How does a common cold progress over 5 days. What are the typical symptoms during each stage of a cold. When should you be concerned about cold symptoms lasting longer than a week. How can you distinguish between a cold, COVID-19, and the flu.

The Three Stages of the Common Cold

The common cold typically progresses through three main stages over the course of about a week. Understanding these stages can help you manage symptoms and know what to expect as the cold runs its course.

Stage 1: Days 1-2 – Initial Symptoms

The first stage of a cold usually lasts 1-2 days and is characterized by the onset of initial symptoms:

• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Sore or scratchy throat

During this stage, the virus is directly affecting your respiratory system. It’s crucial to get plenty of rest to support your immune system as it begins to fight off the infection.

Stage 2: Days 3-5 – Peak Symptoms

The second stage typically occurs around days 3-5 and involves a worsening of nasal symptoms:

• Increased nasal congestion
• Thicker nasal discharge (may appear yellow or green)
• Development of a cough

The change in nasal discharge color is often due to an increase in white blood cells as your immune system ramps up its response. A cough may develop in response to postnasal drip.

Stage 3: Days 6-7 – Symptom Resolution

In the final stage, usually around days 6-7, most people start to experience symptom relief:

• Decreased congestion
• Improved energy levels
• Reduced sore throat

While most symptoms subside within 7-10 days, be aware that a lingering cough can persist for up to six weeks as your nasal passages continue to heal.

Managing Cold Symptoms: Essential Tips and Remedies

Effectively managing cold symptoms can help you feel more comfortable as your body fights off the virus. Here are some key strategies:

Hydration and Rest

Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest are crucial for supporting your immune system. Consider these tips:

• Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths
• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night
• Take short naps during the day if needed

Over-the-Counter Medications

Various over-the-counter medications can help alleviate cold symptoms:

• Decongestants to relieve nasal congestion
• Cough suppressants for persistent coughs
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches and body aches

Always follow dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.

Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies may help ease cold symptoms:

• Saline nasal rinses to clear congestion
• Honey to soothe sore throats and suppress coughs
• Zinc lozenges, which may reduce the duration of cold symptoms

While these remedies can provide relief, it’s important to note that they don’t cure the cold itself.

Preventing the Spread of Cold Viruses

Colds are highly contagious, especially during the early stages. To prevent spreading the virus to others:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with others, especially during the first few days of illness
• Stay home from work or school if possible

Remember that you can be contagious for up to 2 weeks, even after symptoms subside.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Cold Symptoms

While most colds resolve on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention:

Persistent or Worsening Symptoms

Seek medical care if:

• Symptoms persist beyond 10 days
• You develop a high fever (over 101.3°F or 38.5°C)
• You experience severe sinus pain or headache

Underlying Health Conditions

Individuals with certain health conditions should consult their healthcare provider early in the course of a cold:

• Chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD
• Weakened immune systems
• Diabetes

These conditions can increase the risk of complications from a cold.

Distinguishing Between Colds, COVID-19, and Flu

Differentiating between colds, COVID-19, and flu can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Here are some key distinctions:

Common Cold

• Gradual onset of symptoms
• Rarely causes fever in adults
• Typically milder than flu or COVID-19

COVID-19

• May include loss of taste or smell
• Often accompanied by fever
• Can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Flu

• Sudden onset of symptoms
• Often causes fever and body aches
• Generally more severe than a common cold

If you’re unsure about your symptoms or have concerns, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and guidance.

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Colds

While most colds resolve without complications, in some cases, they can lead to more serious issues:

Sinus Infections

Prolonged nasal congestion from a cold can sometimes lead to a sinus infection (sinusitis). Symptoms may include:

• Facial pain or pressure
• Thick, discolored nasal discharge
• Reduced sense of smell

Ear Infections

Colds can sometimes lead to middle ear infections, particularly in children. Watch for:

• Ear pain
• Difficulty hearing
• Fever

Asthma Exacerbations

For individuals with asthma, a cold can trigger or worsen symptoms. Be alert for:

• Increased wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

If you experience any of these complications, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.

