How long does the flu typically last. What are the common symptoms and their progression. When should you seek medical attention for flu symptoms. How can you speed up recovery from the flu.

Understanding the Flu: Onset and Duration

The influenza virus, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects millions of people worldwide each year. Understanding its timeline and duration is crucial for proper management and recovery.

Typically, flu symptoms appear within 1-4 days after exposure to the virus. For most individuals, the flu lasts between 3-7 days, but some symptoms, such as fatigue and cough, may persist for several weeks.

How quickly do flu symptoms develop?

Unlike the gradual onset of a common cold, flu symptoms often appear suddenly. Within a matter of hours, an individual can transition from feeling perfectly healthy to experiencing severe symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue.

The Flu Timeline: Day-by-Day Breakdown

Understanding the typical progression of flu symptoms can help individuals better manage their illness and know when to seek medical attention.

Days 1-2: Initial Onset

• Sudden appearance of high fever (usually above 100.4째F or 38째C)
• Chills and body aches
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Headache
• Dry cough

Days 3-4: Peak Symptoms

During this period, flu symptoms typically reach their peak intensity. Additional symptoms may include:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Possible vomiting (more common in children)

Days 5-7: Gradual Improvement

For many individuals, symptoms begin to subside around day 5. However, fatigue and weakness may persist.

Common Flu Symptoms and Their Impact

The flu presents with a range of symptoms that can vary in severity from person to person. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the most prevalent flu symptoms?

1. High fever (100.4째F/38째C or higher)
2. Muscle aches and body pains
3. Extreme fatigue and weakness
4. Dry, persistent cough
5. Headache
6. Sore throat
7. Nasal congestion

It’s important to note that not everyone with the flu will experience all of these symptoms, and their severity can vary greatly between individuals.

Factors Affecting Flu Duration and Severity

Several factors can influence how long the flu lasts and how severe the symptoms become:

• Age: Children and older adults may experience longer-lasting and more severe symptoms
• Overall health: Individuals with chronic health conditions may be at higher risk for complications
• Immune system strength: A robust immune system can help fight off the virus more effectively
• Vaccination status: Those who have received the flu shot may experience milder symptoms
• Timing of antiviral treatment: Early intervention with antiviral medications can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms

How does the flu shot impact symptom duration?

While the flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee complete protection against the virus, it can significantly reduce the risk of infection and minimize symptom severity. Vaccinated individuals who do contract the flu often experience milder symptoms that resolve more quickly compared to those who are unvaccinated.

Treatment Options and Recovery Strategies

Effective management of flu symptoms can help speed up recovery and prevent complications. Here are some key treatment options and strategies to consider:

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can be highly effective in treating the flu if taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. These medications can:

• Shorten the duration of the illness
• Reduce the severity of symptoms
• Lower the risk of serious complications

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Various over-the-counter medications can help alleviate specific flu symptoms:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain relief
• Decongestants for nasal congestion
• Cough suppressants for persistent cough

Home Care and Natural Remedies

In addition to medical treatments, several home care strategies can support recovery:

1. Rest: Getting plenty of sleep allows the body to focus its energy on fighting the virus
2. Hydration: Drinking ample fluids helps prevent dehydration and thins mucus secretions
3. Humidification: Using a humidifier can ease congestion and soothe irritated airways
4. Gargling with salt water: This can help relieve sore throat discomfort
5. Consuming chicken soup: Studies suggest that chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory properties that can ease symptoms

How can you speed up flu recovery?

While there’s no magic cure for the flu, you can support your body’s healing process by:

• Getting ample rest and sleep
• Staying well-hydrated
• Eating nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
• Using over-the-counter medications as needed for symptom relief
• Practicing good hygiene to prevent secondary infections

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of the flu resolve on their own, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of potential complications or severe illness.

When should you see a doctor for flu symptoms?

Consider seeking medical care if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to arouse
• Seizures
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness
• Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

For children, additional warning signs include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Fever with a rash

Preventing the Spread of Flu

Limiting the transmission of the flu virus is crucial for protecting yourself and others. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

Vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions.

Hygiene Practices

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes

Social Distancing

During flu season, consider:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Staying home when you are ill to prevent spreading the virus to others
• Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others in public spaces

How long should you stay home with the flu?

To prevent spreading the flu to others, it’s recommended to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medications. For most people, this means staying home for 3-4 days after becoming ill.

