arising on the basis of the described types, is something a little new, and it is this variability that allows the influenza virus to be elusive, unstoppable and very dangerous.

Influenza is part of the group of acute respiratory viral infections -. A person with influenza poses the greatest infectious danger in the first 5-6 days from the onset of the disease.

The route of transmission is aerosol. The duration of the disease, as a rule, does not exceed a week. However, with this disease, complications such as otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, cystitis, myositis, pericarditis, and hemorrhagic syndrome can be observed. The disease is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it can lead to the threat of miscarriage.

How can you get infected?

The source of the spread of influenza infection is a sick person. Its secretions in the form of saliva and sputum containing a pathogenic virus pose a particular danger to surrounding people, therefore patients diagnosed with influenza are recommended to wear a gauze bandage on their face during the period of illness. Once in the human body, the virus begins to actively reproduce. It usually settles on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.

The disease is not capable of affecting internal organs; it can only lead to general intoxication of the body, the main symptoms of which are nausea and vomiting. A person diagnosed with influenza poses a danger to others only in the first five days of the disease. Subsequently, the virus ceases to be released, even if the patient still exhibits symptoms of the disease.

People who have a weakened immune system are most susceptible to this disease:

• small children under the age of 2 years, because their immune system is not yet fully formed;
• persons who suffer from all kinds of immunodeficiency diseases (congenital immunodeficiencies, HIV);
• elderly people;
• persons who suffer from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, especially with acquired and congenital heart defects;
• patients with diabetes mellitus;
• persons who suffer from various chronic lung diseases, including bronchial asthma;
• pregnant women;
• sick people suffering from various chronic blood and kidney diseases;
• elderly people, usually over 65 years of age, who have all kinds of chronic diseases of varying degrees.

Pathogenesis

The entry gates for the influenza virus are the cells of the ciliated epithelium of the upper respiratory tract - the nose, trachea, and bronchi. The virus multiplies in these cells and leads to their destruction and death. This explains irritation of the upper respiratory tract, coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

Penetrating into the blood and causing viremia, the virus has a direct, toxic effect, manifested in the form of fever, chills, myalgia, and headache. In addition, the virus increases vascular permeability, causes the development of stasis and plasma hemorrhages. It can also cause inhibition of the body’s defense systems, which leads to secondary infection and complications.

Forms of the disease

There are such forms of the disease:

1. Mild – body temperature rises by no more than 38°C, symptoms of intoxication are mild or absent.
2. Moderate severity - body temperature within 38.5-39.5 ° C, classic symptoms of the disease are noted: intoxication (headache, photophobia, muscle and joint pain, profuse sweating), typical changes in the posterior wall of the pharynx, redness of the conjunctiva, nasal congestion, damage to the trachea and larynx (dry cough, chest pain, hoarse voice).
3. Severe form – severe intoxication, body temperature 39-40°C, nosebleeds, signs of encephalopathy (hallucinations, convulsions), vomiting.
4. Hypertoxic – body temperature is above 40°C, the symptoms of intoxication are most pronounced, resulting in toxicosis of the nervous system, cerebral edema and infectious-toxic shock of varying severity. Respiratory failure may develop.

The fulminant form of influenza is dangerous due to the possibility of death, especially for weakened patients, as well as patients with existing concomitant pathologies. With this form, swelling of the brain and lungs, respiratory failure, bleeding and other serious complications develop.

Signs of the flu

In 2019, the flu has the following symptoms:

• temperature 40ºС and above;
• maintaining a high temperature for more than five days;
• severe headache that does not go away when taken, especially when localized in the back of the head;
• , rapid or irregular breathing;
• disturbances of consciousness - delirium or hallucinations, forgetfulness;
• the appearance of a hemorrhagic rash on the skin.

If all of the listed signs of influenza in adults appear, as well as the appearance of other alarming symptoms that are not included in the picture of the uncomplicated course of the disease, you should immediately seek medical help.

Flu symptoms in adults

The incubation period of influenza lasts from several hours to several days. During this time, the virus manages to multiply and enters the bloodstream in large quantities, causing viremia.

With influenza, symptoms in adults make themselves felt by the following signs: a sharp rise in temperature to high numbers (from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius), aching joints, headaches and muscle pain. There may be hyperemia of the skin and sclera of the eyes, and an exacerbation of herpetic infection.

Then other symptoms of influenza appear in adults: nasal congestion with scanty discharge, soreness and unpleasant symptoms in the nasopharynx. In some people, under the influence of high temperature and intoxication, the functioning of the digestive tract is disrupted, dyspeptic disorders and diarrhea appear. In infants, flu-like symptoms resemble other respiratory tract infections. In this case, a small child may have diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

With a favorable course, the disease lasts from five to seven days, but the body fully restores its working state only after two to three weeks.

Heat

This symptom is characterized by high values. The typical temperature at the onset of the disease is usually above +39 ºС, and can often exceed +40 ºС. Only with mild forms of influenza can the temperature fluctuate around +38 ºС. Such a strong increase in temperature is a consequence of intoxication of the body, as well as the reaction of the immune system to it.

Another feature of the temperature increase is that it usually occurs very sharply, literally within a few hours. The length of the period during which the patient's temperature is elevated depends on the severity of the illness and whether the patient is taking antipyretic drugs. It usually lasts 2-4 days. Then the temperature drops to low-grade levels. In the case of severe forms of influenza, high fever is difficult to control with the help of antipyretics. Or it gets lost for a very short period of time.

Head and body pain

Headaches, chest pains, as well as vague pains in other parts of the body, especially in the leg muscles, are a consequence of intoxication of the body. Often these are the first symptoms of the flu, appearing even before the temperature rises. Painful sensations in the muscles may be aching in nature. The headache is usually concentrated in the frontal area, although it can spread throughout the head. Sometimes pain in the eyes and photophobia may occur. These are all fairly common flu symptoms.

Cough

Influenza viruses mainly infect the bronchial mucosa. Therefore, with influenza, cough is also a typical symptom, appearing in 9 out of 10 patients. However, cough does not always appear in the first hours of the disease. In addition, the cough may often be relatively mild compared to the cough seen with other respiratory illnesses. The cough is usually continuous and can plague a person and prevent him from falling asleep.

At the onset of the disease, the cough is usually dry and unproductive. As the mucus clears, the cough changes to a wet one.

Pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis

Symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract - runny nose, sore throat, sneezing - may often not be observed at all. However, such symptoms also occur (in about half of the cases). Often they are explained not by the effects of the influenza viruses themselves, but by a secondary bacterial infection. Most often, children suffer from such phenomena.

Other symptoms

Sometimes there are disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract - nausea, dyspepsia, loss of appetite. Vomiting and diarrhea are sometimes possible. Although in general such symptoms are not typical for the flu.

Also, against the background of high temperature, the patient may experience increased sweating, redness and flushing of the skin, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and heart rhythm disturbances. When listening to the heart, muffled tones and systolic murmur are noticeable.

Complications of influenza

Most deaths from influenza are not due to the disease itself, but to its complications. Complications of influenza primarily affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems, lungs, kidneys and liver.

The most dangerous complications of influenza are:

• viral pneumonia, difficult to treat even in a hospital setting;
• inflammation of the heart muscle - myocarditis and tissues surrounding the heart - pericarditis;
• inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) and brain (encephalitis);
• severe renal and liver failure;
• early termination of pregnancy and fetal infections in pregnant women.

Diagnostics

General diagnostic measures include an external examination by a doctor and a statement of characteristic symptoms - localized pain syndrome, high fever, slight swelling of the face, dry cough, as well as catarrhal manifestations. As a rule, it is almost impossible to diagnose influenza based on these data, and the therapist establishes the primary assumption of “ARVI” - an acute respiratory viral infection.

