Preparations for the prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in adults

Prevention of influenza occupies a very important place in the life of modern people. The specificity of the modern world is such that all people move in society without being able to completely abandon contacts with other subjects. To maintain your own health during the period of rising epidemic thresholds, the prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in adults and children is very important. This is the only way to preserve your own health, and also prevent the development of the disease in yourself and your loved ones.

Prevention of ARVI infection

An acute respiratory viral infection is transmitted from an infected person through airborne transmission (coughing, sneezing, shaking hands).

Preventive protection is of great importance regardless of the season and weather.

Protection is divided into two types:

• specific - aimed at protecting the immune system. Is this mass vaccination or individual vaccination? Vaccine injections are given in kindergartens, educational institutions, at work or, if desired, in a medical institution;
• nonspecific - independent fight against viral infections. For example, preventive hardening and taking vitamin complexes. All these measures are aimed at strengthening the general condition of the body, improving its life support and the ability to resist viral infections.

The main idea of ​​infection prevention methods is to try to avoid contact with virus carriers as much as possible by:

• wearing a protective cotton-gauze bandage;
• Isolation of the sick person for the period of infection until complete recovery.

For prevention, it is necessary to carry out complex measures; they should be carried out under control and in the appropriate order. The most optimal approach is the selection of individual methods of hardening the body, the selection of anti-epidemic drugs and the implementation of specialist recommendations.

Routes of transmission

In the transmission of infection, the main role is played by airborne droplets: when coughing or sneezing, small drops of saliva or sputum enter the air and spread over a distance of up to 1.5 meters. In the room, the droplets break up into smaller fragments and remain suspended. And the virus itself remains viable for up to several hours. Infection occurs by inhaling this aerosol.

The second most important is the contact route of spread: a sick person, sneezing, covers his face with his hand and then spreads the virus by touching objects in the environment. Therefore, using a handkerchief and washing your hands; actually reduce the risk of spreading infection.

The average incubation period is up to 2 days.

Preventive medications for adults and children

Medicines for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections are aimed at strengthening the body, its immune system and the ability to resist viruses.

The most common drugs for the prevention of ARVI:

• Nazaval Plus - nasal drops based on wild garlic extract, wild garlic and bear onion. May be available in spray form. Suitable for both children and adults. Use during periods of illness. Average cost from 300 rubles.
• Ingavirin - tablets and capsules, the main active ingredient is imidazolylethanamide. Intended for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and group A viruses. Release of dosages for adults and children, average price from 390 rubles.
• Tsitovir - syrup for children, capsules for adults. Increases the protective functions of the body, the main substance is thymogen. Average cost from 240 rubles.
• Arbidol - release form - tablets and capsules, for both adults and children. Antiviral drug, the main active ingredient is umifenovir. Average price from 167 rubles.
• Rimantadine (remantadine) - tablets. Used for preventive purposes and for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. The active substance is rimantadine hydrochloride. Average price from 74 rubles.
• Kagocel - tablets, the active ingredient is kagocel. Antiviral, activates the production of interferon to fight viruses. For use by adults and children over six years of age. The price varies from 240 rubles.

Folk remedies for colds and flu

Flu prevention measures do not necessarily include the use of medications. These may be traditional medicine methods that have the ability to increase the body's resistance to infections.

For example, honey, which has a large number of valuable microelements and biologically active substances that maintain the immune system in working order.

Only those people who are not allergic to these substances can consume beekeeping products.

Garlic

Eating garlic allows you to kill all viruses that have just entered the body. This vegetable, as well as onions, contain a large amount of phytoncides, natural antibacterial substances.

The aroma of onions and garlic has healing properties. To reduce the concentration of viruses in the room, just cut these vegetables into slices and place them on saucers with a small amount of water inside.

Vitamins

Modern methods of prevention include multivitamin complexes that relieve a person from the deficiency of many vitamins and minerals.

