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. One of the most common questions people ask when they fall ill is: how long does the flu last? While the duration can vary from person to person, there is a general timeline that most cases follow.

Typically, flu symptoms appear within 1-4 days after infection and last for about 3-7 days in most healthy adults. However, some people may experience symptoms for up to two weeks, and certain symptoms, like cough, can persist for several weeks after the initial infection has resolved.

Factors Affecting Flu Duration

• Age and overall health
• Immune system strength
• Vaccination status
• Timing of antiviral treatment
• Presence of underlying health conditions

Is there a difference in flu duration between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals? Research suggests that people who receive the flu vaccine but still contract the virus often experience milder symptoms and a shorter duration of illness compared to those who are unvaccinated.

The Flu Timeline: Day-by-Day Symptom Progression

Understanding the typical progression of flu symptoms can help you better manage your illness and know when to seek medical attention. Here’s a general timeline of what you might expect:

Days 1-2: Sudden Onset

Unlike the common cold, which tends to develop gradually, flu symptoms often appear suddenly. Within a matter of hours, you may transition from feeling fine to experiencing:

• High fever (usually above 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Chills and sweats
• Severe muscle aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Headache

Days 2-4: Peak Symptoms

This period is typically when flu symptoms are at their worst. You may experience:

• Persistent high fever
• Dry, hacking cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Continued body aches and fatigue

Days 5-7: Gradual Improvement

For many people, symptoms begin to subside around day 5. You might notice:

• Fever breaking
• Reduced muscle pain
• Improved energy levels
• Lessening of respiratory symptoms

Can you return to work or school as soon as you start feeling better? It’s important to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks without the use of fever-reducing medications to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Beyond Week 1: Lingering Symptoms

While most people recover within a week, some symptoms may persist:

• Cough (can last up to 8 weeks)
• Fatigue (may continue for up to 2 weeks)
• Mild body aches

Recognizing Severe Flu Symptoms and Complications

While most cases of the flu resolve on their own, some people are at higher risk for severe illness and complications. These groups include:

• Children under 5, especially those under 2
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)

What are the warning signs that indicate a need for immediate medical attention? Be alert for the following symptoms:

• 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

How do you differentiate between normal flu symptoms and potential complications? If your symptoms worsen after a week, persist beyond two weeks, or if you experience any of the severe symptoms listed above, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Effective Treatments and Home Remedies for the Flu

While there’s no cure for the flu, several treatments and home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and potentially shorten the duration of illness.

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), can be prescribed by a doctor to treat flu infections. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Do antiviral medications shorten the duration of the flu? Yes, when taken early, antiviral drugs can reduce the length of illness by about one day and may also reduce the risk of complications.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Pain relievers and fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Decongestants
• Cough suppressants
• Throat lozenges

Home Remedies and Self-Care

Several home remedies can help manage flu symptoms and support recovery:

• Rest: Allow your body time to fight the infection
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Humidifiers: Use to ease congestion and coughing
• Warm compresses: Apply to relieve sinus pressure
• Salt water gargles: Soothe a sore throat
• Nasal irrigation: Clear congested nasal passages

Which home remedies are most effective for managing flu symptoms? While individual experiences may vary, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest are consistently recommended by healthcare professionals as crucial elements of flu recovery.

Preventing the Spread of Flu: Essential Hygiene Practices

Preventing the spread of the flu is crucial, especially during peak flu season. Here are some essential hygiene practices to follow:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
4. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
5. Stay home when you’re sick to prevent spreading the virus to others
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workplace

How long should you stay home after having the flu? The CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medications.

The Role of Vaccination in Flu Prevention and Symptom Reduction

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent flu infection and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do contract the virus. The flu vaccine is formulated each year to protect against the most prevalent strains of the virus.

Benefits of Flu Vaccination

• Reduced risk of flu illness
• Decreased severity of symptoms if infected
• Lower risk of flu-related hospitalizations
• Protection for vulnerable populations
• Potential reduction in missed work or school days

When is the best time to get a flu shot? The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, before flu season begins in earnest. However, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial, as flu activity can last into May.

Vaccine Effectiveness

While the flu vaccine’s effectiveness can vary from year to year, it generally reduces the risk of flu illness by 40-60% among the overall population when the vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses.

Can you still get the flu after being vaccinated? Yes, it’s possible to contract the flu even after vaccination. However, vaccinated individuals often experience milder symptoms and a shorter duration of illness compared to those who are unvaccinated.