The disease can be more accurately determined using tests. A general blood test for lymphocytes, examination of nasopharyngeal washings with their inoculation on chicken embryos, immunofluorescence technique (using labeled antibodies) are the main ones. As a supplement, serological retrospective analyzes are used to assess the increase in antibody titers in the test material when using paired sera.

Flu medicine

Influenza is of viral origin, so the basis of its treatment in adults is: Cycloferon, which is also recommended as a preventive measure during the so-called cold season.

In addition to flu tablets that have an antiviral effect, the patient is advised to take drugs aimed at strengthening the body's protective functions (Interferon).

Treatment of influenza

For the flu, general recommendations include non-drug treatment, medications to relieve symptoms, and antiviral medications.

Non-drug treatments include:

1. Bed rest (5 days). During the acute period, stop reading, watching TV, and working at the computer, so as not to overload the body weakened by the disease.
2. Drink plenty of warm drinks. It would be better if it were tea with lemon, infusion of rose hips, black currants, fruit juice with cranberries. Such drinks rich in vitamin C will help remove toxins formed as a result of the activity of viruses from the body.
3. To suppress the spread of the virus in the body, reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the duration of the disease and reduce the incidence of secondary complications, it is recommended take such antiviral drugs, like Zanamivir and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
4. There is no need to use antibiotics for the flu. They are completely powerless against viruses; they are used only when bacterial complications occur.

The following medications are used to relieve flu symptoms in adults:

1. (reduce temperature, reduce pain). Let us remind you that it is not recommended to lower the temperature below 38 degrees. The exception is small children and people prone to seizures. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to bring down a child’s high temperature with aspirin. With a viral infection, it can cause a complication - Reye's syndrome, which manifests itself as an epileptic seizure and coma.
2. Vasoconstrictor drops– Nafozalin, Galazolin, Sanorin, Otrivin ease breathing and relieve nasal congestion, but they can be used for no longer than 3 days;
3. . The most effective remedy (it is also the least favorite by many) is gargling with disinfectant solutions. You can use infusions of sage, chamomile, as well as ready-made solutions such as furatsilin. Rinsing should be frequent - once every 2 hours. In addition, you can use disinfectant sprays: , bioparox, etc.
4. . The goal of cough treatment is to reduce the viscosity of sputum, making it thin and easy to cough up. Drinking regime is important for this - warm drink dilutes phlegm. If you have difficulty coughing, you can take expectorant drugs, such as, etc. You should not take drugs that suppress the cough reflex on your own (without consulting a doctor) - this can be dangerous.

1. Eat more fresh plant foods, especially fruits, to give your immune system extra strength to fight the flu virus.
2. Sleep at least 7-9 hours. During illness, the body needs additional strength to fight infection, which is why it is not recommended to overexert or overeat.
3. Remember that antibiotics have no effect on the influenza virus. If used incorrectly, they can, on the contrary, lead to bacterial resistance to them.
4. Keep the flu to yourself. Avoid personal contact with family members, colleagues and friends. Use a gauze bandage and a telephone.
5. If your flu symptoms get worse or persist, or you have a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS, contact your doctor. You may need additional medical attention.

In extremely severe hypertoxic forms of influenza in adults (temperature above 40°C, shortness of breath, cyanosis, sudden decrease in blood pressure), patients are treated in intensive care wards. These patients are administered intramuscularly anti-influenza immunoglobulin (6-12 ml), and prescribed anti-staphylococcal antibiotics (oxacillin, methicillin, zeporin 1 g 4 times a day).

Flu prevention

To avoid worrying about how to treat the flu, the best way to avoid infection is to get vaccinated every year during flu season. Each year, vaccines are released based on the expected strain of the virus. Vaccination is especially important for people at risk of severe illness.

Also, for the prevention of influenza, it is important to isolate patients from those who are not sick; the use of personal protective equipment (gauze masks on the face) is effective, but ideally (in fact, it is difficult to strictly adhere to this regime).

Good hygiene habits should not be forgotten:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or a hand rub that contains alcohol.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. If possible, avoid close contact with sick people.
4. Avoid sharing cutlery, glasses, towels, and other personal items that other people use.

During the cold season, no one is immune from colds, so everyone needs to know how to treat the flu at home without medical help and what to do. At the same time, the disease will not recede longer if you simply remain in bed without doing anything.

Basics of therapy

Influenza is characterized by a rapid and acute onset, accompanied by high fever and chills. Aching pain appears in the frontal region, muscles, joints and lower back. The skin becomes dry and there is redness on the face. When pressing on the eyeballs, discomfort is felt, bright light causes burning and tearing. In the next 24 hours, the above symptoms may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

As a rule, the high temperature subsides within a few days, but fever, runny nose and severe cough continue until complete recovery. In this case, a person can become infected by being in the same room with a sick person, or even by simply shaking his hand.

As soon as you notice the first symptoms of the disease, you must immediately begin to fight them at home.

The key to successful treatment of influenza depends on compliance with certain rules.

In this case, it is much better to prevent the development of the disease. Many doctors recommend taking immunomodulatory drugs to achieve this goal. You will find an example of such a medicine in the article “”.

Proper nutrition

This means that your diet should include foods that will speed up your recovery. You need to focus your daily menu on chicken broth, honey or raspberry tea, plenty of drinking water and spices. This will help weaken the viral attack, strengthen the immune system and warm the body from the inside. At the same time, you should reduce your consumption of sweets, give up processed foods and alcoholic beverages.

The listed measures will significantly facilitate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) during the flu, on which the strength of the immune system directly depends. To improve blood circulation, the body needs potassium, which is found in bananas, potatoes, celery, apricots and spinach. In addition, these products are ideal for preventive purposes. They protect the body from hypothermia.

The right air

In order for flu treatment at home to bring quick results, the air in the room must be fresh and have optimal humidity. This can be achieved by daily ventilation, during which the patient should leave the room. In this case, an air humidifier will become an indispensable assistant, which will significantly relieve a runny nose and cough, and also moisturize the skin. You can replace a special humidifier with a container of water and eucalyptus oil.

Temperature

Treating the flu with traditional recipes

If you get the flu, you want to get rid of it as soon as possible. For this case, there are home remedies and traditional medicine recipes.

One night treatment

According to doctors, it is impossible to cure influenza viral infection in one day. However, supporters of traditional medicine have a different point of view. To do this, you must perform the following steps: dissolve 1 teaspoon of coarse table salt in 1.5 liters of boiled water, squeeze out lemon juice and add 1 gram of ascorbic acid. Stir the resulting mixture thoroughly and drink in small sips for 2 hours. By morning you will be able to overcome all flu symptoms.

Healing warmth

There is a stereotype that you can cope with the flu at home with the help of thermal foot baths. But traditional medicine says that it is much better to warm up your hands, not your feet. To do this, you will need a basin filled with warm water (about 38 degrees Celsius). We lower our hands into it up to the elbows and gradually add boiling water so that the water reaches 42 degrees. The duration of the procedure is approximately 10 minutes. When finished, you need to put on warm mittens and go to bed without taking them off.

English recipe

The British use beer and egg yolks to fight the flu at home. You need to proceed as follows: 4 egg yolks are ground with sugar until foam appears. Then add 500 ml of warm beer, the zest of ½ lemon, a little cinnamon and 3 cloves to the resulting slurry. Place the mixture on low heat and cook for about 6 minutes, without bringing to a boil. Should be taken 3 times a day, 1 glass. This method will help you recover in a couple of days.

