How long does the flu typically last. What are the common symptoms and their timeline. When should you seek medical attention for flu symptoms. How can you manage flu symptoms at home. What are the potential complications of the flu.

The Typical Duration of Influenza: What to Expect

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that can significantly impact your daily life. But how long does it typically last? For most individuals, flu symptoms persist for about 3-7 days. However, it’s important to note that the duration can vary from person to person.

Here’s a general timeline of flu progression:

• Days 1-2: Sudden onset of symptoms
• Days 2-4: Peak of symptom severity
• Days 5-7: Gradual improvement for most people
• Beyond day 7: Some symptoms may linger

It’s not uncommon for certain symptoms, such as fatigue, to persist for up to two weeks. In some cases, a cough may linger for as long as eight weeks. This extended recovery period doesn’t necessarily indicate a complication, but rather the body’s natural healing process.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms: From Onset to Recovery

Unlike the common cold, which tends to develop gradually, flu symptoms often appear suddenly and intensely. Within a matter of hours, you might transition from feeling perfectly fine to experiencing a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

The most common flu symptoms include:

• High fever (often the first sign)
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Vomiting (in some cases)
• Congestion

Do flu symptoms follow a specific pattern? Generally, symptoms intensify over the first few days, reaching their peak between days 2 and 4. By day 5, many people begin to feel some relief, with significant improvement often noted by day 7. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s experience with the flu can be different.

Factors Influencing Flu Duration and Severity

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

1. Age: Infants, young children, and older adults may experience longer-lasting symptoms.
2. Overall health: Those with underlying health conditions might face a more prolonged recovery.
3. Vaccination status: While not a guarantee, getting a flu shot can lead to milder symptoms and a shorter duration if you do contract the virus.
4. Timely treatment: Starting antiviral medications within 48 hours of symptom onset can reduce the duration and severity of the flu.

Are certain groups more susceptible to prolonged flu symptoms? Yes, individuals with respiratory diseases, compromised immune systems, and those at the extremes of age (very young or elderly) may experience a longer recovery period and are at higher risk for complications.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Flu Symptoms

When it comes to treating the flu, what options are available? The most effective treatment is an antiviral medication prescribed by a healthcare provider. These drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can shorten the duration of the flu and reduce the risk of serious complications if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.

In addition to antiviral medications, several home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can help manage flu symptoms:

• Rest: Giving your body time to recover is crucial
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent dehydration
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with fever and body aches
• Nasal decongestants: These can provide relief from congestion

Is it true that antibiotics can treat the flu? No, antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like the flu. They are only useful if you develop a secondary bacterial infection as a complication of the flu.

Recognizing and Managing Flu Complications

While most people recover from the flu without incident, complications can occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 200,000 people in the United States require hospitalization due to flu-related complications each year.

What are some common flu complications to watch out for?

• Pneumonia
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Muscle tissue breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
• Multi-organ failure

Certain groups are at higher risk for these complications, including young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most flu cases can be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. You should consult a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen after 7 days
• You develop new symptoms, such as ear pain
• You have a high fever that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
• You experience shortness of breath or chest pain
• You become dehydrated

In some cases, emergency medical treatment may be required. Seek immediate medical care if you experience difficulty breathing, severe muscle pain, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness or confusion.

Preventing the Spread of Influenza

Preventing the spread of the flu is crucial for public health. What steps can you take to avoid infecting others?

• Stay home: Avoid going to work, school, or public places while you’re contagious
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Use tissues: Dispose of used tissues immediately
• Clean surfaces: Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces in your home

How long should you stay home after having the flu? It’s recommended to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks without the use of fever-reducing medications.

The Role of Vaccination in Flu Prevention and Symptom Reduction

Vaccination plays a crucial role in both preventing the flu and reducing symptom severity if infection occurs. While the flu shot doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get the flu, it significantly reduces your risk.

What benefits does the flu vaccine offer?

• Decreased likelihood of contracting the flu
• Milder symptoms if infection occurs
• Shorter duration of illness
• Reduced risk of serious complications
• Protection for vulnerable populations through herd immunity

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. It’s particularly important for high-risk groups, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health conditions.