Boosting Immunity to Prevent Future Colds

While it’s impossible to completely avoid catching colds, you can take steps to strengthen your immune system and reduce your risk:

Nutrition and Lifestyle

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Exercise regularly
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress through techniques like meditation or yoga

Supplements

Some supplements may help support immune function:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Probiotics

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Hygiene Practices

Maintaining good hygiene habits can help prevent the spread of cold viruses:

• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid touching your face
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of colds.

Understanding the stages of a common cold and knowing how to manage symptoms can help you navigate the illness more comfortably. Remember that while colds are usually mild, it’s important to stay vigilant for signs of more serious conditions and seek medical attention when necessary. By taking care of yourself and practicing good hygiene, you can minimize the impact of colds on your daily life and overall health.

Stages of the Common Cold: Your Day-by-Day Guide

The common cold is marked by waves of symptoms as it runs its course. Here’s what to expect during each stage of a cold.

By Beth GilbertMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD

Reviewed: June 2, 2020

Medically Reviewed

Keeping a few things on hand can make weathering a cold a lot easier: cough medicine, tissues, a thermometer to check your temperature, and hot cups of tea.

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Yesterday you felt fine, but today your nose is running and your throat feels scratchy. Yep, those are the first symptoms of a cold, which typically appear in adults about one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.

What are you likely to feel like the rest of your week? Most often, symptoms of this upper respiratory tract infection crest around day four, and go away on their own within 7 to 10 days, says Aaron E. Glatt, MD, the chief of infectious diseases and a hospital epidemiologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York.

Keep in mind that while seasonal colds peak in the winter and spring, it is possible to get one any time of the year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cold symptoms vary from person to person and can include:

• Sore or scratchy throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Headache
• Aching joints
• Fatigue

Be aware that a cold’s contagious period has its own life span; it usually starts one or two days before cold symptoms kick in and continues as long as your symptoms are present, according to Cedars-Sinai. So it’s important to prevent spreading the infection by washing your hands frequently, fully covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and not touching others if at all possible.

What are the stages of a cold? Typically there are three.

Days 1 and 2: Stuffiness, Sore Throat, and Runny Nose

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“Although you can have a cold start with a number of different symptoms, the most common first symptoms are congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, signs that the virus is directly affecting your respiratory system,” says Nathan Favini, MD, an internist and the medical director of the nationwide healthcare system Forward.

In this first stage, it’s especially important to rest as much as possible to minimize fatigue and keep your immune system at full power.

Days 3 to 5: Cough and More Nasal Congestion

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Nasal symptoms continue to develop, peaking during the third and fourth days. You may notice that mucus from your runny nose has become thicker, with a yellow or green tinge. This usually is due to a spike in the number of white blood cells your immune system has dispatched to overcome the virus, according to the Mayo Clinic. As you get better over the next few days, the discharge tends to clear up. In the meantime, however, a cough may develop in response to postnasal drip, says Dr. Favini.

Days 6 and 7: Symptoms Ease

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The average duration of a cold is 7 to 10 days, and most people recover without any specific treatment. But cold symptoms may last longer or become more severe in people who have immune problems or other underlying health issues, such as diabetes, says Soma Mandal, MD, an internist with the Summit Medical Group in New Jersey. If you have a medical condition that puts you at increased risk for complications, reach out to your healthcare provider.

Be aware that it may take up to six weeks for a cough to disappear even after other symptoms fade, Dr. Mandal says. Usually, this is due to postnasal drip, which can continue to form while swollen and irritated nasal passages heal, she explains.

Beyond a Week: Could It Be Something Else?

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If you’ve been nursing a cold, but haven’t gotten better after a week, or if cold symptoms return often, you may be dealing with allergies or a sinus infection rather than a cold.

Symptoms commonly associated with allergies, which can last months, include:

• Itchy eyes
• Clear runny nose
• Nasal congestion

Symptoms of a sinus infection, which can last anywhere from one to three months or more, can include:

• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Pressure or pain around the eyes and forehead
• Fatigue
• Fever

If you suspect allergies or a sinus infection, Dr. Glatt recommends seeing your doctor to get a complete evaluation.