Long-Term Effects and Complications

While most people recover fully from the flu within a week or two, some individuals may experience longer-lasting effects or develop complications.

Potential Complications

Serious flu complications can include:

• Pneumonia
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Myositis (inflammation of the muscles)
• Multi-organ failure

Post-Flu Syndrome

Some individuals may experience a condition known as post-flu syndrome, characterized by prolonged fatigue, weakness, and depression that can last for weeks or even months after the acute illness has resolved.

Can the flu have long-term health impacts?

While most people recover fully from the flu, severe cases can lead to lasting health effects, particularly in individuals with pre-existing health conditions. These may include:

• Increased risk of cardiovascular events
• Exacerbation of chronic lung diseases
• Neurological complications

It’s important to monitor your health closely after recovering from the flu and consult with a healthcare provider if you experience persistent symptoms or new health concerns.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups

Certain populations are at higher risk for severe flu complications and may require special attention and care.

Who is considered high-risk for flu complications?

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5, especially those under 2 years old
• Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and weakened immune systems
• Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher

Additional Precautions for High-Risk Individuals

If you fall into a high-risk category, consider these additional precautions:

• Get vaccinated early in the flu season
• Discuss antiviral medications with your healthcare provider
• Be vigilant about hygiene and social distancing practices
• Seek medical attention promptly if flu symptoms develop

Understanding the flu’s timeline, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial for managing this common but potentially serious illness. By following prevention strategies, practicing good self-care, and staying informed, you can minimize the impact of the flu on your health and well-being. Remember, while the flu can be challenging, most people recover fully with proper care and rest.

How long does the flu last? Timeline and recovery

Symptoms of the flu generally appear within a few days of infection. They usually peak between days 2 and 4, and most people feel better after 5–7 days. However, symptoms can last longer in some cases, and a cough may persist for several weeks.

The flu can leave a person unable to work, perform household duties, or tend to children for several days. Some people develop severe symptoms and may need hospital care.

In this article, we discuss how long the flu usually lasts, a timeline of the common symptoms, and when to see a doctor for treatment.

For people who do not develop serious flu complications, symptoms usually last 3–7 days. Some people find that their symptoms get better and then worse again or that they are worse at certain times of the day, such as in the morning.

Although fever and the most severe symptoms typically resolve within a week, some people have low energy for up to 2 weeks, and it is possible to experience a cough for up to 8 weeks.

The flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu but does not eliminate it. However, people who still get the flu after receiving a shot tend to have less severe symptoms that last for a shorter period.

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can also shorten the length of the flu and lower the risk of serious complications.

Infants and very young children, older adults, and people with respiratory diseases may have symptoms that last longer. These individuals are also more vulnerable to serious flu complications, such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 200,000 people in the United States need to go to the hospital each year as a result of the flu.

Flu complications are unlikely to resolve on their own, and they can be a medical emergency. They may require a person to stay in the hospital. It can be weeks or even months before a person recovers from serious flu complications.

For more information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season, visit our dedicated hub.

Was this helpful?

Unlike the cold and other viruses, which present gradually, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Within a few hours, a person may transition from feeling fine to having a fever and other symptoms.

A high fever occurs more commonly with the flu than with a cold, and it often appears before other symptoms.

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

• high fever
• chills
• muscle aches
• a headache
• weakness and extreme exhaustion
• a dry cough
• a sore throat
• vomiting
• congestion

The symptoms tend to peak between days 2 and 4. By day 5, some people begin to feel better. A few feel well enough to return to work or school.

However, it is important to stay at home for 24 hours after a fever breaks. If the fever only goes away with anti-fever medication, remain at home.

By day 7, most people feel significantly better, although some are still sick. It is not unusual for the flu to last longer than a week, so slow healing is not necessarily a bad sign. However, if the symptoms continue to get worse after a week, it may be best to see a doctor.

The best and most effective treatment for the flu is an antiviral flu drug. Taking this drug within 2 days of getting sick may shorten the duration of the flu and help a person avoid complications.

Before taking any anti-flu medication, a person can weigh up the risks and benefits with a doctor. It is important to tell the doctor about any previous health problems or drug reactions because some people experience side effects when they take anti-flu drugs.