Timing Your Flu Shot

When is the best time to get vaccinated? Ideally, you should receive your flu shot before the virus begins circulating in your community. In the Northern Hemisphere, this typically means getting vaccinated by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated later can still provide protection during the flu season.

Long-Term Effects and Post-Flu Recovery

While most people fully recover from the flu within a few weeks, some individuals may experience lingering effects. These can include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weakened immune system
• Increased susceptibility to other infections
• In rare cases, neurological complications

How can you support your body’s recovery after the flu? Focus on rest, proper nutrition, and gradual return to normal activities. If you experience persistent symptoms or unusual fatigue, consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

Building Resilience Against Future Infections

While having the flu doesn’t make you immune to future infections, it can help your immune system build some resistance. However, because flu viruses constantly evolve, annual vaccination remains the best defense against new strains.

To strengthen your overall immune system and reduce your risk of future infections, consider these lifestyle factors:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Exercise regularly
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress effectively
• Practice good hygiene habits year-round

By understanding the typical course of the flu, recognizing potential complications, and taking preventive measures, you can better manage this common but potentially serious viral infection. Remember, while the flu can be a significant health challenge, 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.

Symptoms of acute respiratory infections and SARS. Treatment of Protracted Colds

ARVI is an acute respiratory viral disease, a disease of a viral nature that affects the respiratory tract. ARI is an acute respiratory disease or any inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. Few of us can boast of the absence of a meeting with these ailments.

In the everyday world we are constantly surrounded by viruses, protozoa, bacteria, fungi. The human body is a place for the reproduction and existence of these life forms. Viruses cannot reproduce in the external environment, since they need a cell; Bacteria, fungi, protozoa can survive in the external environment, but the most comfortable place for their life and reproduction is, no matter how sad it is to admit, our body. When these life forms enter our body, they multiply and cause a respiratory infection.

The human body has a high susceptibility especially to viruses. SARS and ARI are spread by airborne droplets. The source of infection is a sick person who remains contagious for 2-3 days from the onset of the disease, especially when an increase in body temperature is recorded.

You should urgently see a general practitioner if you have:

• Increased body temperature above 38.0°C
• Fever
• Severe general weakness
• There is a severe headache, mainly in the temporal and frontal regions
• Lachrymation, pain in the eyes, especially when moving the eyeballs
• Lachrymation, pain in the eyes, especially when moving the eyeballs
• Photophobia
• Muscle and joint pain
• Painful, hacking cough, chest pain when coughing, streaks of blood appeared in sputum
• Hoarseness of voice appeared

SARS or acute respiratory infections? What are the symptoms of ARVI and ARI?

It is a very common misconception that ARVI and ARI are one and the same. Of course, there are common signs, but there are also differences in the etiological factor and in clinical manifestations.

The causative agent that causes	ARVI is caused by viruses.	ARI is caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
Onset of the disease	Gradual onset, begins with the onset of malaise, weakness.	A sharp increase in body temperature up to 38 0 C.
Increasing symptoms	The first signs are implicit, the presence of a prodromal period: weakness, headache, malaise. There is an increase in symptoms and their severity for 2-3 days.	Persistence of symptoms, without increasing their severity.
The height of the disease	It occurs on the 3rd-4th day: fever, pronounced acute runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, pain, sore throat, increased headache, general weakness.	There is no peak period of the disease, the intensity of symptoms persists in one pore.
Runny nose, conjunctivitis, cough	Pronounced.	May be absent or not very pronounced.
Disease duration	5-7 days, in the absence of complications in the form of a secondary infection.	Manifestations of the disease persist for a long period of time, about two weeks (if the patient does not take antibiotic therapy).
Characteristic changes in the blood test	Lymphocytosis, monocytosis	Neutrophilia, shift of the leukocyte formula to the left.
Complications	Uncommon, but not to be neglected: tonsillitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, otitis media, meningitis, glomerulonephritis, bronchitis.	Frequent. Otitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia.

IS SARS DANGEROUS?

Any disease can lead to complications.

Complications of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections can be: on the part of the respiratory organs – bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis. From the ENT organs – laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, otitis, sinusitis. From the side of the central nervous system – encephalitis, meningitis. From the excretory system – glomerulonephritis.