Distinguishing Between Cold, COVID-19, and the Flu

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It can be difficult to tell these illnesses apart because they share so many traits. What’s more, because they are caused by different germs that affect the respiratory system, it’s possible — although rare — for them to overlap. In other words, you could have more than one ailment at the same time, according to the CDC.

One clue for distinguishing between them is fever, Mandal notes. “Fevers typically are not present for adults with the common cold, whereas with COVID it’s kind of common to have a low-grade fever, and you will probably experience a fever initially with the flu,” she says.

In general, CDC experts say, flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly rather than build up gradually as they do with the common cold. They are also more intense and last longer.

Symptoms of COVID-19 also seem to develop gradually, according to a study published on May 5, 2020, in Annals of Internal Medicine. And COVID-19 symptoms can include ones not typically seen with a cold or the flu, such as diarrhea and a new loss of taste or smell, according to the CDC.

As always, call your medical provider if any symptoms become severe or concerning to you. Be especially aware of the emergency warning signs for COVID-19. Someone showing any of the following signs should seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake up or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Additional reporting by Nuna Alberts.

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A Look at the Life Cycle of a Cold

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The common cold typically has three stages, during which you may experience different symptoms. The cold can often spread to others as long as you have active symptoms.

You might think cold season is only active during the winter, but that’s not the case. According to the Mayo Clinic, though you have a higher chance of developing a cold in the fall and winter, you can get a cold anytime during the year.

The CDC reports that adults have an average of two to three colds each year, while children can have even more.

And while you might be familiar with the symptoms and effects of the common cold, there’s a chance you’re unaware of:

• how this upper respiratory virus progresses
• how to treat it
• when to call the doctor

While you can’t cure the common cold, there’s a lot to be said for prevention and self-care tips as your body works to rid itself of the virus.

If you’re concerned you might be at risk of catching a cold or you currently have one, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve compiled an overview of everything from stages and symptoms to recovery tips.

The tickle of an impending cold is all too familiar and can cause the desperate need to down glasses of orange juice and use lots of hand sanitizer.

Unfortunately, if your throat is already tingling or scratchy, it’s likely one of the 200 strains of the common cold virus — most commonly the rhinovirus — has already settled in for the next 7 to 10 days.

The most common symptoms to look out for during this stage are:

• tingling or scratchy throat
• body aches
• tiredness or fatigue

Dr. Doug Nunamaker, a family practice physician and chief medical officer forAtlas MD, explains that it’s in these first days of a cold that most people don’t do enough to care for their symptoms.

Though there are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and remedies that can ease the symptoms of a cold during this stage, Nunamaker also suggests reaching for one of the most common dishes for people with a cold or flu: chicken noodle soup.

“It’s easy on the stomach, soothes the throat, [and] provides fluid for hydration,” he explains. If you have a fever or are sweating, he adds, chicken soup can also help replenish some of the salt your body might lose.

In terms of contagion levels, Nunamaker says your cold is contagious if you present “active symptoms.” So, the tickle in your throat, runny nose, body aches, and even low-grade fever mean you’re at risk of spreading the bug to everyone around you.

Recovery tips

• Take decongestants and cough syrup but avoid mixing combination medications (e. g., don’t take ibuprofen separately if it’s also included in your cold medicine).
• Get plenty of sleep and rest.
• Stay hydrated.
• OTC Zinc supplements or lozenges have been shown to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, when taken soon after the onset of symptoms. However, a side effect may be a bad taste or nausea.

Ways to avoid spreading the cold virus while you’re still contagious:

• Avoid public contact if at all possible by staying home from work and school.
• Avoid physical contact with other people, such as kissing or shaking hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Fully cover your cough and sneeze in your elbow or a tissue. Immediately dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.

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This is when the virus is at its peak intensity. You might find during this time that everything hurts, and your face feels like a running faucet. You may even experience a fever, which can be alarming.

