Treatment And Prevention Of Virus Infections

It is necessary to create conditions in which fighting between virus and child ends up with child's victory. These conditions include regimen, diet and special medications.

Treatment:
1. Fighting with concrete disease symptoms. For example, treatment of eruptions on skin or cough attenuation, or particular nose drops, or action on high body temperature.
2. Improvement of functioning and lowering of natural loads on cells damaged by virus. For example, anti-inflammatory remedies or medications improving work of liver cells, or medications that activate blood supply of brain cells.

Significant complications and significant limitations that appear when choosing treatment methods of virus infections do define the fact that it is necessary to pay spacial attention on preventive measures.

How to prevent virus infections?
1. Vaccination. Injecting in the body of weakened virus leads to production of antibodies protecting from a particular virus infection (measles, rubella, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, influenza, tick-borne encephalitis).
2. Avoiding contacts with potential source of infection. At home patient with influenza should be isolated from other members of his family. Selective sexlife to prevent AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Healthy lifestyle helps to formation of a normal immune system.

What Happens When a Virus Enters Your Body

When virus enters human body it starts to fight against the virus, at the beginning at level of non-specific immunity then do appear antibodies. Antibodies do neutralize virus and the disease finishes.

However, it is not so easy as it looks at the first sight. In some cases during the time necessary for antibodies production the virus manages to cause many destructions in the body which leads to severe complications. Sometimes virus enters the human body, infects particular cells and stops his existence. It means that virus is in the body and it really is found in particular cells but this causes no disease – virus does not multiply, it stays in the cell waiting until the immunity weakens.

If virus is able to actively multiply it quickly leads to death and destruction of cell he captured. From destroyed cell they get into blood where antibodies are waiting for them. Thus it happens that active viruses cause acute contagious diseases (rubella, measles, mumps) which last all the time that body needs for antibodies production.

Terms for antibodies production are absolutely determined and as a rule it is 5 – 10 days, therefore it always may be said how long a man will be diseased with measles and when the rash would disappear. The doctor always knows after how many days a patient diseased with rubella would feel better. So if influenza lasts three weeks it means that it is not influenza.

The fact that viruses are found in cells of human body determines major complications in treatment of any viral infection. It is very difficult to destroy virus and leave the cell alive. Not surprisingly, there are few antiviral medications and all of them them are quite specific – it means they act against a particular virus (for example, Tamiflu acts against viruses of group A) or group of viruses (Acyclovir -  against all herpes viruses). It is clear that main principle of viral infections treatment is to help body to fight the virus.

Preventive Measures Against Influenza

 Prepare healthy drink “80 berries”
Fill three liters of water into a pot, put 40 berries of brier and boil it on a very small fire for three hours. After this add necessary amount of water as it was in the beginning, put 20 berries and boil it again on a small fire for three hours. Add the rest of 20 berries, bring the amount of water to three liters and boil it for three hours again.

What is the effect?
In 9 hours  you will get a concentrate of multivitamin complex and other important micro and macro elements which may compete with tablet vitamins and strengthen protective powers of the body. Besides this, this beverage has a good diuretic effect which helps to quicker toxin release. A man may drink it in unlimited amounts.

Contraindications
People suffering from thrombophlebitis, endocarditis and heart failure should not drink this drink, because berries of brier increase blood coagulability.

Prepare Vitaminic Coffee
Mill berries of brier in coffee-grinder. Put them in a cup and fill it with boiling water. Let it infuse for 10 – 15 minutes.

What is the effect?
Due to small thermal processing in 100g of berries is kept 50 times more vitamin C than in 100g of lemon.

Contraindications
This drink is contraindicated to people who suffer from ulcer disease and gastritis because large amounts of vitamin C irritate stomach walls which leads to aggravation of inflammations.

Five Ways to Prevent Influenza Complications

1. Spend three days in bed
When a man diseased with influenza has just got rid of fever and at once continues to lead an ordinary lifestyle, his immunity becomes weaker because it was lowered when it fought with viruses. Thus  viruses continue to multiply. This circle may end up with myocarditis. Besides this, low immunity is perfect environment for bacteria development. Bacteria stayed quietly in the body while immunity inhibited them, now they would multiply which may lead to tonsillitis and bronchitis. Therefore, patient should spend at least first three days in bed.