The development of complications depends on the state of the body’s immunity, the age of the patient: children and the elderly, often ill people, are more vulnerable and more difficult to tolerate a respiratory infection.

Complications can be avoided if, at the first symptoms, you immediately seek medical help from a qualified general practitioner who will make a diagnosis and select the correct and individual treatment regimen.

“Acute respiratory viral infection is not as bad as its complications.”

PREVENTION OF ALL VIRAL RESPIRATORY DISEASES AND INFLUENZA escaped with a slight runny nose and cough? Why does someone lie for two weeks with antibiotics with difficulty recovering from complications, and someone – 3-4 days and in the ranks?

Of course, there are a number of factors that affect the frequency and depth of respiratory diseases.

Good immunity is a guarantee that all viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, even if they enter the body, will not cause illness. What should be done to keep the immune system in order?

• Proper nutrition – a healthy diet without fatty, fried, smoked canned foods.
• Healthy lifestyle – avoid smoking, alcohol and other bad habits.
• Compliance with the daily routine – night sleep up to 6-8 hours.
• No stress.

The number of viruses – the onset of the disease is strongly dependent on the number of pathogens that have entered the body. The more viruses that have entered the body, the more likely the onset of the disease is. To avoid this, first of all, contact with a sick person should be avoided, since transmission occurs by airborne droplets. Ventilate the room more often, especially during the period.

The team of the Healthy Motherland Medical Center wishes you and your loved ones to be healthy, have strong immunity and good mood!

Semendyaeva Larisa Dmitrievna Therapist, gastroenterologist of the highest category Experience 38 years 1_DSC_0075-300×272. png https://familyhealth.ua/doctors/semendyaeva-larisa-dmitrievna/ https://familyhealth.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pills-of-white-and-blue-color-fall-from-top-to-bottom-on-a-blue-background.jpg Helps soothe coughs from colds and flu. https://familyhealth.ua/content/spisok-sredstv-ot-kashlya/ LIST OF COUGH

Key differences between colds and flu

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Flu and colds : similarities, differences, treatment

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Flu and colds: similarities, differences, treatment

• 03

• 12 minutes

Author, editor and medical expert

Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Editor

Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna

Contents:

• Influenza and its features
• What is a cold
• The main symptoms of a cold
• Treatment of acute respiratory infections

symptoms. These include the flu and other infections commonly referred to as the common cold. How to distinguish them from each other and what to do to recover faster?

Influenza and its characteristics

Influenza is one of the acute respiratory viral diseases (ARVI), which is often isolated from the general group ⁷ . It is distinguished by a more severe course and a relatively high likelihood of complications. Of course, any acute respiratory viral infection can be severe and with complications, but this happens more often with influenza ¹ .

The structure of influenza is heterogeneous. Influenza A virus has a unique ability to mutate ⁶ . Having been ill with the disease caused by it, a person remains vulnerable to other subtypes of the virus and therefore can be re-infected ² . Influenza A often causes epidemics and pandemics, during which the infection affects up to 20% of the world’s population ^1.3 . The biggest pandemic was in 1918-1919 – it claimed about 40 million lives.

Influenza B and C viruses practically do not change, they circulate together with influenza A, but do not cause epidemics ² .

The source of infection is a sick person. And it does not matter at all whether he has flu symptoms or not. He can get sick with an erased form and at the same time be dangerous to others ¹ .

Infection most often occurs by airborne droplets, but the infection can also be transmitted through household items. Pathogens can remain viable in the environment for a long time: in indoor air – 2-9 hours, on paper, fabrics and other loose materials – up to 12 hours, on metal and plastic surfaces – up to 2 days ¹ .

Influenza symptoms in adults

Influenza has a short incubation period – from several hours to 1.5 days ² . The disease develops rapidly ¹ .

Signs of intoxication come to the fore with influenza:

• body temperature rises rapidly (up to 39–40 ° C), chills appear;
• headache aggravated by sudden sounds, bright lights, motion;
• eyeball pain, photophobia;
• aching muscles and joints ^{1 . 5.7} .

The patient’s face becomes puffy and red during fever, lips and visible mucous membranes become bluish, dilated blood vessels become visible on the whites of the eyes ^1,2,7 .