Onion and garlic

The wonderful properties of these products in the fight against influenza have long been known. They are not only eaten raw, but also prepared as decoctions based on onions and garlic. However, they are able to kill viruses not only when used internally, but also when used externally. To do this, chop onions or garlic into a plate and deeply inhale their vapors. The pungent odor will penetrate the nasopharynx, relieve a runny nose and kill harmful bacteria.

Rose hip decoction

To fight the flu you will need dry rose hips. They can be purchased at a pharmacy, or bought at the market from grandmothers. Add 5 tablespoons of berries to 1 liter of cold water and place the mixture on the fire. Bring to a boil. After 10 minutes, remove the broth and wrap it in a warm towel. Leave it overnight. After the time has passed, strain the infusion and take one glass 3 times a day for a week, gradually reducing the dose. If the liquid seems too sour, add honey, sugar or jam. To protect your teeth from the harmful effects of acid, after each dose you should gargle and gargle with warm water.

Preventive measures

Any disease is much easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, before the onset of cold weather and an epidemic of colds, it is worth taking preventive measures.

• During the period of exacerbation of the flu, it is better to stay at home. If this is not possible, damp, cold places and drafts should be avoided. Hardening will help prepare the body in advance if it is done correctly.
• A cotton-gauze bandage will not only help protect against the flu virus, but will also protect those around you if you do get sick.
• Try not to shake hands with anyone, and also minimize travel on public transport and appearances in crowded places.
• The room in which you spend most of your time should be thoroughly ventilated 2 times a day. Disinfection with vinegar won’t hurt either: add 1 tablespoon of 70% vinegar to 500 ml of water, put on fire and bring to a boil. The solution should boil within 20 minutes. This procedure should be repeated twice a week.

During a flu epidemic, you should approach your health and strengthen it with special care. Allow yourself to rest and relax more. Walking in the fresh air will also have a beneficial effect on the body. Follow your sleep and nutrition schedule. Avoid eating a lot of food; it is better to replace it with herbal teas (rosehip, linden, mint). Consume fruit drinks and natural juices, eat more fruits.

If it was not possible to protect yourself from the flu, you must fight it immediately. To avoid unpleasant consequences and complications, it would be advisable to seek advice from your therapist.

• for rhinitis, intranasal 0.9% sodium chloride solution, vasoconstrictor drops (oxymetazoline, xylometazoline); for prolonged rhinitis with severe nasal congestion, additionally topical antihistamines (desloratadine from 2 years), and for an allergic component - an intranasal spray with a topical glucocorticosteroid;
• for pharyngitis, tonsillitis, 2% solution of silver proteinate or collargol; for older children - bicarmint, chlorhexidine + tetracaine + ascorbic acid, etc.;
• for laryngitis, tracheitis, laryngotracheitis in children over 2 years of age, to improve drainage, steam inhalation (with infusion of chamomile, calendula, mint, sage, St. John's wort, 1-2% sodium bicarbonate solution); for obstructive laryngitis/laryngotracheitis (croup syndrome), steam inhalation chambers are used in the hospital using bronchodilators (Berodual, etc.), glucocorticosteroids, sodium bicarbonate;
• vitamins: ascorbic acid, B vitamins, multivitamins;
• antihistamines are indicated for children with allergic diseases in the acute stage (atopic dermatitis, respiratory allergies, etc.). Use clemastine, chloropyramine, loratadine, fexofenadine, etc.

Etiotropic antiviral treatment of influenza

• Adamantane derivatives: children from 1 to 7 years old - 0.2% rimantadine syrup 5 mg/(kg/day); in children over 7 years old - remantadine 1.5 mg/(kg/day);
• Viral neuraminidase inhibitors: oseltamivir 2 mg/(kg/day) for children over 12 years of age;
• Specific anti-influenza immunoglobulin, normal human immunoglobulin, are indicated for severe and hypertoxic forms of influenza;
• Interferons (interferon-alpha intranasally, interferon-alpha 2 rectally, interferon-alpha 2a - intramuscularly in severe forms) and inducers of endogenous interferon (arbidol, anaferon for children, kagocel), etc. During therapy with the new domestic drug kagocel in children with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections significantly reduce the duration of symptoms of intoxication, fever, catarrhal phenomena in the nasopharynx and the main symptoms of stenosing laryngotracheitis (bronchitis). Kagocel helps to increase the production of a- and y-interferons by 1.5-2 times in sick children with initially low levels. In no case of the use of this interferon inducer in clinical studies in children were there any side effects or adverse events recorded, including no exacerbation of allergopathology during treatment, while in the comparison group, a respiratory infection caused an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Kagocel is well tolerated by children, shortens the length of hospitalization and can be used in pediatric practice in children from 6 years of age, 1 tablet three times a day for the first two days, then 1 tablet 2 times a day for the next 2 days. An analysis of clinical studies has shown that Kagocel has a universal effect on the infectious process in viral respiratory infections, regardless of their etiology and clinical manifestations.

Treatment of influenza with antibiotics

With influenza, as with other acute respiratory viral infections, there is no need to prescribe antibiotics; they are advisable only if the bacterial nature of the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is suspected.

It should be clearly understood that treating influenza with antibiotics does not have a positive effect, since antibacterial drugs are intended to treat infectious diseases that were caused by bacteria, and influenza develops under the influence of viruses. Moreover, treating influenza with antibiotics can harm your body, since their uncontrolled and inappropriate use increases the risk of developing infections that are resistant to antibiotics. Remember, bacteria and viruses are of completely different natures, and treating influenza with antibiotics is absolutely useless. Antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor only for complications caused by the influenza virus, since such complications can be caused precisely by bacteria that have penetrated the body weakened by the disease. Antibacterial drugs are prescribed for complications of influenza such as pneumonia, bacterial bronchitis, inflammation of the pharynx or respiratory tract, conjunctivitis, etc.

Antibiotics for influenza are prescribed according to strict indications:

• Bacterial complications (acute obstructive purulent-necrotic laryngotracheitis/laryngitis - regardless of the degree of croup, croup syndrome II-IV degrees, pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, streptococcal or other bacterial tonsillitis/pharyngitis, lymphadenitis, especially with fluctuation, bronchitis with purulent sputum, pneumonia and etc.);
• Suspicion of a bacterial infection in a patient with influenza (when it is difficult to exclude the development of bacterial infections - severe toxicosis, severe sore throat, plaque on the tonsils, ear pain, shortness of breath without signs of bronchial obstruction, asymmetry of wheezing during auscultation of the lungs, leukocytosis in the blood more than 12-15x10 9 /p). Early prescription of antibiotics is necessary if bacterial complications are suspected in children under 3 years of age. However, if subsequent observation and examination does not confirm the suspicion of a bacterial infection, the antibiotic should be discontinued;
• Severe and complicated forms of influenza;
• Chronic foci of bacterial infection and especially their exacerbation (recurrent otitis media, chronic sinusitis, chronic pyelonephritis, etc.);
• Clinical signs of immunodeficiency.