Because you have a virus, however, you have a compromised immune system. A fever, explains Nunamaker, is your body’s way of defending your immune system.

“[A fever is] nature’s antibiotic. Let it ride,” he explains.

Nunamaker adds that a fever isn’t a concern until it’s 102 to 103°F (39°C). In fact, up to 100.4°F (38°C), you’re considered to have an “elevated temperature,” not a fever.

Fevers with a cold can be easily confused with the flu. You should remember that the flu has radically different, and far more severe symptoms, which come on hard, fast, and usually include a headache.

The most common symptoms to look out for during this stage of a cold are:

• sore throat
• cough
• congestion or runny nose
• fatigue
• aches
• chills or low-grade fever

As was the case in stage 1, if your symptoms are still active, you’re still contagious. During this time, you should continue to be mindful about being around others and avoid physical interactions.

Recovery tips

• Avoid smoking, if you smoke, as it paralyzes the cilia in the lungs and takes longer to heal.
• Avoid asking your healthcare provider for an antibiotic. This is a viral infection and an antibiotic will not help. In fact, it could make things worse.
• Use a cough suppressant if you find it difficult to sleep.
• Take ibuprofen for body aches.
• Get your daily amount of vitamin C (1 to 2 grams per day) via fresh fruit or supplements.
• Gargle with salt water.
• Use a humidifier, or take a steam bath or shower.
• Use Chloraseptic or Cepacol lozenges. The benzocaine is a topical numbing agent and can help soothe sore throats.
• Continue to take zinc supplements or lozenges.

While your body fights the cold virus, it’s vital to stay hydrated throughout all three stages of your cold.

A cold typically wraps up around day 10. There are, of course, exceptions. If you’re still feeling the effects, your symptoms worsen, or your fever increases then it’s time to re-evaluate and think about a different course of treatment.

When should I call a doctor?

1. While it’s tempting to call the doctor when you’re feeling crummy for a couple of days, it’s best to avoid doing so until after your symptoms have persisted for longer than 10. Call a doctor if your symptoms worsen after this time.

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Some people might also experience what’s known as the post-infectious cough, which is a nagging cough that can last an average of 18 days after your cold subsides. If, however, all your other symptoms have ended, you can consider yourself free and clear.

If the other “active” symptoms are still present, you’re still contagious and should continue to follow the tips to prevent spreading the virus.

The most common symptoms to look out for during this stage are the following:

• cough
• congestion
• runny nose
• fatigue

Recovery tips

• Continue to cover your cough with your sleeve at the elbow or with a tissue, and wash your hands.
• Continue taking an OTC ibuprofen, decongestant, cough suppressant, or antihistamine, as needed.

Here’s a list of cold remedies you can buy now:

• ibuprofen
• Chloraseptic or Cepacol lozenges
• OTC zinc supplements or lozenges
• decongestants
• cough syrup
• vitamin C
• antihistamine

You can also shop online for humidifiers and hand sanitizers.

Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before adding any treatment options to your current healthcare regimen to avoid any potential negative interactions.

When it comes to a cold, you’ve got to accept that it’s happening and ride it out. The very best thing you can do is take actions to prevent a cold by:

• washing your hands frequently with soap and water
• avoiding any unnecessary physical contact where you could contract the virus
• staying hydrated and well-rested

Finally, be mindful of how your health affects other people, especially those with compromised immune systems, and stay home when you’re contagious.

Brandi Koskie is the founder of Banter Strategy, where she serves as a content strategist and health journalist for dynamic clients. She’s got a wanderlust spirit, believes in the power of kindness, and works and plays in the foothills of Denver with her family.

Colds: main symptoms, causes and proper treatment

Runny nose, sore throat or ears – unfortunately, when they occur, many do not consider it necessary to see a doctor, and it is diseases of the ear, throat and nose that are among the most common among children and adults.

What we usually call the common cold are viral diseases. They are caused by more than 200 different respiratory viruses, which are transmitted mainly by airborne droplets. The source of infection is a sick person.