2. Do not send the temperature of 38C down
Temperature is a sign showing that body fights viruses. It is critical when temperature is above 38.5 or if at the back of high temperature occur convulsions or blood pressure jumps. Then it is necessary immediately to call an ambulance.

3. Drink three liters of liquid
A man loses up to 2 liters of liquid daily, and a man with temperature loses 1,5 times more. A man consists 80% of water and it is necessary to fulfill liquid losses to let organs and system work correctly. However, if you suffer from kidney or heart failure, you should be careful with abundant drinking in order to avoid loads on kidneys and heart.

4. Airing
Do it at least several times a day,10 - 15 minutes each time. Besides this, make wet cleaning three times a day. Dry air overdries mucous which leads to local immunity lowering and thus recovery may be delayed.

5. Three days without meat
Human body needs a lot of energy to process proteins.Now body requires energy to fight influenza, therefore food must be liquid and vegetal, for example, mashed potatoes, vegetable soups, porridges, fruits. In order to avoid allergy, consume up to 5 oranges, 1/2 glass of wineberries and half of lemon.

Myths About Immunity

Do you think your immunity is low because you are often sick? Are you afraid to vaccinate against influenza in virulent season? Probably, you are a victim of common myths believed in society. Now let's try to reveal them!

Myth #1. If you are often sick it means you have low immunity
Cold, influenza, acute respiratory diseases show with running nose, sore throat and high body temperature. The man is sure that he got sick because he has low immunity.

Revealing the myth
It is wrong! When man feels these symptoms, it means his immunity responds to pathogenic microorganisms. Symptoms of cold are systematic and local reactions of our immunity to viral invasion. The disease is manifestation of strong immunity.

Explanation
In human body exists a group of special immune cells called T-killers. They do regularly examine all cells and analyze their receptors. Thus they recognize foreign cells or microbes and viruses and kill them. If patient has no temperature and the disease courses without symptoms common for inflammation – it means patient has low immunity.

Conclusion
If you are sick with influenza and it shows with temperature, running nose and sore throat it is good sign. It means your body fights the infection and immunity works correctly.

Myth #2. Vitamin C strengthens immunity
It is considered that taking vitamin C during outbreak protects our cells and prevents their membranes from distruction, which means it strenghtens the immunity.

Revealing the myth
During a disease viruses affect body cells, destroy their membranes and kill cells. On one hand, vitamin C normalizes cell membranes and help the immunity because it is strong antioxidant. However, vitamin C helps only in big doses – 8g or 16 pills should be taken at once. Otherwise, there will be no positive effects.

Explanation
Vitamin C is powerful antioxidant and it would help the immunity to fight influenza on condition that patient would take big doses of vitamin C which may fatal. Vitamin C is an acid, therefore its big doses may cause ulcer of stomach or kidney failure leading to death.

Conclusion
Vitamin C strenghtens the immunity only when taken in big doses, but it may lead to death.

Myth #3. Vaccine doesn't prevent from influenza
Many people beware of influenza vaccines as they believe that it doesn't prevent from influenza.

Revealing the myth
Patient cannot get sick from modern vaccines because they are safe and are created in such a way as not to infect a person, Vaccine helps human body to work out immune response to pathogenic virus.

Explanation
Vaccine has properties similar to real virus, but it is not contagious. Vaccine imitates viral infection to make immunity fight the virus. Therefore, when a real virus enters the body it faces antibodies produced by body with the help of vaccine.

Conclusion
It is necessary to vaccinate. It is most effective way to prevent influenza.

Truth About Viral Diseases

Various polls show that most people consider that cold-related diseases are treated with antibiotics. It is wrong belief because antibiotics do not act on viruses. When doctor prescribes antibiotics in case of cold, he supposes treatment of complication that was developed at the back of bacterial infection.

Viral diseases are treated with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. The medication works complexly – from the one side it activates natural body defense, from other side it blocks reproduction of viruses in epithelial cells. This approach really helps the body to fight infection much quicker. Tamiflu not develops addiction, it just accelerates natural process of body defense. The immunity may produce itself all necessary protective substances but it requires more time for this.