Treating flu at home

Treatment of influenza at home must be comprehensive. First of all, you should be aware that a patient with the flu needs bed rest, since any physical activity significantly increases the risk of complications. To effectively fight infection, the body needs plenty of warm fluids. This helps prevent intoxication, improves mucus removal and helps restore water balance in the body. It is not recommended to lower the temperature below 38 and a half degrees, as it creates a barrier to the proliferation of infectious agents. You can reduce the heat at home with the help of raspberries - add two tablespoons of coltsfoot and a spoonful of oregano to two tablespoons of raspberries, pour boiling water over them, leave for half an hour and strain. The resulting decoction is taken a quarter glass four times a day. You can also reduce the temperature by using vinegar compresses on your calves. Warm milk with mineral still water is effective for coughs. To facilitate nasal breathing with a runny nose and nasal congestion, vasoconstrictor drops and sprays (eucazoline, rhinazoline), as well as oil-based drops (pinosol) are used. To rinse the nose, you can use herbal decoctions and furatsilin solution. You can reduce the inflammatory process in the throat by gargling, using for these purposes an alcohol solution of chlorophyllipt, furatsilin, a decoction of chamomile and sage, and a soda-salt solution. At the very beginning of the disease, taking antiviral drugs such as arbidol, anaferon, amizon, etc. is indicated. Onion juice diluted with natural honey can alleviate the condition. You need to take one teaspoon of this mixture every half hour. Lemon has a powerful antioxidant effect - it reduces intoxication of the body and has a destructive effect on the virus.

Medicines for treating influenza

Drugs for the treatment of influenza are prescribed depending on the accompanying symptoms. Antihistamines are indicated for a runny nose, frequent sneezing, and watery eyes. Decongestants are used for squeezing the head, discomfort in the nose, and ears. Painkillers and antipyretic drugs for influenza help relieve pain in various localizations and reduce body temperature. For influenza, interferon drugs, interferon inducers, immunomodulatory, mucolytic, antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs are also prescribed.

Antiviral drugs have the ability to destroy viruses and are represented by etiotropic agents. The use of etiotropic drugs alone during an influenza epidemic is not enough. Immunomodulatory drugs restore the function of the body's defenses. The main indication for the use of this group of drugs is an infectious-inflammatory process, which is difficult to treat. Medicines for treating influenza include the following:

Adapromine

The drug is taken orally after meals. At the first signs of the disease, 0.2 g is prescribed once a day for four days.

Dataforin

Take orally before meals. On the first day of the disease - 0.1 g three times, on the second and third days - 0.1 g twice a day, on the fourth day - 0.1 g once. On the first day of illness, the daily dose can be taken at one time.

Remantadine

The drug is most effective at the very beginning of the disease. On the first day, take two tablets (100 mg) three times a day. You can take the daily dose at one time (six tablets) or in two doses (twice a day, three tablets). On the second and third days of the disease - two tablets (100 mg) twice. On the fourth and fifth days - two tablets (100 mg) once a day. The course of treatment is five days.

Ingavirin

Take one capsule per day.

Immusstat

The drug is taken 200 mg four times a day. The interval between doses should be six hours. The average duration of treatment is from three to five days.

Arbidol

0.2 g (2 or two tablets) four times a day before meals. The drug is taken for three days.

Anaferon

One tablet under the tongue three to six times a day, depending on the severity of the disease. After improvements occur, a single dose of the drug is recommended for eight to ten days.

Amizon

The maximum single dose is 1 g, the daily dose is 2 g. The drug is taken 0.25–0.5 g (one or two tablets) two to four times a day. The course of treatment is from five to seven days.

Amiksin

Take after meals, 125 or 250 mg (one or two tablets) per day for two days, then one tablet every two days. All drug doses are indicated for an adult.

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy has its own nuances, since many anti-flu medications are contraindicated for pregnant women. Among them are aspirin, various antitussive, antiviral and vasoconstrictor drugs. Therefore, treatment of influenza during pregnancy should be combined with drinking plenty of warm liquid, which helps eliminate toxins - tea with honey and lemon, milk, rosehip, raspberry decoction. To reduce the temperature, you can take a paracetamol tablet. When you cough, you can drink breast milk and expectorants approved for use during pregnancy (Dr. Mom, Hedelix). To reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa, you can use Pinosol oil-based drops. Aquamaris, Humer, Marimer are used to rinse the nose. As part of complex therapy, the use of vitamin and mineral complexes is mandatory.

Effective treatment for influenza

Anti-influenza therapy, started in the first thirty-six hours from the onset of symptoms of the disease, can significantly shorten the duration of the disease and reduce the risk of complications. Effective treatment of influenza consists of a combination of chemotherapy drugs with non-specific drugs or is achieved using only interferons and their inducers and immunomodulatory agents that have antiviral activity. Effective treatment of influenza must be comprehensive. If you are sick, drink plenty of warm liquids (tea, milk, cranberry juice, herbal infusions). When coughing or runny nose, use disposable paper napkins, and then be sure to wash your hands with soap. Ventilate the room more often. Take antiviral medications and stay in bed.

Treatment of influenza in adults

Treatment of influenza in adults is carried out at home with strict adherence to bed rest. Hospitalization is indicated for hyperthermia, convulsions, clouding of consciousness, severe arterial hypotension, cardiac dysfunction, and the development of complications. Symptomatic therapy at home consists of regularly drinking large amounts of warm drinks, using antiviral, antihistamine and antipyretic drugs. If the temperature has subsided, you can make herbal inhalations with chamomile, calendula, and sage. At the very beginning of the disease, rimantadine is used, the nasal passages are washed with furatsilin and lubricated with oxaline ointment. Antibacterial drugs and sulfonamides are indicated only in case of bacterial complications, as well as in order to prevent the development of chronic purulent-inflammatory diseases.

Treatment of influenza virus

Treatment of influenza virus involves specific therapy depending on the type of virus. The influenza A virus is capable of creating a moderate to severe epidemiological situation, for example, swine and chicken flu. Influenza B virus does not usually cause epidemics and has local outbreaks. Influenza C virus has not yet been sufficiently studied. Its symptoms are usually mild or absent altogether; this type of virus can be combined with type A virus. Treatment of the influenza virus should, first of all, be aimed at destroying viral cells. Influenza A virus, for example, is sensitive to oseltamivir and zanamivir. The main types of influenza virus are A and B. Type A is more common and M2 inhibitors are used to combat it. Neuraminidase inhibitors are effective against viruses of groups A and B. Antiviral drugs used to treat influenza can suppress viral enzymes and stimulate the formation of interferon. The first group of drugs directly suppresses the virus itself, the second reduces the susceptibility of cells to viral agents. Treatment of the influenza virus should begin at the first symptoms of the disease.

Flu treatment regimen

The treatment regimen for influenza includes sequential procedures to relieve current symptoms of the disease and neutralize viral cells.

1. To directly neutralize the virus, take antiviral drugs (arbidol, amiksin, rimantadine, groprinosin).
2. A high temperature (above 38.5 degrees), which is accompanied by severe chills, headaches and muscle pain, can be brought down with the help of antipyretic drugs (aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen).
3. Primary symptoms of the disease may also include a dry cough and sore throat. In such cases, expectorant tablets and syrups (Bronchial, Doctor Mom, Herbion, Lazolvan) are indicated - three to four times a day, antiseptic lozenges and lozenges (Septefril, Faringosept, Decatylene, Septolete, Strepsils) - three to six times a day. day.
4. To eliminate nasal congestion, vasoconstrictor drugs are used topically - naphthyzin, rhinazolin, tizin, eucazolin - one injection into each nasal passage three times a day. If there is copious mucus discharge from the nasal passages, rinsing the nose with saline solution, as well as such drugs as salin, humer, marimer, chistonos, is recommended.
5. As part of complex therapy, drugs are taken to strengthen the immune system (Echinacea purpurea tincture, Immunal, vitamin and mineral complexes). Immunal is taken according to the following scheme: twenty drops three times a day, washed down with a small amount of liquid. The initial one-time dose can be forty drops, then for two days take twenty drops every hour or two, after which they switch to the recommended average dosage.
6. Periodic gargling with herbal decoctions, soda-salt solutions, regular plenty of warm drinks, rest and bed rest are also recommended.
7. Any physical activity, antibacterial drugs, as well as thermal procedures are contraindicated if the body temperature is high.