Special Considerations: Flu in High-Risk Groups

Certain populations are at higher risk for severe flu complications and may experience longer recovery times. These groups include:

Children

Young children, especially those under 5, are more susceptible to severe flu complications. They may experience:

• Higher fever for longer periods
• Increased risk of dehydration
• Greater likelihood of developing ear infections or pneumonia

Older Adults

Adults 65 and older are more likely to experience:

• Prolonged recovery times
• Increased risk of hospitalization
• Higher likelihood of developing secondary infections

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are at higher risk for severe flu complications due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs. They may experience:

• More severe symptoms
• Increased risk of premature labor and delivery
• Higher likelihood of hospitalization

Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions

People with conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems may experience:

• Exacerbation of their underlying condition
• Longer recovery times
• Increased risk of severe complications

How does flu management differ for high-risk groups? High-risk individuals should seek medical attention promptly upon developing flu symptoms, as early treatment with antiviral medications can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Long-Term Effects and Post-Flu Recovery

While most people recover fully from the flu within a few weeks, some individuals may experience lingering effects or a prolonged recovery period.

Common Post-Flu Symptoms

• Persistent fatigue
• Weak immune system
• Recurring respiratory issues
• Muscle weakness

Post-Viral Syndrome

Some people may develop post-viral syndrome, characterized by prolonged fatigue, weakness, and depression that can last for weeks or even months after the initial flu infection has resolved.

Strategies for Post-Flu Recovery

1. Gradually increase physical activity as strength returns
2. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
3. Get adequate sleep and rest
4. Stay hydrated
5. Consider supplements to support immune function (consult with a healthcare provider first)
6. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices

How long does it take to fully regain strength after a bout of flu? While recovery times vary, most people return to their normal energy levels within 2-3 weeks. However, some individuals, especially those in high-risk groups, may require a month or more to feel completely back to normal.

In conclusion, understanding the typical timeline of flu symptoms, recognizing warning signs, and knowing how to manage the illness can help you navigate the flu season more effectively. Remember that prevention through vaccination and good hygiene practices remains the best defense against influenza. If you experience severe symptoms or are in a high-risk group, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention promptly.

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.

Watch out for the flu! – Clinic “Family Doctor”.

Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. The influenza virus circulates throughout the world and can affect anyone at any age. Annual seasonal epidemics occur in the winter period. Influenza is a serious threat to human life and health, as it can lead to serious complications, even death.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. But what to do if you failed to get vaccinated on time, you were left alone with this insidious virus and fell ill?

You can suspect that you have the flu by the following symptoms: sudden onset of a high temperature (39-40 ° C), cough (usually dry), severe headache, severe muscle and joint pain, severe malaise, sore throat and runny nose.

Antiviral drugs are available to treat influenza, but influenza viruses can develop drug resistance. It is very important to remember that antibiotics do not kill viruses, and their appointment in the early days of the disease is not justified, since antibiotics kill a bacterial infection and do not act on a viral one. Moreover, if prescribed unreasonably, they can cause side effects. The doctor may prescribe an additional antibacterial drug for you on the 3rd-5th day of a viral infection, when a bacterial infection joins the viral infection.

In order to avoid complications, it is very important to start the correct treatment of influenza in time. Remember that the doctor must prescribe the treatment! Self-treatment, without the supervision of a doctor, can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous to your health.

Considering the severe course of the disease, the frequent development of complications and the risk of infecting others, if you feel flu symptoms, call a doctor at home! The doctor in a calm, homely atmosphere will examine you, prescribe the necessary examination and reasonable drug therapy.

The recovery period for influenza lasts 1-2 weeks. Many convalescents experience asthenia, which lasts from a few days to 2-3 weeks and is manifested by fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbance and sweating. Subfebrile body temperature up to 37.0-37.2 ° C and weakness may persist. All of these symptoms usually resolve on their own within 1 month.

Publications of our doctors on FLU and SARS

• Protecting ourselves from influenza and SARS
• Acute respiratory diseases
• Treatment of SARS and influenza
• Treatment and prevention of influenza in children
• Influenza shot
• Measures to prevent influenza and SARS

Return to publication list

Services

• Joint diseases
• Calling a therapist at home
• Medical examination for adults
• Treatment of arterial hypertension (hypertension)
• Treatment of atherosclerosis (joints, limbs, blood vessels)
• Treatment of bronchial asthma
• Treatment of hypertension 2 and 3 degrees
• Treatment of dorsalgia
• Treatment of duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum)
• Treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA)
• Treatment of colitis (ulcerative, chronic)
• Treatment of pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)
• Treatment of colds and respiratory diseases (ARVI, flu)
• Treatment of angina pectoris
• Treatment of therapeutic diseases
• Treatment of cholecystitis (gallbladder disease)
• Treatment of cystitis
• Treatment of frequent headaches and dizziness
• Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Urolithiasis disease
• Registration and issuance of sick leave
• Registration and issuance of medical certificates for the pool
• Preparation of medical documents (obtaining medical certificates)
• Issuance of health resort cards
• Pyelonephritis
• Pre-trip and post-trip medical check-ups
• Rehabilitation after coronavirus
• Help in the traffic police (driver’s commission)
• Help for getting a ticket
• Certificate in the form 086 / U (employment, admission to educational institutions)

Acute respiratory viral infections and influenza – GBUZ “DLRC Krasnodar” Ministry of Health 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.