Figurally, this process may be compared with the situation when you saw a danger and notified security service before security observes the dander itself. Indeed, in older times influenza coursed mildly with running nose and slight weakness which lasted 5 days.

In recent years flus do course severely, practically causing bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis. In first symptoms of starting disease it is necessary to take medications that activate immune system. Vitamins C, D and zinc also improve immunity, therefore may be recommended in case of influenza. Vitamin C may be taken in doses of 2 grams per day.

Many people do sincerely believe that is is dangerous to aerify room because you may catch cold. Cold-related diseases are caused by viruses, concentration of which get increased in closed rooms. Aeration helps to get rid of “excessive” viruses and get a portion of fresh air.

Conditioner not solves this problem, it cools down stagnant air in the room. And if you stay under its cool streams of air, you may easily get cold. Therefore, try to aerify room regularly and dress warm clothes when you stay in a room with conditioner.

Vitamin B for Immune System

Vitamins of B group help to activate work of immune system during stress, after surgery or trauma. Taking multivitamin preparations containing vitamins A, C, D, E, B6 helps to prevent virus diseases. Vitamin B6 stimulates synthesis of nucleic acids required for lymphocytes maturation and antibodies production to fight infection, and also vitamin B6 increases antibodies action against several cancerous growths. Deficiency of vitamin B6 occurs in cases of treatment of tuberculosis with isoniaside. Lowering of antibodies production may be caused by deficiency of vitamin A, B5 (pantothenic acid), B9 (folic acid), H (biotin). Vitamin B6 deficiency reduces the ability of neutrophiles to digest and kill bacteria.

Multivitamin preparations
Multivitamins play an important role in prevention of influenza and URI in period of higher illness frequency. Taking multivitamins helps to avoid diseases, keep body healthy and boost immunity. You should pay a serious attention to multivitamin preparation you choose. Multivitamin preparations are recommended to take as a preventive measure against virus diseases, especially they are recommended to children in spring when immunity is weakened after winter.

Specialists do recommend to take multivitamin preparations which contain whole spectrum of essential vitamins. They must be of hight quality and dosages must be well balanced. This will be a guarantee of effectiveness and safety of the multivitamin preparation. High quality and optimal dosages of vitamins help to reduce significantly risks for allergic reactions which unfortunately occur frequently today and make it possible to undergo preventive course entirely.

Virus Diseases

Viruses are smallest microorganisms which cause infectious diseases. Viruses multiply only in live cells. How does this occur? Virus makes the cell it intends to enter produce special virus-alike molecules which form new virus particules which spread to neighbored healthy cells.

The number of viruses increases, gradually they capture more and more cells which leads to disease appearing. Each of body organs may be affected by viruses, thus each vurus disease has its own symptoms and signs. However, all viruses are intracellular pathogens and therefore all methods of treatment of diseases they cause are inefficient. Antibiotics are ineffective in case of viral infection, it means that the duration of disease and its severity depend on organism ability to fight the virus.

One of most seroius methods is prevention of serious virus diseases with the help of vaccination. Most popular classification of viruses is based on their correlation with diseases they cause, for example, viruses that cause such diseases as smallpox, measles, rubella and chickenpox. These diseases spred via blood through whole body very rapidly, and may affect at once several organs including skin (rash).

Other viruses affect only particular organs. For example, viruses of poliomyelitis and rabies damage nervous system. Influenza viruses affect respiratory system, viruses of hepatitis A and B affect liver work. However, this classification is not quite reliable because one and the same virus may damage various organs. For example, herpes catarrhalis may affect lips skin, genitalia or even nervous system. Therefore, today viruses do classify according to their size, shape, structure and mode of reproduction.

Though antibiotics are ineffective to fight viruses, however, there are medications which help to do it. Remember that prevention is the best way to fight virus diseases – try to avoid them, protect yourself and your children from them. Vaccination prevents from entering of particular viruses in the body.

ARVI (Acute Respiratory Viral Infection)

ARVI (commonly known as cold) is a widespread virus disease of upper respiratory tract. Major symptoms: running nose, cough, sneezing, headache, sore throat, fatigue. ARVI is most common infectious disease in developed countries where in average an adult gets sick 2- 3 times a year and a child 6 – 10 times.