Treatment of influenza during lactation

Treatment of influenza during lactation, as during pregnancy, should be carried out with extreme caution. In severe cases of the disease, it is impossible to do without taking medications, but, of course, not all medications are allowed during breastfeeding. If prescribed by a doctor, you can take antiviral drugs based on interferon. To reduce the temperature, you can take paracetamol. When you have the flu, you should definitely drink warm tea with honey, raspberries, lemon or milk. You can gargle with an aqueous solution of soda and salt, or chamomile decoction. You should regularly ventilate the room to clear the air of viruses accumulated in it. If you have the flu, rest and bed rest are also necessary. In severe cases, drug treatment of influenza during lactation is an indication for interrupting the feeding process.

Modern treatment of influenza

Modern treatment of influenza includes a set of various procedures to destroy viruses and eliminate the symptoms of the disease. If you have the flu, the patient is required to rest in bed, drink plenty of fluids, gargle and treat the nasal passages to flush out the infection. Modern treatment of influenza also involves the prescription of a dairy-vegetable diet, foods rich in vitamin C. In recent years, treatment of influenza has been combined with the use of immunomodulators, which help the body cope with the disease more quickly. Natural immunostimulants are rose hips, Eleutherococcus root extract, Chinese lemongrass, Echinacea purpurea, etc. However, it should be remembered that their uncontrolled use can, on the contrary, worsen the functioning of the immune system. For influenza, a drug such as rimantadine, which has high antiviral activity, has proven itself well. At the very beginning of the disease, three to five drops of human leukocyte or recombinant interferon can be instilled into each nasal passage with a break of one to two hours for two or three days. The nasal passages can also be lubricated with oxaline ointment. For nasal congestion, vasoconstrictor drops and sprays are used. The temperature is brought down only if it exceeds thirty-eight and a half degrees, as it promotes the production of endogenous interferon (the body fights infection). For influenza, it is recommended to take vitamins and minerals, as well as immunomodulatory drugs. Detoxification therapy is carried out using drugs such as polyglucin, reopoliglucin, five percent glucose solution, hemodez, ascorutin.

Quick flu treatment

Rapid treatment of influenza depends on a combination of various factors influencing the course of the disease. Firstly, it should be clearly understood that if you have the flu, bed rest is required. This is one of the necessary conditions for successful and rapid treatment of the disease. If you take antiviral drugs and at the same time engage in physical activity, then, naturally, you should not expect a quick effect, this can only worsen the situation. So, the first rule is proper rest and bed rest. The second prerequisite is the active consumption of warm liquid in any form - it can be green or black tea with honey, lemon, milk, fruit drink, raspberry compote. The liquid helps remove toxins from the body and, as a result, quickly treat the flu. Remember to regularly ventilate the room and use disposable handkerchiefs when coughing and sneezing to avoid the proliferation of viruses. To eliminate viruses, antiviral drugs are indicated - arbidol, anaferon, amiksin, rimantidine, etc. To eliminate current symptoms of the disease, use antiseptic tablets and sprays (anginal, chlorophyllipt, orasept, septefril, lisobakt, faringosept, etc.), expectorants (mucaltin, ambroxol , herbion) and vasoconstrictors (galazolin, tisin, rhinazolin, eucazolin).

Treatment of influenza with folk remedies

Among the folk remedies for treating influenza, rose hips have proven themselves well. Dry rose hips must be crushed and poured with cold water (1 liter), then boiled for ten minutes. Leave the resulting broth in a warm place for eight to ten hours, then strain. You need to take the finished medicine one glass five to six times a day, you can add honey.

A remedy similar in effect can be prepared by mixing rose hips with honey and adding currants or raspberries. Take half a glass three times a day before meals. Viburnum has a good effect in treatment. The fruits of this plant are mixed with coltsfoot and poured boiling water, then strained and taken one glass at night, warmed up. Another folk remedy against the flu is onion. A medium-sized onion should be grated and then placed on gauze folded in several layers. Place the resulting mixture on the sides of the nose for ten to fifteen minutes. The procedure should be repeated three to four times a day. It is recommended to lubricate the skin with vegetable oil or cosmetic face cream before the procedure. You can rinse your nasal passages with saline solution. Also, when you have a runny nose, you can instill a drop of vegetable oil mixed with garlic into your nasal passages. The garlic is crushed, a spoonful of vegetable oil is added, left for twelve hours, then filtered. At temperature, mix rose hips with rowan, add hot water, leave for four hours and strain. The resulting infusion is taken three times a day, half a glass. Also, to relieve heat, you can dilute 1 tablespoon of vinegar per liter of slightly warm boiled water, moisten a towel with the vinegar solution and rub your shins, arms, and armpits. When the temperature subsides, you can pour dry mustard powder into your socks and put them on all night, wrapping your feet warmly. At normal body temperature, you can do inhalations with sage, eucalyptus, and chamomile. You can also boil unpeeled potatoes, drain the water, crush them, add two or three drops of fir oil and breathe in the steam for five to seven minutes, covered with a towel. Inhalations are contraindicated for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

More and more often on various forums on the Internet today you can come across the question: “ How to treat the flu?" It would seem that there is a “sea” of information, but from everything that has been written and said, I would like to highlight the most important and what everyone needs to know. Indeed, not a single prevention method or medication can guarantee 100% protection against influenza infection.

But even if you are infected and fall ill, you should not panic, but begin timely and appropriate treatment of the disease. Often, one cannot do without the help of a doctor - this does not mean the need for hospitalization (it is only needed in severe cases), but it is a medical specialist who makes an accurate diagnosis, determines the type of pathogen and, accordingly, prescribes a therapeutic course.

Treatment for influenza should be started promptly

Anyone who asks how to treat the flu should remember that this virus is modifiable, as a result of which new medicinal (and preventive) drugs have to be invented every time, as well as old ones have to be adjusted.

It is a mistake to believe that any influenza infection goes away within a week without outside intervention. Of course, with a fairly strong immune system and low efficiency of viral attacks (lack of appropriate conditions for this), this is likely. However, one should not hope or rely on such a course of the disease. What most often happens is that without timely treatment, a person faces complications of the disease, irreversible changes, and the therapeutic process that begins is delayed.

What does the doctor tell you about how to cure the flu? Typically, antiviral drugs are prescribed, as well as medications to help relieve symptoms.

Due to viral effects, inflammatory processes begin inside the throat and nasal passages. There is a negative effect on various internal organs, including the heart and kidneys. If the inflammation is not stopped, it can go deeper, resulting in the danger of:

• acute bronchitis;
• sinusitis;
• pneumonia and so on.

Actually, all this once again points to the urgency of compulsory treatment in adults and children, which can happen both at home (in mild cases) and in the hospital (in severe cases).

Managing symptoms

How can you relieve the symptoms of influenza infection?

If with other acute respiratory viral infections fever can begin only on the second day of the disease and the temperature does not rise too high, during the flu it almost immediately rises to 39 degrees and above.

In addition, the patient suffers from:

• painful weakness;
• muscle pain and aches;
• severe migraine.

A runny nose appears later: it is associated with clear nasal discharge. The patient begins to cough, it seems to him as if his throat is “scratching something.” By triggering such symptoms (leaving them without proper treatment), a person risks encountering dangerous complications.

The patient’s well-being deteriorates incredibly quickly, but the fight against this disease will be long and difficult.

What helps against the flu? Antiviral drugs are considered the most effective medications. But it is best to take them at the very beginning of the disease, when the first signs have just appeared.