Antibiotics cannot treat the flu. The flu is a virus, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

However, some people develop secondary infections because of the flu. Children are especially vulnerable to ear infections, but adults can get them too. If symptoms suddenly change or get worse, this could mean that there is a new infection, which could be viral or bacterial.

The following strategies can help speed up the healing process:

• Resting and staying in bed.
• Avoiding going to work, school, or anywhere else, as this can spread the flu.
• Drinking plenty of fluids. If fever or vomiting occurs, try drinking an electrolyte drink to prevent dehydration.
• Using over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Washing the hands frequently to avoid spreading the infection to other members of the household.

People should try to see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms appear, as this is when antiviral treatments are most effective.

It is also important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 7 days or new symptoms, such as ear pain, appear.

People should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• breathing becomes difficult or labored
• muscle pain is unbearable or severe enough to prevent walking
• a child develops a fever above 104°F
• when breathing, a child or infant makes loud sounds or pulls in the muscles around their ribs
• a person has seizures, loses consciousness, seems confused, or is unable to communicate effectively
• a baby under the age of 12 weeks develops a fever
• symptoms of chronic medical conditions get worse
• there is intense dizziness that does not go away after a few hours
• a person stops urinating or urinates very rarely
• symptoms get better but then return later and are worse

Most people who get the flu will have symptoms that last between 3 and 7 days. If they develop complications, they may be ill for longer.

Thousands of people die from the flu every year. Children, older adults, or people with compromised immune systems are much more vulnerable to flu complications. People should take the flu seriously by resting and avoiding public places until their symptoms disappear.

With rest and medical care, it is possible to recover even from serious complications. Anyone with severe flu symptoms should see a doctor. To reduce the risk of getting the flu again, a person can get the flu shot every year.

How long does the flu last? Timeline and recovery

Symptoms of the flu generally appear within a few days of infection. They usually peak between days 2 and 4, and most people feel better after 5–7 days. However, symptoms can last longer in some cases, and a cough may persist for several weeks.

The flu can leave a person unable to work, perform household duties, or tend to children for several days. Some people develop severe symptoms and may need hospital care.

In this article, we discuss how long the flu usually lasts, a timeline of the common symptoms, and when to see a doctor for treatment.

For people who do not develop serious flu complications, symptoms usually last 3–7 days. Some people find that their symptoms get better and then worse again or that they are worse at certain times of the day, such as in the morning.

Although fever and the most severe symptoms typically resolve within a week, some people have low energy for up to 2 weeks, and it is possible to experience a cough for up to 8 weeks.

The flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu but does not eliminate it. However, people who still get the flu after receiving a shot tend to have less severe symptoms that last for a shorter period.

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can also shorten the length of the flu and lower the risk of serious complications.

Infants and very young children, older adults, and people with respiratory diseases may have symptoms that last longer. These individuals are also more vulnerable to serious flu complications, such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 200,000 people in the United States need to go to the hospital each year as a result of the flu.

Flu complications are unlikely to resolve on their own, and they can be a medical emergency. They may require a person to stay in the hospital. It can be weeks or even months before a person recovers from serious flu complications.

For more information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season, visit our dedicated hub.

Was this helpful?

Unlike the cold and other viruses, which present gradually, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Within a few hours, a person may transition from feeling fine to having a fever and other symptoms.

A high fever occurs more commonly with the flu than with a cold, and it often appears before other symptoms.

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

• high fever
• chills
• muscle aches
• a headache
• weakness and extreme exhaustion
• a dry cough
• a sore throat
• vomiting
• congestion

The symptoms tend to peak between days 2 and 4. By day 5, some people begin to feel better. A few feel well enough to return to work or school.

However, it is important to stay at home for 24 hours after a fever breaks. If the fever only goes away with anti-fever medication, remain at home.

By day 7, most people feel significantly better, although some are still sick. It is not unusual for the flu to last longer than a week, so slow healing is not necessarily a bad sign. However, if the symptoms continue to get worse after a week, it may be best to see a doctor.

The best and most effective treatment for the flu is an antiviral flu drug. Taking this drug within 2 days of getting sick may shorten the duration of the flu and help a person avoid complications.

Before taking any anti-flu medication, a person can weigh up the risks and benefits with a doctor. It is important to tell the doctor about any previous health problems or drug reactions because some people experience side effects when they take anti-flu drugs.