ARVI may be caused by a number of agents including 5 different groups of viruses (parainfluenza virus, influenza virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, reovirus) and over 300 their subtypes. All of them are infectious and are transmitted via airborne and are not treated with antibiotics. Also ARVI is transmitted via body contact, for example, during hand shaking.

At the onset of the disease virus is multiplied in nose, nasopharynx, throat showing with gripes, running nose, irritation and dry cough. Body temperature usually is not increased. Sometimes in this process are involved mucous of eyes and gastrointestinal ones.

Then virus enters the blood and causes symptoms of common intoxication: chill, headache, acute pains in back and limbs. Activation of immunity response helps body to produce antibodies to the virus, after which blood gradually becomes clean from virus and then symptoms of intoxication decrease.

At he final stage of the disease occurs respiratory tract cleaning from epithelium damaged by virus which shows with running nose and humid cough.

Treatment and prevention
Prevention against ARVI mainly consists of general health improvement, body strengthening, immune system stimulation, regular exercises, taking vitamins, consuming healthy food, fruits and vegetables. When epidemic occurs, it is necessary to abstain from visiting public places , avoid close contacts with diseased people and wash hands more frequently. And same rules for diseased people – they should take a sick day, not visit public places, avoid contacts with healthy people and wear flu mask.

ARVI treatment commonly is symptomatic: plentiful warm drinking (not hot), taking vitamin C. You should know that taking antibiotics without doctor's recommendation is strongly prohibited because they do not have any effect on viruses and instead they get immunity down and cause disbacteriosis. It is not recommended to take antifebriles and painkillers when temperature is below 38 degrees C because moderate body temperature increase is a natural protective reaction of human body which helps immunity to fight viruses. When comes to antifebrile taking, patient should take Ibuprofen, most safe and effective medication today.

Use anti-viral medications to treat and prevent ARVI.

Why Nutrition Is Important

Vitamin A is most important vitamin which stimulates cells growth, participates in formation of leucocytes, helps to maintain epithelium and mucosa healthy. Vitamin A is first barrier on the way of deleterious invaders. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and this is an additional advantage. It is found in milk, dairy cream, butter, natural fish-oil, liver (beef, cod, chicken), salmon, eel, eggs.

In vegetables and fruits is found provitamin A (beta-carotene). Butter helps to transform beta-carotene into vitamin A. Carotene strenghtens immune system. Therefore it is recommended to get also “animal” vitamin A and “vegetative” beta-carotene, and generally all group of carotinoids. They are found in green and orange vegetables and fruits: carrot, pumpkin, paprika, spinach, mango, persimmon, parsley, broccoli and fennel. Daily norm is 15 – 30 mg (two big carrots).

Vitamin C is most popular vitamin when influenza epidemic occurs. It helps to interferon production in the body. It is also an antioxidant. Vitamin C prevents other vitamins from break-up. Do not wait the moment you get diseased. In winter when you are healthy drink tea with lemon, drink each morning fresh orange juice! Make it a rule eating every day one orange or kiwi, big pieces of spinach or cauliflower. The less time you spend on processing food the better vitamin C is kept because it is a cranky vitamin. Vitamin C is found in blacberries, green sweet pepper,, grapefruit.

Zinc, as vitamin C, is also recommended to take when do appear first signs of influenza. Sea foods and oysters are rich with zinc. Consume these products several times a week and this will help to maintain body defenses. Zinc may be found in liver and beef. Those who do not consume meat may find zinc in nuts, pea soup, wheat germs, buckwheat porridge, mushrooms, garlic.

Each clove of garlic contains several dozens of biologically active components such as phytoncids (volatile compounds who kill viruses and bacteria). Garlic activates production of immune cells and thus helps to protect the body. The decensies prevent us from eating garlic at any time in any place. However, there are many recepies that you may prepare with garlic.

Your immune system will be not only ready to meet viruses but to fight them if you consume these products:
- two big carrots or dish of spinach; one sweet pepper or two persimmons (daily carotine norm)
- bite of beef or pork liver or 100g Dutch cheese; 70g smoked eel or table-spoon of fish oil (daily norm of vitamin A);
- handful of blacberries, kiwi, orange, dish of cauliflower, 7 backed potatoes (daily norm of vitamin C);
- 110g wheat germs or 150g veal liver (daily zinc norm);

Major Types Of ARVI

1) Influenza starts suddenly with severe intoxication, high temperature, photophobia, severe headache, body pain. By the end of first day appears dry cough. In most favorable course of the disease patient's common condition and temperature get normalized during five days.