• Remantadine– in the case of a mild form of the disease, 50 milligrams are prescribed three times a day. If the illness is more severe, you will need to drink 300 milligrams.
• Interferon- This medicine is in powder form, which is dissolved in boiled water and instilled into the nasal passages several times a day.
• Oxolinic ointment– necessary for lubricating the nostrils.
• Gamma globulin- These are, as a rule, injections that are given by a doctor in a hospital.

Along with the above remedies, the doctor prescribes symptomatic treatment. As a result, in a couple of days it is possible to normalize the condition and improve the patient’s well-being.

But in addition to using these medications, you cannot do without following certain recommendations:

• Bed rest is required. Those who try to survive the disease “on their feet” are at great risk due to possible complications.
• Drinking plenty of fluids is required because this is how the body gets rid of harmful toxic substances that are waste products of the virus. Among other things, the liquid is responsible for normal thermoregulation of the body. Doctors advise drinking at least eight glasses. Moreover, not only clean water is suitable, but also lemon tea, homemade lemonade, milk with honey added (the main thing is that it is not too hot).
• Don't forget the importance of taking vitamin C, which helps strengthen your immune system. Usually, on the first day of illness, five tablets are taken, and all subsequent days are taken a couple of tablets. If you do not want to take the drug in tablet form, you can dissolve them in heated water.

How to quickly cure the flu at home? Is it possible to achieve recovery if treated without pills and only with folk remedies in adults?

In principle, if the course of the disease is mild, this option is possible. For example, onions can be mixed with honey. The resulting mixture will not have the most pleasant taste, but it should be taken a teaspoon several times a day. This helps fight fever and get rid of the virus faster.

If you manage to normalize your temperature, baths in which your feet are steamed will help you cope with further symptoms. Mustard or salt is added there. A quarter of an hour is enough for each such procedure, after which the feet should be wiped dry and put on warm socks.

Here’s another effective method: take sage (one spoon is enough) and brew it in boiling milk (so that the resulting drink boils for about 10 minutes). Then the infusion is cooled, filtered and boiled again. It is advisable to consume the decoction shortly before going to bed (warm).

Prevention rules

In order not to be tormented by searching for an answer to the question of how to treat the flu, it is important to know about the rules of prevention if someone in the house suddenly gets sick:

• The patient should be isolated so that he has contact with the elderly and children as little as possible.
• The sick person must have his own dishes. It is also undesirable for him to use a common towel.
• If contact is necessary, it is better to use a gauze bandage. Moreover, it has several layers and changes often.
• The room in which the patient is located must be ventilated. This is done even in cases where the flu patient suffers from chills. He/she should be dressed warmly to prevent drafts.

Learn to take care of yourself, and you won’t have to “rack your brains” over how to cure the flu in 3, 2, or even 1 day (which in itself is unrealistic when it comes to influenza infection).

If a family member is sick, you should limit their contact with others

What medications don't help?

« We treat the flu quickly and guaranteed!“- pharmaceutical manufacturers boldly declare. But, of course, not every advertisement, even the most beautiful one, can be trusted. There are medications that cannot or are not always possible to use in the treatment of this disease.

For example, antibiotics will definitely not help you quickly achieve good health and cure an illness. They are not taken at their own discretion, but only as directed by a doctor, and not from the first days of the disease, but only when serious complications caused by a bacterial infection occur.

If you take such drugs whenever you want, you risk not strengthening, but, on the contrary, weakening the body, since antibiotics will destroy beneficial intestinal microflora.

Is it possible to cure the flu in a couple of days without medications? Absolutely not. But you should also not take medications that allow you to transfer the disease “on your feet.” It would seem cool that after drinking such pills, the patient almost immediately feels better and lighter, gets rid of fever, and stops suffering from migraines and muscle pain. In reality, the symptoms stop, but the disease does not go away: the virus continues to develop. With such “pseudo-treatment” it is possible to lead to serious complications.

Why can't you do without a doctor?

Which doctor treats the flu? Most often, such a problem is addressed to a general practitioner, who then refers you to various examinations and, if there are complications, to other medical specialists.

It is from the doctor that you should find out how to treat this disease, and not try to prescribe certain drugs for yourself (offered in a pharmacy or beautifully advertised on the Internet). When selecting and prescribing medications, the physician relies on an accurate diagnosis, data not only about the disease, but also about the characteristics of the patient’s body, the presence or absence of chronic diseases.

If you suspect you have the flu, consult a doctor

Even the use of certain folk remedies, as an addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor, must be consistent with him.

Home treatment

If a doctor prescribes any medications, it is advisable to follow the doctor’s recommendations and act strictly on them. Alas, in this case it will not be possible to do without antiviral tablets completely.

However, those who want to treat the disease quickly and effectively should know that the use of folk remedies can be useful as an additional treatment for influenza.

At home, you can properly treat the infection in the following ways:

• When the initial symptoms of the disease are noticed, drinking boiling water will help, and then go to bed.
• It is advisable to rub your feet with vodka, and then put on woolen socks, drink hot raspberry tea and go to bed, covered with a blanket.
• You can drink a little activated carbon (four tablets are enough).
• An infusion made from rose hips helps. First, you need to grind dry berries, pour boiling water over them and leave to steep overnight. After three hours, the broth is filtered and drunk. The duration of taking this infusion is a week. Gradually the frequency of use decreases.
• You need to mix chamomile, linden, and rose hips, pour boiling water and leave for about six minutes. You need to drink three times a day shortly before eating.
• You can cope with a cough with the help of radish. It should be finely chopped and sprinkled with sugar. Take a tablespoon every hour.
• The radish is grated and the juice is squeezed out of it. The resulting pulp must be mixed with honey (a small depression is made directly in the radish, into which the beekeeping product is poured). The resulting composition is taken before meals, a couple of tablespoons.
• You should grate the horseradish and close it in a jar, keeping it there for a quarter of an hour. Then the lid is removed, and you need to breathe over the jar with your nose.
• You can boil the potatoes - right with the peel - and breathe over the steam for about a quarter of an hour.
• Viburnum (you can use both fruits and flowers) is brewed in a glass and boiled for about 10 minutes. You should take 1 spoon three times a day.
• Garlic is considered harmful to viruses. For example, you can simply chew a garlic clove or keep it in your mouth while sucking on the healthy juice. Or it is grated and mixed with honey. The resulting mixture should be poured with warm water and drunk shortly before bedtime. Another option is to mix several cloves with milk and boil them together. This decoction is consumed up to six times a day, using a small spoon.
• Onions turn out to be no less useful. You can grate it, pour boiling water over it and leave in a warm place for about half an hour.

What to do if the flu starts? At home, alcohol tinctures made from St. John's wort, eucalyptus, marshmallow and propolis can help.

Garlic helps destroy influenza viruses

How long will it take to overcome this disease? This depends on many factors, including the type of virus, the stage of the disease, the strength of the immune system and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. Of course, it is easier and faster to fight the beginning flu than the advanced one.

Flu is a viral disease and cannot be cured with antibiotics. Drug treatment for influenza includes:

• antiviral drugs, and
• symptomatic drugs

Antiviral drugs in the treatment of influenza

There are no radical treatments for influenza today. This is because the influenza virus is constantly changing. There are two groups of anti-influenza drugs that have a specific antiviral effect with proven clinical effectiveness:

• amantadine, rimantadine and their analogues
• zanamivir, oseltamivir.

Nonspecific antiviral drugs are also used in the treatment and prevention of influenza, these include:

• interferon and interferon inducers,
• Immunoglobulins are used to bind viruses and their toxins. They are prescribed for severe complicated forms of influenza intravenously in a hospital setting. In medical practice, anti-influenza donor gamma globulin (immunoglobulin) and normal polyvalent human immunoglobulin are used. These drugs are not prescribed at home.