Antibiotics cannot treat the flu. The flu is a virus, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

However, some people develop secondary infections because of the flu. Children are especially vulnerable to ear infections, but adults can get them too. If symptoms suddenly change or get worse, this could mean that there is a new infection, which could be viral or bacterial.

The following strategies can help speed up the healing process:

• Resting and staying in bed.
• Avoiding going to work, school, or anywhere else, as this can spread the flu.
• Drinking plenty of fluids. If fever or vomiting occurs, try drinking an electrolyte drink to prevent dehydration.
• Using over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Washing the hands frequently to avoid spreading the infection to other members of the household.

People should try to see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms appear, as this is when antiviral treatments are most effective.

It is also important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 7 days or new symptoms, such as ear pain, appear.

People should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• breathing becomes difficult or labored
• muscle pain is unbearable or severe enough to prevent walking
• a child develops a fever above 104°F
• when breathing, a child or infant makes loud sounds or pulls in the muscles around their ribs
• a person has seizures, loses consciousness, seems confused, or is unable to communicate effectively
• a baby under the age of 12 weeks develops a fever
• symptoms of chronic medical conditions get worse
• there is intense dizziness that does not go away after a few hours
• a person stops urinating or urinates very rarely
• symptoms get better but then return later and are worse

Most people who get the flu will have symptoms that last between 3 and 7 days. If they develop complications, they may be ill for longer.

Thousands of people die from the flu every year. Children, older adults, or people with compromised immune systems are much more vulnerable to flu complications. People should take the flu seriously by resting and avoiding public places until their symptoms disappear.

With rest and medical care, it is possible to recover even from serious complications. Anyone with severe flu symptoms should see a doctor. To reduce the risk of getting the flu again, a person can get the flu shot every year.

signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Influenza is a severe viral infection that affects men, women and children of all ages and nationalities. Influenza epidemics happen every year, usually during the cold season. In terms of the number of cases in the world, influenza and SARS rank first, the share in the structure of infectious diseases reaches 95%.

Influenza and SARS, gradually undermining health, reduce the average life expectancy of a person by several years. In severe cases of influenza, irreversible damage to the cardiovascular system, respiratory organs, and central nervous system often occurs, provoking heart and vascular diseases, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, and meningoencephalitis.

Influenza collects the greatest victims among the elderly population groups suffering from chronic diseases.

The influenza virus is very easily transmitted:

• The most common route of transmission is airborne.
• It is also possible and household transmission, for example, through household items.

When coughing, sneezing, talking, particles of saliva, mucus, sputum with pathogenic microflora, including influenza viruses, are ejected from the nasopharynx of a patient or a virus carrier. An infected zone is formed around the patient with a maximum concentration of aerosol particles. The range of their scattering usually does not exceed 2 – 3 m.

What is SARS? How is it different from the flu?

The term “acute respiratory disease” (ARI) or “acute respiratory viral infection” (ARVI) covers a large number of diseases that are largely similar to each other. Their main similarity lies in the way of transmission (they enter the body along with inhaled air through the mouth and nasopharynx) and in a set of symptoms:

• The patient has a fever, sore throat, cough, chills, muscle pain and headache for several days.
• The most common symptom of respiratory illness is a runny nose; it is caused by a number of related viruses known as rhinoviruses.

With recovery, all these symptoms disappear and do not leave behind any traces.

In general, the causative agents of acute respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person through coughing or sneezing of the patient. Any person in close (approximately 1 meter) contact with another person with symptoms of SARS is at risk of exposure to potentially infectious inhaled droplets. Viruses can enter the body (in the eyes, nose or mouth) through the hands when in contact with an infected surface.

Personal hygiene can help prevent the spread of pathogens that cause respiratory infections.

Differences between COVID-19, colds and flu

As you know, the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets. She is characterized by the presence of clinical symptoms of SARS (you can find a detailed educational program from Sevdzdrav at the link – https://sevdz.ru/mednavigator/profilaktika/koronavirus/).

Important! COVID-19 is sometimes asymptomatic, but this does not make the carrier of the virus any less contagious. Especially in such cases, people with chronic diseases suffer.

Visual infographics from Rospotrebnadzor:

Basic recommendations for the prevention of influenza and SARS for the population

It is especially important to observe preventive measures now – during the pandemic of a new coronavirus infection.

The self-isolation regime has been canceled, but the pandemic has not disappeared anywhere! We all need to think about our health and the health of those around us.