2) Infection caused by parainfluenza virus starts gradually, with no intoxication, temperature never goes beyond 38C. Parainfluenza viruses mainly affect throat. The disease shows with symptoms of acute laryngitis (hoarseness of voice, dry cough).

3) Rhinovirus infection is characterized with nose hydrorrhea on the back of slightly frank symptoms of intoxication. Also patients suffer from tearing, frequent sneezing, no signs of affecting of trachea and bronchi. Temperature of the body is usually normal, in some cases it rises to 37-37,4°С.

4) Adenovirus infection is caused by viruses that affect not just epithelium of respiratory tract  but also lymphoid tissue. That is why besides symptoms of musous affection (nose hydrorrhea, unsymmetrical conjunctivitis, moderate cough on third day, fever on 8 – 12 day) are noticed increase of lymph glands, increased liver and spleen, abdomen pains. Despite high temperature, intoxication is not noticed.

5) Respiratory syncytial infection is characterized with affection of lower respiratory tract and has the same symptoms as bronchitis. Catarrhal syndrome is not significantly frank.

6) Coronaviral infection often affects upper respiratory tract. Clinical picture is similar to rhinovirus infection. Most frequently it affects children.

How to diagnose ARVI?
In order to make diagnosis it is necessary to make analysis of epidemical situation, symptoms, nature of cough, spit and nose mucus. To detect the agent it is necessary to make analysis that helps to detect viruses antigens due to immunofluorescence test.

How To Improve Your Immunity?

In autumn, winter and spring many of us complain on immunity lowering. We become more vulnerable to different diseases and we may catch any virus.


First of all, what is immunity?
Immunity is body resistance to everything heterogenes. Immune system protects body from penetration of dangerous for its life activity matters such as bacteria, viruses and fungi and other harmful micro organisms.

If infection enters human body, then infection starts to reproduce and human condition breaks down. Do appear first symptoms: sneeze, cough, high body temperature. If a person has good immunity then comes breaking point and in the blood start to produce antibodies – matters that destroy infection in the body.

Humans have special cells called lymphocytes. They act as soldiers protecting their state, in other words, they along with antibodies destroy infection acting as aggressors.
There exists species immunity when cats and dogs do not get infected with human diseases and vise versa.

Natural acquired immunity appears after past disease. Artificial immunity appears after flu shot. Everybody know that some people get diseased frequently and some quite rarely. That's a shame. So what to do?

The answer is quite simple – it is necessary to improve your immunity. It is not so difficult as it seems at first sight, although it requires some efforts. Alcohol, smoking, stress, poor ecology, unhealthy food and water, great mental and physical stress do lower immunity.

For most of us it is much easier to take a modern pill than to come down the sofa. Today modern human moves less and less, because civilization brings him a number of things literally on the plate. That is why those who want to iimprove their immunity should increase their physical activity. It may be gymnastics, aerobics, swimming. outdoor games, working in the garden, walking.

Quenching and yoga help in immunity strengthening. Healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, cereals, coarse bread, legumes, vegetable oils, honey, lactate products) also help to increase immunity. Vitamins should always be presented in your diet. Make your habit to drink vitaminic mineral assemblage. It is healthful to take each morning a spoon with honey when your stomach is empty.

Green tea and mate positively work on the immunity. Stress usually is resulted from overfatigue that is why you should rest good. So, you will reduce chances to get infected. And in case you get infected, you will recover from disease much easily. It is better to improve immunity in late spring, summer and early autumn.

Swine Flu. Part Two

Should women stop breastfeeding if they do think they might have swine flu H1N1?

No, they should continue breastfeeding unless doctor advises them to stop. Continuing breastfeeding protects baby from getting infected by passing on maternal antibodies and boosting the immune system.

Should I take an antiviral drug in order to prevent swine flu H1N1?

No, you should not take antiviral drugs unless prescribed by the doctor.

Should I avoid traveling to flu affected countries?