Check yourself

The main symptoms of a cold are: sore throat, fever, runny nose, watery eyes and pain in the eyes (at the beginning of the illness), headache, cough, fatigue and lethargy.

A cold develops gradually: at first it starts to tickle in the throat, but the person is still not sure whether he gets sick or not. Then a runny nose appears, overcomes the “sneeze”, a cough occurs after a couple of days. There may not be an increase in temperature as such, or it rises slightly – up to 37.5-38 degrees – and not for long: for a day or two. There is no need to knock her down.

After a cold on the legs, otitis media – inflammation of the ear, sinusitis – inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, or bronchitis may occur. But in general, complications after colds in people without chronic diseases are quite rare.

Good to know!

The “season of colds” in Siberia lasts an average of 7 months – from September-October to March-April. During this time, an adult has an average of 2-3 colds, so we know how to treat colds, everyone has such experience.

In a closed room, SARS viruses spread around a sick person for 7 meters. From 2 to 9 hours they live in the air of the room where the patient was. The highest concentration of viruses in the air around the patient is in the first two days of illness.

How to be treated correctly?

Until recently, when there were no antiviral drugs, colds were treated with folk remedies that did not fight viruses, but only alleviated the symptoms of the disease.

But medicine does not stand still and many medicines are designed to fight the common cold: painkillers and antipyretics, vasoconstrictor drops and sprays, mixtures and cough decoctions…

Good for colds:

• — gargles for sore throat with tinctures and decoctions of sage, chamomile, calendula, salt solution with soda;
• – inhalation when coughing with steam of potatoes boiled in uniform, steam of decoctions of chamomile, mint, calendula and other medicinal herbs;
• – warming up the nose with a runny nose with hot, hard-boiled eggs. Bags with heated salt or sand;
• – washing the nose with a runny nose with a weak saline solution, special sprays.

It is advisable to drink up to 3-4 liters of fluid per day during the period of illness. The virus is afraid of alkali, so choose alkaline mineral water.

Load up on fruit drinks and juices: lingonberry, cranberry, orange – they contain a large amount of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. Warm tea with raspberries, honey and lemon has always been considered the first remedy for a cold.

And yet, from the first days of illness, it is better to consult a doctor and take a sick leave – this way you will avoid complications and do not infect others. If this is not done in time, then a “harmless” runny nose can lead to a lot of negative consequences
Ears, throat, nose and larynx directly affect the environment, and it is their condition that determines how many viruses, allergens, bacteria and toxic particles can enter the body, causing disturbances in the functioning of organs.

If the immune system is impaired, and the ENT organs do not work properly, then the microorganisms that can live on the mucous membranes begin to become active and cause the development of many diseases.

You can get highly qualified assistance in diagnosing and treating colds at the Academy of Health Medical Center.
Experienced general practitioners will carry out the necessary diagnostics, prescribe treatment and give recommendations on the prevention of diseases, and in case of complications (sinusitis, rhinitis), the otolaryngologist will prescribe the necessary treatment.

And remember, health is worth it to start experiencing positive emotions, because science has proven that optimists get sick less often!

Make an appointment right now:

• – call 90-28-08
• – using the appointment form
• – at the registration desk at the address: Komarova Avenue, 14

how to recover, get rid of asthenic syndrome and gain strength after ARVI and influenza

Weakness after an illness is normal, because the body has spent a lot of energy fighting the infection. But if the feeling of fatigue does not go away even after rest, occurs not only after physical, but also after mental activity, and is also combined with apathy, this is not weakness, but asthenic syndrome ¹ . We figured out why it occurs, how to get rid of it and what to do so that it does not arise again.

Causes of weakness after illness

The exact cause of the appearance of asthenic syndrome after infection has not yet been established. But there are several suggestions why the weakness appears:

● Inflammation of brain tissue. The signal about the spread of the infection gets to the brain, which activates immunologically sensitive cells and the release of cytokines – special proteins that help fight the disease. An inflammatory reaction occurs in the brain, provoking asthenia ² .