Amantadine, rimantadine and their analogues

They suppress the reproduction of viruses, but have a narrow spectrum of action - they are effective only against various strains of influenza virus type A. They are used for the prevention and early treatment of influenza. Research data has shown that administering these medications within the first 48 hours of illness onset reduces the duration of influenza symptoms. And if they are prescribed before the onset of symptoms of the disease, they can prevent the development of the disease. Unfortunately, resistance to amantadine and rimantadine often develops and these drugs become ineffective by the 5th day of treatment in a third of patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (USA), resistance to amantadine and rimantadine has increased. Therefore, in the 2006-2007 season. CDC experts did not recommend the use of amantadine and rimantadine for either the prevention or treatment of influenza A. In addition, these drugs have side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders (abdominal pain, nausea, decreased appetite) and in 5-10 % of patients with dysfunction of the central nervous system (excitement, anxiety, insomnia).

Amantadine (trade names: Gludantan, Midantan, PC-Merz)

An antiviral and, at the same time, antiparkinsonian drug. Reduces the duration of symptoms of the disease by 50%. Prescribed in the first 48 hours from the onset of the disease at a dose of 200 mg per day orally; Duration of therapy is 3-5 days or 48 hours after the symptoms of the disease disappear. Currently, it is rarely used for the treatment and prevention of influenza due to side effects.

Rimantadine (trade names: Rimantadine, Algirem)

Today it is the main drug for the treatment and prevention of influenza caused by virus A. It is available in the form of tablets and syrup for children. It should be taken orally after meals with water. For the treatment of influenza, 100 mg is prescribed 2 times a day for 5-7 days after the onset of symptoms of the disease. Elderly patients in nursing homes, as well as with severe kidney and liver damage - 100 mg 1 time per day. Treatment of influenza A should begin within 24-48 hours after the onset of symptoms and continue for 5-7 days.

Algirem (rimantadine for children over 1 year of age)

Dosage form: syrup. For the treatment of influenza, Algirem is taken according to the following regimen:

• children from 1 to 3 years old - on day 1, 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of syrup (20 mg rimantadine) 3 times a day (daily dose 60 mg); Days 2 and 3 - 10 ml 2 times a day (daily dose - 40 mg); Day 4 - 10 ml 1 time per day (daily dose 20 mg).
• Children from 3 to 7 years: on day 1 - 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of syrup (30 mg) 3 times a day (daily dose - 90 mg); Days 2 and 3 - 3 teaspoons 2 times a day (daily dose 60 mg); Day 4 - 3 teaspoons 1 time per day (daily dose 30 mg).

Dataforin

It is an analogue of rimantadine. It has an antiviral effect against influenza virus type A, as well as a hypotensive and sedative effect. The mechanism of action is similar to rimantadine. Used to treat influenza. Available in 50 mg tablets. Treatment regimen: on the 1st day, 0.1 g 3 times, on the 2nd and 3rd - 0.1 g 2 times, on the 4th - 0.1 g 1 time. On the 1st day of the disease, a single dose of 0.3 g is possible (instead of 3 times 0.1 g). Take orally before meals. When taking the drug, blood pressure decreases and drowsiness appears. Contraindications are the same as for rimantadine. Dataforin is not intended for prescribing treatment without the participation of a doctor.

Adapromine

It has antiviral activity against influenza A and B viruses. Its antiviral activity is similar to rimantadine. Used for prevention and early treatment during an influenza epidemic. Available in 50 mg tablets.

Directions for use and dosage: orally, after meals, 200 mg once a day, daily for 4 days.

Arbidol

Domestic antiviral chemotherapy drug. Available in tablets of 0.1 g and capsules of 0.05 g and 0.1 g. The mechanism of antiviral action has not been precisely established. It is believed that the drug specifically suppresses influenza A and B viruses, and also stimulates the production of interferon and normalizes the immune system. It is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza caused by viruses A and B. The therapeutic effect is expressed in reducing the symptoms of influenza and the duration of the disease. Prevents the development of post-influenza complications, reduces the frequency of exacerbations of chronic diseases. Taken orally. Treatment scheme.

• Adults and children over 12 years of age: 0.2 g every 6 hours for 3-5 days;
• Children 6-12 years old: for treatment - 0.1 g every 6 hours for 3-5 days;
• Children 2-6 years old: for treatment - 0.05 g every 6 hours for 3-5 days

• Arbidol. A remedy for preventing influenza.

Ribavirin (trade name Arviron, Ribamidil, Virazol, Rebetol, etc.)

The drug is very close to amantadine, equal in effectiveness, and less likely to cause side effects. Suppresses the reproduction of influenza A and B viruses. To treat influenza, take 200 mg capsules 3-4 times a day for 3-5 days. Treatment should begin at the first signs of the disease. Can be prescribed to children over 6 years of age at 10 mg/kg per day in 3 to 4 divided doses. Course - 5 days.

Zanamivir and Oseltamivir

This is a new class of specific anti-influenza drugs. These drugs are effective against influenza A and B types; their principle of action is to inactivate the enzyme necessary for the influenza virus to grow and reproduce. They are effective in both preventing and treating influenza caused by influenza A and B. If you start taking these drugs as soon as symptoms appear, they can shorten the duration of your illness by a day or more. Oseltamivir is an oral medication, while zanamivir is for inhalation use, similar to the inhaler used for asthma, and should not be used in patients with asthma or lung disease. In 1999, they were approved for the treatment of influenza A and B by the FDA (USA).

Both drugs may cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. They can also contribute to the virus developing resistance to antiviral therapy, but rarely - in 2% of cases.

Zanamivir (trade name Zanamivir, Relenza)

Available in the form of dosed powder for inhalation in rotadiscs. Treatment should begin no later than 36 hours after the onset of the first symptoms. Inhaled using a diskhaler. Treatment: adults and children over 7 years old - 2 inhalations 2 times a day for 5 days. The total daily dose is 20 mg.

Oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu)

Available in 75 mg capsules. Taken orally, regardless of food intake, no later than 48 hours from the onset of flu symptoms, 1 tablet 2 times a day for 5 days. Contraindicated in children under 12 years of age and with severe renal failure.

In November 2006, the manufacturer of Tamiflu was required to include a warning in the instructions that after using Tamiflu in patients with influenza, especially children, the risk of confusion and possible self-harm increases. Close monitoring of patients using Tamiflu was recommended for early detection of signs of abnormal behavior. Discuss possible side effects with your doctor before starting antiviral therapy.

Research results have shown that the use of oseltamivir significantly reduces the incidence of influenza complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, requiring antibiotics in both healthy and at-risk groups. There are isolated reports of decreased mortality from influenza and its complications in patients at risk who took oseltamivir.

Interferons

Interferons are used to treat and prevent various viral infections, including influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. The main effect of interferons is due to the fact that they activate substances that inhibit the proliferation of viruses. Since their mechanism of action is universal, they are effective against any viral infections. The following interferon preparations are used in the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections: Native leukocyte interferon alpha is made from human blood. The use of this drug on days 1-2 of illness can stop or mitigate the course of influenza and a number of other acute respiratory viral infections. 1000 units/ml in the form of nasal drops, 5 drops into the nasal passages 4-6 times a day. Less effective than recombinant interferon preparations.

Recombinant interferon alpha 2β (trade name Viferon)

Does not contain human blood components, produced by genetic engineering. It has a pronounced antiviral effect, protects cells from damage, activates the immune system, and has antioxidant activity. Highly effective against acute respiratory viral infections and influenza has been proven. Viferon can be taken by everyone, including pregnant women and children, including newborns and premature babies.