Some health ministries have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flu affected countries. But the World Health Organization is not recommending travel restrictions because international travel will disrupt people's plans and schedules with little impact on the spread of the virus.

May I go to the work if I have swine flu H1N1?

No, it is recommended to stay at home if you have symptoms of swine flu. This is important to protect your friends and colleagues from becoming ill.

What is the treatment of swine flu H1N1?

Swine flu is responding to two antiviral drugs called oseltamivir or zanamivir. These are prescription drugs that stop the flu virus from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs can make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

Can I travel if I have swine flu H1N1?

If you have symptoms of swine flu, you should not travel. If you feel bad but cannot avoid traveling or contact with others, cover your mouth and nose with special mask.

What is the incubation period of swine flu H1N1?

The incubation period of swine flu is unknown but it could range from 1 to 7 days, and more likely 1 to 4 days.

WHO has declared a swine flu H1N1 pandemic. What does that mean?

A pandemic is an infectious disease that is spreading worldwide. If a disease is declared a pandemic, it means that it is spreading rapidly across the world. When the WHO declared a swine flu H1N1 pandemic, the flu virus had already been reported from 70 countries and cases were occurring in multiple parts of the world.

How long does influenza virus remain alive on surfaces such as tables and doorknobs?

Influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

Swine Flu. Part One

Swine flu is a viral disease caused by a new type of influenza virus that has never circulated before in humans. The new virus was first detected in the USA in April 2009. The virus was initially called swine flu because it is genetically very similar to viruses that normally cause flu in swine.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting have also been reported in a number of individuals.

Is swine flu H1N1 similar to seasonal flu?

Seasonal flu occurs every year but many individuals have some immunity against it which protects them from getting sick. Vaccines against seasonal flu are available in many countries. The swine flu virus on the other hand is an entirely new agent against which most of us have little or no immunity.

Is swine flu H1N1 contagious?

Yes, the virus is contagious and is spreading from person to person. It appears to be as contagious as seasonal influenza and is spreading fast among young people (from ages 10 to 45).

How does swine flu H1N1 virus spread?

Swine flu spreads from human to human in much the same way as seasonal flu. You can get infected if you inhale droplets expelled by an infected person during coughing or sneezing. Since the expelled droplets can also contaminate hands and other surfaces, you may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth or nose.

Can I get swine flu H1N1 from eating?

No, swine flu virus does not spread through food. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork. The flu virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, which is commonly used for cooking meat.

How severe is the disease caused by swine flu H1N1?

The severity of disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe diseases that can result in death. A large proportion of individuals who get infected with the virus experience mild disease and recover without hospitalization or antiviral treatment.

Who is at risk of severe swine flu disease?

Pregnant women, individuals with previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of flu-related complications such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and those with weak immune systems are more likely to experience severe disease caused by flu infection.

How to protect youself and your family against swine flu H1N1?

First of all, vaccinate against A (H1N1). You can protect yourself from getting infected by avoiding close contact (minimum distance of about one meter if possible) with individuals who have flu-like symptoms. Plus, the next measures can protect you:

1. avoid crowded places or reduce the time spent in crowded places
2. improve ventilation by opening windows at home or at your job
3. avoid touching your mouth and nose
4. wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub several times in a day
5. maintain general good heath, get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, and stay physically active

How To Protect Your Children From Influenza?

When a man is diseased with influenza virus, almost all body systems are damaged including immune system, that is why recovered children feel weak and vulnerable to different viruses and bacterial infections. In order to lower disease incidence it is recommended to vaccinate not only children but also their parents.

In children from 6 months to 2 years with influenza virus, there is a high probability of complications influencing on cardiovascular and even nervous systems. According to research data, 40% of children of that age have complications with otitis, which often leads to deafness. New-born children diseases with influenza virus are subjected to complications.

Vaccination of children from 3 to 17 years is also necessary because children in this age often get diseased with influenza. Besides, children of that age are major spreaders of the virus which increases the risk of parents to get diseased.

The effectiveness and safety of vaccine

Vaccination practically has no contraindications but when choosing a vaccine you should consult your doctor. The effectiveness of vaccination in children is 70-100%. In children up to 6 months vaccination is less effective because of freshness of their immune system, so it is recommended to vaccinate pregnant women in second or third Trimester.

How to make a vaccine?