In addition to purchased products, you can include in your diet foods rich in ascorbic acid, which actively fights infections. These can be lemons, oranges, kiwi, white cabbage, black and red currants.

Inhalations

Inhalations using essential oils help improve the health of the respiratory tract and destroy bacteria that have penetrated the mucous membranes.

To combat colds, you can use the following essential oils: eucalyptus, orange, lemon, fir, tea tree.

Vaccination against ARVI

Vaccination is carried out once during periods of spread of the disease and its exacerbation.

Effective vaccines are considered to be prophylactic drugs to protect against respiratory diseases.

Modern vaccination is divided into three generations:

• first - live (whole virion);
• second - split (split);
• third - subunit.

The vaccines contain viral antigens A and B. Strains are provided by domestic and foreign manufacturers (Moscow, Panama, New Caledonia, Hong Kong, California). The drugs are approved by WHO.

The injection is given once and is aimed at preventing ARVI. In case of illness, a vaccinated person has advantages over an unvaccinated person; he tolerates the disease more easily (no high fever, mild symptoms and a rapid course of the disease, without relapses).

Contraindications to the vaccine are allergic reactions, pathologies of the immune system, the presence of an acute disease or the course of an inflammatory process, a recent illness, or a weakened condition after surgery.

Age when vaccines can be used?

Vaccination can be carried out both for children from six months old and for older people. Initially, vaccination should be carried out for people who belong to the first risk group (schoolchildren and preschoolers, students, medical workers, people over sixty years old, immunocompromised and HIV-infected).

Complications of influenza: what are the dangers and how to recognize them

The most vulnerable groups of the population include children under 6 years of age, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). It is they who often experience the flu with complications.

The most common complications include pneumonia. Complications such as viral encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis are also possible.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• breathing problems (frequent, noisy, a person can only breathe in one body position);
• pain in the ribs, intensifying or appearing when coughing;
• headaches with nausea, loss of consciousness, behavioral disturbances;
• the temperature does not drop after taking various antipyretic drugs (according to the scheme);
• convulsions due to high fever.

In addition, you should call a doctor at home if the body temperature remains high on the 4th day of illness or there is a decrease to 37-37.5℃ with a subsequent rise to 38℃.

The first thing a person should do when sick is stay home. You should not work “heroically” or study while barely standing. Such behavior will not bring any benefit, but will only undermine your health and those around you. Right:

• Call a doctor at home.
• Follow the doctor's recommendations and do not self-medicate.

Reminder on the prevention of ARVI:

How to behave at work during exacerbation of illnesses

Before work, take antiviral medications, use cotton-gauze bandages, use only your own dishes at lunch, observe hand hygiene after using the toilet and shaking hands, ventilate the premises, reduce contact with sick people. If you get sick yourself, take sick leave.

How to behave if you are sick at home

Be sure to isolate the patient in a separate room (not a walk-through room), frequently ventilate the house/apartment and do wet cleaning. Maintain hygiene and do not eat food from the patient’s dishes.

How to behave on public transport

If going out requires traveling on public transport, be sure to wear a blindfold. If possible, try to sit by the window, where there is more air flow, and not at the end of the vehicle, in a crowd. After leaving, do not forget to wipe your hands with bactericidal wipes.

Do not sit next to potentially sick people.

How to behave in the company of friends and relatives who are sick with ARVI

Try to limit direct contact - kissing, hugging, shaking hands. Gather in ventilated areas and maintain personal hygiene. Use moisturizing nasal sprays to protect against viruses.

Prevention of influenza and ARVI

Measures to prevent influenza are divided into two categories - specific and nonspecific . Specific prevention of influenza and ARVI is aimed at blocking infection with influenza and ARVI viruses. Nonspecific prevention of influenza and ARVI includes general measures to prevent the spread of various respiratory diseases, not necessarily caused by viruses.