● Energy deficiency against the background of hypoxia – lack of oxygen in the blood. Hypoxia appears due to the accumulation of microbial toxins and intoxication with metabolic products, in particular oxidation reactions. Oxygen is absorbed worse by tissues, protein metabolism is disturbed, ammonia accumulates in the blood. This negatively affects the state of the central nervous system – nerve impulses are transmitted more slowly, it becomes more difficult for a person to do mental work and perform ordinary household chores ³ .

In addition, asthenia is also associated with the characteristics of the influenza virus. It suppresses the immune system and directly affects the cells of the nervous system – these features increase the risk of developing asthenic syndrome ^{4, 5} .

Antiviral drugs are indicated to fight influenza viruses. One of them is the modern drug Nobasit ^® Forte containing enisamium iodide. ⁶ It effectively suppresses the action of influenza viruses and other pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) ⁶ . Additionally, enisamia iodide has an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to that of ibuprofen ⁷ . It is recommended to start treatment with Nobasit ^® Forte as early as possible – when the first symptoms of the disease appear ⁶ .

Symptoms of asthenic syndrome

Asthenic syndrome occurs due to the action of infection on brain cells. This is not just a weakness, but a neurological disorder. Problems in the work of the nervous system cause physical and emotional-psychological symptoms.

Physical symptoms of asthenic syndrome ⁸ :

● Increased fatigue;

● muscle weakness;

● loss of appetite;

● digestive disorders;

● Pain in joints and bones;

● nausea;

● abdominal pain;

● tachycardia ⁹ ;

● pain in the heart;

● increased sweating;

● decreased libido;

● irregular menstruation ¹⁰ ;

● periodic rise in body temperature.

The main problem of asthenic syndrome is the loss of working capacity. Mental or physical stress worsens a person’s condition, which causes anxiety and a feeling of powerlessness ¹¹ .

Due to damage to the nervous system, neurological symptoms occur ¹² :

● headache;

● meteorological dependence ¹³ ;

● heaviness and pressure in the head;

● dizziness;

● sudden mood swings;

● tearfulness;

● problems with self-control;

● restlessness and impatience;

● sleep disturbance – insomnia, early awakening or drowsiness, including daytime;

● photophobia;

● intolerance to loud sounds;

● increased sensitivity to touch;

● decrease in memory and attention;

● Anxiety.

The most common symptoms are fatigue, which occurs in 58% of patients after the flu, and headache, in 44% of patients. Violation of attention and other manifestations are much less common ¹⁴ .

Typically, symptoms persist for four weeks to seven months. The duration depends on the severity of the disease ¹⁵ .

How to restore strength

You can start rehabilitation from asthenic syndrome on your own. If self-help methods do not help, you should consult a doctor – he will prescribe physiotherapy and drugs for recovery.

Self-help methods

It is difficult for patients with asthenia to endure physical activity, but it is recommended to start recovery with it. Scientists believe that physical inactivity aggravates the course of asthenia, and studies ¹⁶ prove the benefits of treatment with dosed physical activity. Gradually increasing the load, the patient will feel better and restore activity ¹⁷ .

It is worth starting the recovery with walking, while monitoring the pulse. There are 3 walking modes:

● gentle — up to 1 km;

● gentle training — up to 1.5 km;

● training — up to 3 km.

You need to start from the first, gradually moving to higher levels. The mode is changed taking into account well-being and a conversational test:

● if a person easily pronounces a whole sentence, then the intensity level is low and you need to increase the intensity of walking;

● if in the second sentence a person has slight shortness of breath, then the level of intensity of walking is chosen correctly;

● In cases where the practitioner can only speak one or a few words, the intensity level is high, and it is better to reduce the intensity of walking ¹⁸ .

Additionally, nutritional treatment, that is, diet therapy, is connected. It helps to restore strength after suffering the flu ¹⁹ . You need to eat 4-5 times a day.