In order to get vaccinated you should go in one of vaccinating centers, or you can buy vaccine and use it by yourself.

Influenza Symptoms

Influenza is an acute virus disease that is characterized by acute toxicosis, moderate catarrhal signs with most intensive affection of trachea and bronchi.

The clinical picture of influenza and acute respiratory diseases caused by different kinds of viruses, for compatibility of common toxic symptoms, has many common features.

Usually influenza starts acutely. Incubation period as a rule lasts 1- 2 days but it can last 5 days.

Then starts period of acute clinical manifestation. Disease severity depends on many factors: general condition, age, also it is necessary to know if patient contacted with this type of virus before. Depending on all those factors patient can have one of four types of influenza: mild, moderately severe, severe, hypertoxic. Symptoms and their intensity depend on disease severity.

In case of mild influenza forms (including subclinical forms) body temperature can remain normal or it can rise up to 38C. Symptoms of infective toxicosis are mild or are missing.

In case of moderately severe influenza form, body temperature rises up to 38,5-39,5°С and are common the next symptoms:
1) Intoxication

• abundant sweating
• lack of energy
• photophobia
• joint and muscle pain
• headache

2) Catarrhal symptoms

• hyperemia of velum and back of the throat
• conjunctiva hyperemia

3) Respiratory symptoms

• affection of throat and trachea
• dry painful cough (in some cases wet cough)
• phonation defect
• chest pains
• rhinitis (cold)
• hyperemia
• dryness of nasal lining and swallow

Lungs skip lesion syndrome is a dynamically growing (for several hours) pulmonary heart disease with typical segmental shade in one of lungs. In case of favorable result clinicoroentgenological changes are solved in 2-3 days practically entirely – this is the major difference from pneumonia. In case of hypertoxic form of influenza is possible to have wet lungs usually ending with hemorrhagic pneumonia.

Abdominal syndrome:

• abdominal pains
• diarrhea occurs rarely and as a rule it is a sign of other infections. What is known as “Norovirus” is caused not by influenza virus.

Severe form of influenza

Body temperature rises up to 40-40,5°С. In addition to the symptoms specific for moderately severe influenza form also may appear signs of encephalopathy (psychosis state, convulsive attack, hallucination), vascular disorders (nose bleed), vomit.

Hypertoxic form of influenza.

There is a serious danger of fatal case especially for diseased from risk group.

When influenza courses without any complications, fever lasts 2-4 days and finally patient is recovered in 5 days. It is possible to have occasional temperature rises which are usually associated with bacterial flora lay-up or another virus respiratory infection.

Influenza

Influenza (flu) is a severe virus disease which affects men, women and children of all ages and nationalities. The disease is followed by high mortality, especially among little kids and old people. The epidemics of flu occur every year usually in cold season and it hit up to 15% of population in the world.

Periodically repeating, flu and ARD destroy about one year of our life. A man spends this period in inactive condition suffering from fever, common weakness, headaches, intoxication with toxic virus proteins.

Flu gradually breaks heart-vascular system shortening lifetime of an average man. During severe course of this virus disease often occurs irreversible affection of heart-vascular system, respiratory organ, central nervous system provoking heart and vascular diseases, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, meningoencephalitis.

Term “Acute Respiratory Disease” (ARD) or “Acute Respiratory Viral Infection” (ARVI) comprises a vast number of similar diseases. They are similar because they are caused by viruses invading organism by respiring air via mouth and nasal pharynx, and also they have similar symptoms: increased temperature of the body, sore throat, cough and headache. The most common respiratory disease is acute rhinitis (cold) that is caused by a number of congenerous viruses called rhinoviruses. During recovery all those symptoms disappear and they do not leave any signs. However, it would be wrong to call “flu” all kinds of ARD and ARVI. Flu is caused by a flu virus (Myxovirus influenzae) that belongs to the family of orthomyxoviruses.

Flu and ARVI are leading in frequency and number of cases and are 95% of all virus diseases.

About the origin of word “influenza” there are several versions. According to one of them, the word has appeared in Italy in the mid of 15th century after a serous epidemic which people thought to be the result of stars influence. Another version says that the word is originated from Latin word “influere” (invade) or Italian "influenza di freddo" (cooling after-effect).