The main methods of prevention are:

• taking antiviral drugs,
• taking immunomodulatory drugs,
• vaccination,
• wearing masks,
• diet,
• hardening and strengthening the body
• hygiene,
• avoiding crowded places during epidemics.

The main method of prevention against influenza is active immunization, vaccination, when a particle of an infectious agent is introduced into the body. The virus contained in the vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies that prevent viruses from multiplying and infecting cells. Thanks to this, the disease can be prevented even before it begins. It is best to vaccinate in the fall, since influenza epidemics typically occur between November and March. The high titer of antibodies caused by vaccination lasts for several months and begins to fall 6 months after vaccination. Therefore, vaccination too early is also not recommended. But vaccination does not guarantee that a person will not get sick, since viruses adapt and mutate very quickly. There is a misconception that vaccination is contraindicated after the outbreak of an epidemic. However, if for some reason the vaccination was not done on time, then it can be done even after the start of the flu epidemic. However, if the vaccination is given when a person is already infected with the influenza virus, then the vaccine may be ineffective.

Medicines

Prevention of influenza and ARVI with the help of medications is much less effective and safe than is commonly believed, and has many limitations. And therefore it should not be considered as the main one.

Medicines intended to combat influenza and ARVI can be divided into several categories:

• etiotropic drugs (direct action) - etiotropic drugs act directly on viruses, killing them or making it impossible for them to reproduce. It should immediately be noted that at this time there are no effective etiotropic drugs aimed at preventing ARVI (not influenza).
• immunomodulators - drugs that increase immunity and stimulate the production of special substances - interferons that fight viral infection
• symptomatic medications are antipyretic and painkillers containing paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin. Thanks to aggressive advertising, they are also often perceived as a means for effective prevention of ARVI and influenza. Meanwhile, using them in this capacity is simply unacceptable. Not only is the prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections with their help completely meaningless, since they have no effect on either viruses or the human immune system, it is also extremely dangerous.

The drugs are divided according to known modifications of influenza and types of drugs:

• There are separate drugs against influenza A, they are used as prescribed by a doctor, they shorten the course of the disease, and the symptoms become less pronounced.

• Antiviral drugs are used to treat and prevent influenza A and B. Such drugs are used during epidemics upon contact with an infected person according to the instructions.
• Homeopathic anti-flu remedies, most often syrups, can be used to prevent influenza and colds in children.
• Complex soluble powders with paracetamol, which are most often used as an answer to the question “What should I take to prevent colds?” They have a high speed of operation and almost immediately relieve the symptoms of the disease, however, they have a strong effect on the gastrointestinal tract and liver, so it is not recommended to use them for prophylaxis.
• Nasal drops are most often used when in contact with someone who is sick with ARVI, so as not to catch the virus. Among them there are both preventive and stronger drugs. For example, nasal drops for flu and colds are used at any stage of the disease, and some of them also help fight the destruction of the nasal mucosa. A doctor will help you select the appropriate drops, depending on the characteristics of the body and the stage of the disease.
• To prevent the flu, nasal ointment is often used. The locality of their effect allows the use of ointments even during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Long-term use of medications has a negative effect on the liver. Do not take antiviral medications on your own unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Nonspecific measures to prevent influenza

In most cases, influenza and ARVI viruses are spread by airborne droplets. However, many do not suspect that viruses can survive on objects and surfaces around us for several hours. Therefore, during a flu epidemic, to prevent infection, it is necessary to maintain the necessary cleanliness in the house and maintain personal hygiene. After coming home, you should always wash your hands with soap. It is also advisable to regularly rinse your mouth and throat with soda solutions. Rinsing the nasal cavity can also serve as an additional guarantee of protection against viruses. It is no secret that viruses may not immediately enter the respiratory tract, but settle on the surface of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages and on the hairs lining the nasal passages. To cleanse your nose, it is advisable to use moisturizing drops with sea salt. In the absence of such solutions, you can get by with washing the nasal passages with regular soap. A gauze bandage is also a good flu prevention. If, of course, you change it often, it’s better every 3-4 hours.