The diet should be low in calories and high in protein. Fast carbohydrates are excluded from the menu: sugar, confectionery, carbonated drinks and store juices, hot sauces, marinade, canned food and pickles. Vegetables with a lot of coarse fiber, such as radishes, radishes, legumes, garlic and horseradish, are also not recommended ²⁰ .

Recommended daily KBJU for asthenic syndrome:

● 20–30 kcal/kg;

● not less than 0.83 g of protein per 1 kg of weight;

● 80–85 g of fat;

● 350-400 g of carbohydrates.

It is also important to observe the drinking regimen. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of fluid per day.

What a doctor can prescribe

Diet therapy and physical activity are recommended to be combined with psychotherapy. It is better to choose cognitive behavioral therapy, as the effectiveness of this method has been proven in clinical trials. It helps people re-motivate and relieve symptoms of fatigue ²¹ .

In other trials, sensory therapy shows a positive effect. This is an art therapy that combines healing with music, aromas and color. This option of unloading improves the psychological and emotional state, reduces anxiety, eliminates apathy and sleep problems ²² .

Physiotherapy helps to get rid of asthenic syndrome ²³ :

● hydrotherapy — swimming, contrast shower, Charcot shower;

● therapeutic gymnastics;

● breathing exercises using respiratory simulators;

● massage;

● acupuncture;

● hyperbaric oxygen therapy – high pressure oxygen breathing ²⁴ ;

● low-frequency, high-frequency pulsed magnetotherapy;

● drug electrophoresis;

● treatment with sinusoidal modulated currents;

● Ultrasound therapy;

● laser therapy;

● Normobaric interval hypoxic-hyperoxic training – alternating breathing with large and small amounts of oxygen ²⁵ .

Treatment is carried out within six months after recovery from influenza.

Separately consider vitamin therapy. According to the study, vitamin D deficiency is often observed in patients with asthenic syndrome. One month after the start of taking 100,000 IU of vitamin D, the symptoms of depression and anxiety become less pronounced ²⁶ . It is also recommended to take vitamin B6 ²⁷ , C and P ²⁸ , as well as multivitamins ²⁹ .

To alleviate the symptoms of asthenia, medicines are also used:

● acetyl-L-carnitine ³⁰ — a substance that can protect nerve cells from damage and restore them;

● magnesium preparations ³¹ ;

● nootropics – drugs that improve brain metabolism ³² ;

● adaptogens – substances that enhance the body’s ability to resist stress and toxic substances;

● neuroprotectors – drugs that protect nerve cells from the action of internal and external damaging factors;

● Antioxidants – substances that prevent free radical damage to cells ³³ .

An integrated approach to treatment will help to quickly restore strength and get rid of asthenic syndrome.

Prevention of re-infection with influenza

The most effective way to reduce the risk of getting the flu is to get vaccinated ³⁴ . General prevention of viral diseases is divided into drug – with the help of drugs, and non-drug – without them.

How to protect yourself from the flu without medication:

● treat the air with low doses of ozone using the ozonator ³⁵ ;

● regularly ventilate the room ³⁶ ;

● use antiseptics;

● Wear masks and other personal protective equipment in crowded places.

For more effective prevention during periods of high incidence, drugs are used:

● antiseptics, which wash off the causative agents of SARS from the nose and throat;

● leukocyte interferons – artificial proteins that work like natural human immune substances, but can cause side effects;

● Interferon inducers ³⁷ – increase the production of their own interferons and increase immunity.

Briefly about the main

➢ Asthenic syndrome is a weakness after an illness that does not go away even after rest and occurs after mental or minor physical activity.

➢ Asthenic syndrome occurs due to systemic inflammation, decreased immunity, virus damage to brain cells and energy deficiency against the background of hypoxia.

➢ The symptoms of asthenic syndrome are physical, for example, fatigue, pain in the abdomen and heart, as well as neurological – they include dizziness, anxiety, apathy, mood swings and others.

➢ To restore strength after an illness, vitamin therapy, diet therapy, physiotherapy and taking various groups of drugs helps.