Viferon suppositories are produced in 4 versions depending on the amount of interferon included in 1 suppository: 150 thousand IU, 500 thousand IU, 1 million IU, 3 million IU of interferon in one suppository, respectively. In addition to interferon, the suppositories contain vitamins E and C.

• Viferon-1. Rectal suppositories for infants and preschool children are prescribed 150,000 IU per suppository in combination with vitamins E and C.
• Viferon-2. Rectal suppositories 500,000 IU for schoolchildren, 1 suppository daily at 12-hour intervals for 5-10 days.
• Viferon-3, 4. Rectal suppositories, 1 and 3 million for adults.

Viferon nasal ointment. Lubricate the nasal passages 2 times a day during the entire period of the disease. Can be combined with rectal suppositories.

Recombinant interferon alpha2 (trade name Grippferon, Alfaferron, Interlock, Inferon, Leukinferon, Lokferon, Realdiron, Sveferon, Egiferon)

A mixture of different subtypes of natural interferon alpha. Does not contain blood components. Obtained by genetic engineering. The mechanism of action and indications are similar to recombinant interferon alpha2b. For influenza and ARVI, it is prescribed for treatment and prevention in nasal drops. The most commonly used drug is influenzaferon. Unlike suppositories, nasal drops prevent the proliferation of viruses in the nasal mucosa, that is, where they enter the body. The mechanism of action is based on preventing the proliferation of any viruses that enter the body through the respiratory tract. Already on the second day of using the drug, the patient’s number of viruses released during breathing is significantly reduced, and, accordingly, the risk of infection of people in contact with him is reduced. Blocks the reproduction of all types of human viruses that affect the respiratory tract. And, considering that during a “flu epidemic,” only 10 to 25% of those infected suffer from the flu itself, and the rest suffer from other respiratory diseases, against which vaccination and anti-flu medications do not protect, then influenza in this situation is especially useful because:

• Has high therapeutic effectiveness
• Highly effective as a drug for emergency prevention of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections
• There is no addictive effect to the drug
• Viruses are unable to acquire resistance to the action of Grippferon (interferon does not interact with viruses, it blocks their reproduction mechanism)
• Non-toxic and safe
• Approved for use in children under one year of age, including newborns.
• Approved for use in pregnant women.
• Reduces the number of complications in patients with ARVI by 60-70%
• Reduces the number of medications taken by the patient by 50-70%
• There are no contraindications for compatibility with other drugs, including antiviral drugs.
• Can be used in conjunction with vaccinations
• It reduces the number of viruses released from the nose in patients with acute respiratory infection tenfold (analogous to a bandage), that is, it significantly reduces the infectiousness of the patient.
• Has a pronounced anti-epidemic effect.

Prescribed locally in the nose. In the first hours of the disease, a few drops are instilled into each nasal passage (age norm) every 15-20 minutes for 3-4 hours, then 4-5 times a day for 3-4 days.

• children under 1 year - 1 drop in each nasal passage 5 times a day (single dose 1,000 IU, daily dose 5,000 IU);
• children from 1 to 3 years old - 2 drops in each nasal passage 3-4 times a day (single dose 2000 IU, daily dose - 6000 - 8000 IU);
• children from 3 to 14 years old - 2 drops in each nasal passage 4-5 times a day (single dose 2000 IU, daily dose 8000-10000 IU);
• adults - 3 drops in each nasal passage 5-6 times a day (single dose 3,000 IU, daily dose 15,000 - 18,000 IU).

Recombinant interferon-gamma (trade name Ingaron)

Does not contain human blood components, produced by genetic engineering. It has a pronounced antiviral, immunostimulating and immunomodulating effect. Used in the treatment and prevention of influenza and ARVI, including bird flu as part of complex therapy. Available in solution for intranasal use. At the first signs of influenza or ARVI, instill 2 drops of Ingaron into each nasal passage after toileting the nasal passages 5 times a day for 5-7 days. After instillation, it is recommended to massage the wings of the nose with your fingers for several minutes to distribute Ingaron evenly in the nasal cavity. Children under 7 years of age are not prescribed.

Interferon inducers

This is a group of natural and synthetic compounds that cause the formation of its own interferon in the patient’s body and thus have an antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect. The antiviral effect is associated with the suppression of virus reproduction. Effective against many viruses, including influenza and ARVI viruses. Used in children over 7 years of age. The most studied and widely used in the treatment of patients are synthetic compounds: amixin, cycloferon, neovir.

Tiloron (trade names Amiksin, Lavomax)

Available in tablets. The peak of interferon formation occurs at 18 hours from the moment of its administration. Completely disappears from the bloodstream by 48 hours. Taken orally, after meals, for the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections according to the following scheme:

• adults 125-250 mg/day for 1-2 days, then 125 mg every 48 hours. Course 1 week (but not more than 6 tablets per course);
• children over 7 years old - 60 mg per day in the first 2 days, then 60 mg after 48 hours (3-4 tablets in total).

Methylglucamine acridone acetate (trade name Cycloferon)

Available in 150 mg tablets. The peak of interferon production reaches 8 hours from the moment of its administration and lasts up to 48-72 hours. Combines well with other drugs used in the treatment of influenza and ARVI. Does not cause side effects. Approved in pediatric practice - tablet form from 4 years, injection solution - from 1 year for the prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI. Treatment regimen for influenza and ARVI:

• In adults: four tablets taken orally 30 minutes before meals, without chewing, on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 (20 tablets). Treatment should begin at the first symptoms of infection. For severe flu, take six tablets of the drug on the first day.
• In children, Cycloferon is prescribed in the following age-specific doses:
  • At the age of 4-6 years, 150 mg (one tablet),
  • at the age of 7-11 years, 300-450 mg (2-3 tablets),
  • over 12 years old 450-600 mg (3-4 tablets) per dose once a day

For influenza and ARVI, the drug is prescribed in age-specific doses on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23 and then once every three days. The course of treatment ranges from 5 to 15 doses, depending on the severity of the condition and the severity of clinical symptoms.

Sodium oxodihydroacridinyl acetate (trade name Neovir)

It is an inducer of the latest generation of interferons. It is used intramuscularly in the prevention and treatment of severe forms of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. Its feature is its high efficiency in the treatment of herpes infection. Even after the first injection, in 60% of patients the rashes stop and pain disappears. The possibility of using the drug for children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women has not been studied. A contraindication to the use of Neovir is severe renal failure.

Treatment regimen: intramuscularly, 250 mg (1 ampoule) or 4-6 mg per kg of body weight. Course of treatment: 5-7 injections with an interval of 48 hours. Course duration: 10-15 days.

Symptomatic therapy

Symptomatic treatment of influenza is aimed at reducing high fever, relieving headache and muscle pain, facilitating nasal and bronchial breathing, suppressing unproductive cough, especially at night, and strengthening the body's defenses.

If necessary, you can use over-the-counter antipyretic and anti-inflammatory medications for the flu, such as paracetamol(trade name Panadol, etc.), ibuprofen (trade name Nurofen etc.) and Aspirin. For febrile fever, paracetamol and drugs based on it are prescribed - Rinza, Efferalgan. For cough, Tusuprex, Broncholitin, Bromhexine are indicated. Basic therapy for influenza must include vitamins.

For nasal congestion, decongestants are prescribed, which reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa, resulting in improved nasal breathing and a reduction in runny nose.

To reduce flu symptoms, the same medications are used as for the treatment of colds (ARVI).

• Cold treatment

Treatment of influenza

• Medicines to treat influenza