Improving health, playing sports and strengthening the body, nutritious nutrition are also important ways to prevent influenza and other infectious diseases. Also, we must not forget that viruses, as the heroes of the popular comedy said, “develop especially rapidly in the body weakened by nicotine, alcohol and bad excesses.” You should follow a balanced diet, eat enough vitamins, especially vitamin C. It is no secret that in winter and spring their amount in our food is small. If necessary, you should take vitamin complexes. It is also worth paying attention to maintaining a daily routine and rest - after all, good sleep, rest and lack of overwork are also the key to strong immunity.

Hardening is very useful for better body resistance. After all, if the body is not ready for stressful situations (sharp changes in temperature when moving from indoors to outdoors and back), then the immune system will “give up” and the virus will easily find a “shelter” in such a body.

Humidify the air in the room where you stay for a long time, including at home. Dry air injures the nasal mucosa, and it ceases to perform its protective functions. Regularly ventilate the room you are in. Viruses multiply especially quickly in warm, dry air. Ventilation will help neutralize and reduce their concentration in the air: for 10-15 minutes, every 1-2 hours, open the window and leave the room.

Avoid hypothermia, especially freezing your feet and nose, as a weakened body can become infected more quickly.

Regularly wash all things that come with you into public places, especially during epidemics, including outerwear, since viruses can be stored on them for quite a long time.

Be sure to get enough sleep! After all, it is at night that interferons are most actively produced - the body’s protectors from foreign microorganisms. Play sports, physical activity and a good mood save you from stress and illness.

One of the most common and accessible means of preventing influenza is a cotton-gauze bandage (mask). It should be replaced with a new one once every 2 hours. As soon as the mask you are using becomes damp (wet), it must be replaced with a new mask. Masks intended for one-time use should not be reused. The used mask must be thrown away immediately after removal. There are also disadvantages here, since the bandage can trap bacteria, and the moisture in the air you exhale allows them to remain viable for a long time.

Additionally, it is necessary to take ascorbic acid, dietary supplements and multivitamins, which help increase the body's resistance. Ascorbic acid, being a powerful antioxidant, protects the body from bacteria and viruses, has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and anti-allergic effects, strengthens the immune system and enhances the effect of other antioxidants, such as selenium and vitamin E. The daily need for vitamin C depends on gender, age, condition health and ranges from 30 mg (for infants) to 100 mg (for nursing mothers), averaging 70 mg for adults.

Vitamin prevention of influenza in both children and adults increases the body's resistance to infection by respiratory viruses. Children and adults are recommended to take courses of multivitamins at least 2 times a year (for example, in spring and autumn). When purchasing vitamin-mineral complexes, make sure that they do not cause allergic reactions and are recommended by the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences.

A large amount of vitamin C is found in sauerkraut and cauliflower, cranberries, black currants, lemons, kiwis, tangerines, oranges, grapefruits, rose hips, sea buckthorn, and greens.

For prevention during flu epidemics, you can take 2 - 3 cloves of garlic daily, or simply chop the garlic and inhale the phytoncides it contains. It is enough to chew a clove of garlic for a few minutes to completely cleanse your mouth of bacteria. Eating onions also has a positive effect.

When the first symptoms of influenza occur, the following remedies are indicated:

• Drink plenty of fluids (hot herbal tea, fruit drinks, warm milk)
• Antipyretics
• Ingest decoctions and infusions of echinacea and lemongrass
• Vasoconstrictors to facilitate nasal breathing
• Mucaltin, licorice root, marshmallow tincture and other means for thinning and removing phlegm
• Antitussives
• In the first days of illness, steam inhalations (can be done using a nebulizer) with infusions of chamomile, calendula, mint, sage, St. John's wort, wild rosemary, and pine buds are recommended
• Ascorbic acid, multivitamins
• Antihistamines
• In the first days of the disease, use natural medications that support the immune system.