➢ For the prevention of SARS and influenza, it is recommended to wear masks, ozonize and regularly ventilate the room. Medical methods of prevention include the use of antiseptics, as well as other drugs – for example, interferons and interferon inducers.

¹ Schukin I. A. Correction of asthenic syndrome. Medical alphabet. The hospital is everything for health care facilities. 2013;4:38-44.

² Yu.D. Vorobieva, G.M. Dyukova Asthenic syndrome in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical alphabet. Neurology and psychiatry. 2020;33(4): 26-34

³ Ebzeeva E.Yu., Ostroumova O.D., Mironova E.V. Efficacy and safety of Mildronate in post-infectious asthenic syndrome (clinical examples). Medical alphabet. Modern clinic. 2020;2(1): 61-66.

⁴ Golubovskaya O.A., Gudzenko O.A., Shestakova I.V., Gainutdinova T.I., Levchuk O.O. Post-infectious asthenic syndrome and the possibility of its correction. “Neurology and neurosurgery. Eastern Europe”. 2019;9(1):128-136.

⁵ Bogolepova A.N., Osinovskaya N.A., Kovalenko E.A., Makhnovich E.V. Possible approaches to the treatment of asthenic and cognitive impairments in post-COVID syndrome. Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. 2021;13(4):88–93.

⁶ Instructions for medical use of the drug Nobasit ^® Forte LP-006416

⁷ Zyryanov S.K., Butranova O.I., Gaidai D.S., Kryshen K.L. Pharmacotherapy of acute respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses: modern possibilities. Therapeutic archive, №1 – 2021

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⁹ Ebzeeva E.Yu., Ostroumova O.D., Mironova E.V. Efficacy and safety of Mildronate in post-infectious asthenic syndrome (clinical examples). Medical alphabet. Modern clinic. 2020;2(1): 61-66.

¹⁰ Yu.D. Vorobieva, G.M. Dyukova Asthenic syndrome in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical alphabet. Neurology and psychiatry. 2020;33(4):26-34.

¹¹ Schukin I. A. Correction of asthenic syndrome. Medical alphabet. The hospital is everything for health care facilities. 2013;4:38-44.

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¹⁴ Bogolepova AN Possible approaches to the treatment of asthenic and cognitive disorders in post-COVID syndrome. Behavioral neuroscience. 2022;1:52-54.

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¹⁶ Ebzeeva E.Yu., Ostroumova O.D., Mironova E.V. Efficacy and safety of Mildronate in post-infectious asthenic syndrome (clinical examples). Medical alphabet. Modern clinic. 2020;2(1): 61-66.

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²¹ Yu.D. Vorobieva, G.M. Dyukova Asthenic syndrome in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical alphabet. Neurology and psychiatry. 2020;33(4):26-34.

²² Genova N.M., Zakharova I.E. The use of art therapy technologies to overcome the post-COVID syndrome: psychological and pedagogical aspects. International research journal. 2022;6(120):22-25.

²³ Ebzeeva E.Yu., Ostroumova O.D., Mironova E.V. Efficacy and safety of Mildronate in post-infectious asthenic syndrome (clinical examples). Medical alphabet. Modern clinic. 2020;2(1): 61-66.

²⁴ Ochkolyas MV, Galvas N. Yu., Kharitonenko KA Method of hyperbaric oxygenation in complex treatment and rehabilitation of post-COVID syndrome: new experience and achievements. Marine medicine. 2022;8(1):94-98.

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²⁷ golepova AN Possible approaches to the treatment of asthenic and cognitive impairments in post-covid syndrome. Behavioral neuroscience. 2022;1:52-54.

²⁸ golepova AN Possible approaches to the treatment of asthenic and cognitive impairments in post-covid syndrome. Behavioral neuroscience. 2022;1:52-54.

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³⁰ Schukin I.A. Correction of asthenic syndrome. Medical alphabet. The hospital is everything for health care facilities. 2013;4:38-44.

³¹ Bogolepova AN Possible approaches to the treatment of asthenic and cognitive disorders in post-COVID syndrome. Behavioral neuroscience.