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell, show fever (temperature) and cough.
• Avoid crowded places or reduce time spent in crowded places.
• Avoid touching your mouth and nose.
• Observe hand hygiene – wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially when touching the mouth, nose.
• Increase the flow of fresh air into living quarters, open windows as often as possible.
• Use a mask when in contact with a sick person.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including adequate sleep, eating “healthy” foods, and being physically active.

Preventive immunization of the population (vaccination) is the best prevention of influenza. In turn, the main danger of refusing to vaccinate is the possibility of getting the flu when in contact with a sick person. In addition, a person who has not been vaccinated is potentially dangerous to others, as he is a likely carrier of an infectious disease.

In detail: why vaccination is needed and where to get a flu shot in Sevastopol.

Recommendations for people with symptoms of SARS

• If you feel unwell, stay at home and follow the recommendations of the doctor, if possible, keep a distance (1 meter) from healthy people.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a handkerchief or other suitable material. Dispose of this material immediately after use or wash it. Wash your hands immediately after contact with secretions from the respiratory tract!
• Wear a mask if you are in the common area of ​​the house near other people.
• Tell your family and friends about the illness.

Important! Medical masks

Recommendations for the use of protective medical masks:

• The wearing of medical masks is mandatory for persons who have close contact with a sick patient.
• Carefully put on the mask so that it covers the mouth and nose, and tie it tightly so that there are as few gaps between the face and the mask as possible.
• Avoid touching the mask when using it.
• After touching a used mask, for example when removing it, wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Replace the used mask with a new, clean, dry mask as soon as the used mask becomes damp (wet).
• Masks intended for single use should not be reused.
• Throw away disposable masks after each use and dispose of them immediately after removal.

Home Care Guidelines

• Isolate the patient from others by at least 1 meter from others.
• Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the sick using masks.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after each contact with a sick person. Allocate separate towels for each family member.
• Other than the caregivers, the sick person should not be visited by other visitors.
• If possible, have only one adult in the home care for the sick.
• Avoid being cared for by a pregnant woman.
• Constantly ventilate the room in which the patient is located.
• Keep the room clean with detergents.

Advice for Parents of Sick Children

• Seek medical attention if your child is sick.
• Leave a sick child at home unless he needs medical attention.
• Give your child plenty of fluids (juice, water).
• Create a comfortable environment for your child, peace is extremely important.
• If your child has a fever, sore throat and body aches, you can give him antipyretics prescribed by the doctor according to the patient’s age.
• Keep tissues and tissue basket within reach of the patient.
• Teach the children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Parents should also follow this procedure, which will serve as a good example for children.
• Teach children to cough and sneeze into a tissue or hand. Parents should also follow this procedure, which will serve as a good example for children.
• Teach the children not to come closer than one and a half to two meters from the sick.
• Sick children should stay at home (not attend preschools and schools) and keep their distance from other people until their condition improves.
• Refrain from frequent visits to crowded places.
• If your child has been in contact with someone who has the flu, ask your doctor if you need to take antiviral medicines to prevent the flu.

Acute respiratory viral infections and influenza – GBUZ “DLRC Krasnodar” MH KK

Acute respiratory viral infections and influenza

Acute respiratory (respiratory) viral infections (ARVI) – a group of diseases caused by viruses with similar transmission routes (mainly airborne, that is, through the air with particles of saliva) and clinical manifestations (cough, fever, sore throat, etc. .).

Influenza belongs to the ARBI group, but it is especially distinguished due to the pronounced tendency of this infection to spread with the development of epidemics. In addition, influenza is accompanied by more pronounced clinical
manifestations and with it a higher risk of complications. There is a subspecies of the H5N1 influenza virus that is transmitted from sick birds (ducks, chickens) to humans.

This type of flu is called “avian flu”.

SARS are the most common diseases, they account for 90% of all infections. In Russia, from 27 to 40 million people fall ill with ARVI every year.

ARVI viruses are excreted from the patient’s body with drops of saliva and sputum when breathing, talking, crying, coughing, sneezing. Viruses enter the body of a healthy person by inhaling infected particles or by sharing household items (dishes, towels). The highest probability of infection is in close contact and high crowding: in transport, in barracks, hospitals, educational institutions, nursing homes, etc. Susceptibility to respiratory infections is very high, but can be reduced with preventive measures (see below).