During epidemics, the level of hospitalizations increases 2-5 times. The greatest victims of influenza are among older groups of the population suffering from chronic diseases. Death with influenza can occur from intoxication, cerebral hemorrhages, pulmonary complications (often pneumonia), heart or cardiopulmonary failure.

Influenza can cause dangerous complications such as Reye's syndrome, meningitis and encephalitis. Common complications after influenza are also rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and bacterial superinfection. A bacterial infection (pneumococcal, haemophilus influenzae, staphylococcal) often develops on an organism weakened by the flu.

Flu vaccination

Experts offer three ways to prevent influenza in children and adults. These include:

• vaccination;
• use of antiviral drugs;
• compliance with personal hygiene rules.

The most effective method of prevention is vaccination. But it still cannot protect a person from infection 100%. The effectiveness of vaccination varies significantly and depends on the correspondence of the vaccine strains with the strains that are in use this season. Even when the vaccine strains match the circulating ones, the effectiveness reaches only 80%.

There are groups of people who are most susceptible to developing complications after the flu. These groups include:

• children from six months to 15 years;
• elderly over 65 years of age;
• honey. staff.

Women carrying a baby are at particular risk, especially in the later stages. Most women are subject to hospitalization.

The flu vaccine is quite safe and well accepted by the body. Typical adverse reactions to the vaccine include fever, weakness, and headaches, which pass quickly.

But there are also contraindications to vaccination:

• persons prone to allergies to vaccine components;
• persons with chronic diseases occurring in acute form.

Vaccination is carried out at the district clinic, as well as in private clinics.

Prevention of colds

It is generally accepted that colds are unpleasant, but “harmless” attributes of cold weather, and malaise caused by viruses, occurring 1-2 times a year, is the norm. However, every malfunction in the body’s functioning leaves its own negative mark, therefore, in the case of seasonal diseases, one should adhere to the golden rule: A DISEASE IS EASIER TO PREVENT THAN TO TREAT.

Interesting Facts

• 80% of infectious diseases (and flu and colds belong specifically to this group) are transmitted through hands.
• Scientists found the maximum accumulation of viruses on banknotes, computer mice and keyboards, transport handrails and mobile phones.
• Antibiotics do not act on viruses, so taking them as treatment or prevention is useless.

Avoid drugs that stimulate the immune system

Today, pharmacy chains offer widely advertised medications, the components of which supposedly have high immunostimulating activity. In fact, none of these drugs have undergone full clinical trials, and their “miraculous” antiviral effect has simply not been confirmed. From the point of view of treatment and prevention of seasonal infections, these remedies (very expensive) are nothing more than a placebo.

But this is not so bad: the side effects of popular “immunostimulants” have also not been sufficiently studied. So their use is not only useless, but also dangerous.

Prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections is a very important matter, but it must be dealt with competently. The main thing is to remember that no one is more interested in your health and well-being than you, and to organize in a timely manner all measures to protect against seasonal viral infections.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Nonspecific prevention

The most effective flu prevention for children and adults is vaccination. But in order to protect yourself as much as possible, you will need to follow basic preventive measures:

1. Eat as many foods containing ascorbic acid as possible. This will help strengthen the body's immune system. Experts recommend eating cranberries, lingonberries, and lemon. Also eat dishes with garlic and onions.
2. Constantly perform wet cleaning in the room. Be sure to use disinfectants when doing this.
3. Regularly ventilate the room and humidify the air. There are special devices that moisten it to the required level.
4. In crowded places, it is mandatory to use medical masks.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap after going outside.
6. Rinse the nasal passages with saline solutions. You can buy it at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself.
7. Visit crowded places as little as possible during epidemics.
8. Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat a properly balanced diet, and have healthy sleep that lasts at least 8 hours.
9. Avoid close contact with people who show all signs of illness.
10. If someone in your team gets sick with the flu, start taking medications to prevent the flu.