SARS are dangerous with complications, which, however, do not occur often. A typical complication of any SARS is pneumonia. Influenza, in addition, can be complicated by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, middle ear (especially in children), respiratory distress syndrome (pulmonary edema), meningitis. Influenza is most dangerous for young children, the elderly, as well as for patients with HIV infection, diabetes mellitus and people with weakened immunity due to radiation or chemotherapy.

The disease begins with an increase in body temperature up to 38-40 ° C, which persists for 2-7 days. It should be remembered that a repeated increase in body temperature (that is, after its initial decrease) is not typical for 0PBI and may indicate either the development of complications or the presence of another disease. Another common symptom is a cough, usually dry. It is important to remember that a dry cough can persist after SARS for 1-2 weeks, which should not cause concern, provided that all other symptoms have disappeared and the patient’s health has returned to normal. Dry cough is gradually replaced by a cough with sputum. If the sputum becomes green, this does not necessarily indicate the development of complications: this color of sputum can be given by an admixture of discharge from the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nose or bronchi. Among other symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and flu, the most common are headache, muscle pain, sore throat, weakness, and poor appetite. A runny nose for influenza is not typical, but it is possible with other SARS.

Particular attention should be paid to symptoms that may indicate either the development of complications, or the presence of not SARS, but another disease that manifests similar symptoms.

Preservation of elevated body temperature (more than 37.5 ° C) for more than 7 days, as well as its repeated increase.

• Increased headache.

• Vomiting.

• Drowsiness or confusion.

• Stiff neck (inability to bend the head so that the chin touches the chest).

• Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing).

• Chest pain.

• Bloody sputum.

• Any rash.

• Intolerance to bright light.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your
doctor immediately!

Most often, the diagnosis is based on the identification of the symptoms discussed above. To identify complications of acute respiratory viral infections, a general blood and urine test, an x-ray of the chest or paranasal sinuses, and sometimes a bacteriological analysis of sputum may be required.

It is necessary to observe the home regimen (should not go to work, this is fraught with complications). Drinking should be plentiful to prevent dehydration in conditions of high body temperature.

Antipyretic drugs should be taken if the body temperature is above 38. 5 °C, or if it is not well tolerated. In other cases, there is no need for them, since a moderately elevated body temperature contributes to the formation of a good immune response. Of the antipyretic drugs, paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid is most justified (the latter – only if the patient is over 16 years old, in no case should it be prescribed for young children with influenza!).

To relieve the symptoms of SARS, there are many medicines containing several components. As a rule, these are combinations of antipyretics, relieving nasal congestion, antitussives, antiallergics, and vitamins. Always read the instructions carefully: the composition of the drug may contain a component that is either intolerable to you or already taken in a sufficient dose (for example, paracetamol).

Many patients take all sorts of herbal infusions or other herbal remedies to relieve coughs. These agents may contribute to subjective improvement, but they do not reduce the duration of the disease. Let’s take multivitamins, but the consumption of ascorbic acid should not be excessive (no more than 50-100 mg 2-3 times a day for children and 50-100 mg 3-5 times a day for adults).

The following medicines are used to influence ARVI pathogens:

– Antiviral drugs that stop viruses from multiplying, such as rimantadine (it is only effective for influenza).

– Interferons (the main factor of antiviral protection in the body) and stimulants for the formation of interferons.

– Anti-influenza immunoglobulin (the drug is obtained from the blood of healthy people who have had the flu; thus, it contains ready-made antibodies). Immunoglobulin is administered to weakened people, as well as to patients with severe forms of influenza.

– Antibiotics are not used for the treatment of uncomplicated forms of SARS and influenza, since they do not affect viruses. The most important influenza prevention measure is vaccination, which is carried out much earlier than the expected epidemic, usually in October-November. The duration of the protective effect of the vaccine is one year, so it must be repeated annually. Vaccination is most indicated for the following population groups (however, in any case, you should consult with your doctor before conducting it).

– Elderly people (over 65).

– Patients with chronic bronchopulmonary diseases (especially with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

– Children of preschool and school age.

– Immunocompromised patients (with diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, spleen removed or receiving glucocorticoids and cytostatics).

– Patients with chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease.

– Patients with frequent acute respiratory viral infections.

– Persons with a high probability of infection (military contingents, medical personnel, workers in the field of consumer services, transport, educational institutions).

There are practically no contraindications to modern generation vaccines obtained by genetic engineering.