Basic rules will help you protect yourself from infection. Even if a person becomes infected, the disease will progress much faster and without complications.

Flu is a very dangerous infectious disease of the respiratory system that begins with a sharp rise in temperature. It is very important to know about all measures to prevent the disease, as this will prevent its development and possible complications. By observing all preventive measures, a person protects himself to the maximum from the negative effects of pathogens.

Moisturize the mucous membranes of the respiratory system

The surface of the upper respiratory tract (internal nasal cavities, bronchi, etc.) constantly secretes mucus, which performs barrier functions, protecting the body from the penetration of dust and pathogens. Drying of the mucous membranes deprives a person of natural protection, since viruses that enter the mouth and nose easily penetrate the body, and the person becomes ill.

Dry mucous membranes can occur due to an unsuitable indoor microclimate or the use of certain medications. During the period of activity of pathogens of seasonal infections, it is necessary to ensure constant hydration of the internal cavities of the nose. To do this, use a self-prepared solution of table or sea salt (one teaspoon per one liter of boiled water), ready-made pharmaceutical preparations of a similar composition, or saline solution. The liquid should be poured into any bottle (for example, from pharmaceutical drops in the form of a spray) and irrigate the nasal cavity as often as possible, especially if you are in a crowded place or a stuffy room. You need to rinse your mouth and throat with the same solutions several times a day.

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Influenza vaccination

These days, vaccination has become a topic of serious debate. What is it for and is it needed? Are we doing worse or better by introducing a virus into the blood? We will argue, as they say, the old fashioned way. This means that another good old way to save yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated on time.

What is vaccination and who should get it? Vaccination is the introduction of 2-3 current strains of the virus into the human blood (new vaccines are produced every year, according to forecasts of the World Health Organization). The immune system responds by producing antibodies. This means that during an epidemic there is a high probability of not getting sick with this strain of the virus or of suffering a mild form of the disease.

According to the National Vaccination Calendar, flu vaccinations are subject to:

• employees of educational and medical institutions, transport workers, etc.
• students
• pupils
• children from 6 months
• adults over 60 years old

Additional preventative measures

Drug prevention of influenza is considered secondary. It provides the following:

1. Prevention of influenza (you can learn about this briefly from doctors), which consists of regularly taking immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs (Arbidol, Amiksin, Tamiflu). With their help, you can resist the virus and strengthen your immunity. It is important to remember that such medications have many contraindications, so they can only be used after a doctor’s permission.
2. Lubricating the nasal mucosa with protective antiviral ointments.
3. The use of protective drugs based on interferon.

You can learn more about the basic medical knowledge of flu prevention from your general practitioner.

Additional preventive measures against influenza are:

1. Taking large amounts of fluid.
2. Eating yoghurts.
3. Indoor air humidification.

Natural yoghurts help strengthen the body

By following these rules, you reduce the likelihood of the onset of the disease.

Get vaccinated

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. However, the causative agent of the disease has one peculiarity: it mutates very quickly, and the strain that is the most dangerous in the current season may turn out to be completely insensitive to the vaccine used for immunization six months or a year ago. You need to be vaccinated with exactly the drug that is recommended taking into account the seasonal activity of influenza strains. In addition, several strains are often active at once, and vaccination against one or even several of them does not exclude the possibility of infection with another strain.

Flu vaccination has contraindications. Patients suffering from allergic reactions (especially intolerance to chicken protein), diseases of the endocrine and nervous systems, kidney pathologies, bronchial asthma, anemia, arterial hypertension and heart failure should first consult with their doctor. In addition, the procedure should be postponed if a person has a cold, complains of elevated body temperature or catarrhal symptoms.

It takes time for the flu vaccine to give the expected result, that is, to cause the formation of immunity to infection. Therefore, it should be done a month and a half before the expected start of the epidemic.

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