By the end of the first day after the onset of influenza symptoms of rhinitis appear: nasal congestion, itching and tickling in the nose, sneezing, liquid mucous discharge from the nasal passages. Damage to the mucous membrane of the pharynx is accompanied by sore throat and sore throat, coughing, typical of pharyngitis ^1.2 .

Influenza is characterized by the development of tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea), the manifestations of which are a feeling of congestion behind the sternum and a cough, initially dry, then wet with sputum ^1.2 .

Influenza viruses infect small blood vessels. They become brittle, due to which nosebleeds often occur, small point hemorrhages appear on the skin and mucous membranes ^1,2,7 .

On the part of the digestive system, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, frequent loose stools are possible ¹ .

Nervous system damage in mild cases of influenza in children and adults is limited to symptoms such as headache, lethargy or irritability, in severe cases, meningitis and meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and its membranes ^1,2,7 ).

The temperature during influenza lasts about 4 days, then quickly decreases and normalizes. At the same time, the reverse development of other symptoms is observed ^1.2 .

After influenza, 65% of adults still have signs of post-viral asthenia ^1.7 : weakness and bad mood, decreased performance and exercise tolerance, problems with concentration and memory.

Complications of influenza

Influenza can lead to diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous system, kidneys, digestive tract, organ of vision and others.

The most common respiratory complications are:

• acute bronchitis, or inflammation of the bronchi – 20-30%;
• croup (difficulty breathing, loud barking cough with a metallic tint) – up to 15%;
• acute otitis media, or inflammation of the middle ear: its symptoms are found in 35% of children with influenza;
• pneumonia, or inflammation of the lung tissue ¹ .

Also possible:

• heart failure of varying severity;
• myocarditis and pericarditis – inflammation of the muscle and membranes of the heart;
• viral encephalitis (encephalomyelitis), or inflammation of the lining of the brain;
• nephritis – inflammation of the kidneys;
• toxic shock;
• hemorrhagic shock ¹ .

Influenza can exacerbate the course of chronic diseases, so it is dangerous for patients with pathology of the heart, blood vessels, respiratory and nervous system. It is especially difficult for newborns, pregnant women and the elderly ¹ .

Do I need to see a doctor?

Always see a doctor if you have the flu. Only he can evaluate the clinical picture, prescribe the necessary therapy, identify developing complications in time and, if necessary, refer him to a hospital for treatment.

What is a cold?

In most cases, the causative agents of the disease are:

• Rhinoviruses/enteroviruses in 12-45% of cases;
• Parainfluenza viruses – 15-30%;
• Respiratory syncytial viruses – 10-30%;
• Coronaviruses – 3-13%;
• Adenoviruses – 2-4%.

As with influenza, the infectious process develops in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract ⁶ , but can then spread to the bronchi, bronchioles and lung tissue.

The main symptoms of a cold

The clinical picture of ARVI (cold) is largely similar, its nuances depend on the causative agent of the disease ² .

Rhinovirus infection

Rhinovirus infection “dominates” in the autumn-winter period. The incubation period lasts 2-3 days. Body temperature does not exceed 37.5 ⁰ C or remains normal. Typical manifestations: profuse liquid transparent foamy discharge from the nasal passages, itching and burning in the nose, causing bouts of sneezing, nasal congestion and decreased sense of smell ^1,4,5 . The flow of mucus into the nasopharynx and pharynx may cause coughing ⁵ .

The course of rhinovirus infection is mild, the total duration of the disease is 7-14 days.

Parainfluenza

The parainfluenza season usually begins in late winter and continues into early spring. The disease develops gradually. The temperature rarely rises above 38 ⁰ C, the symptoms of intoxication are also mild ^3.4

The parainfluenza virus affects the larynx. A cold is accompanied by symptoms of laryngitis: the appearance of a dry, rough, barking cough, hoarseness, pain in the neck ^1.2 .

Adenovirus infection

The favorite seasons of adenovirus are spring, summer and autumn. Intoxication can be quite strong, body temperature can rise to 38 ⁰ C and above. A typical symptom of a cold associated with adenoviruses is conjunctivitis. In addition, the virus infects the lymphoid tissue of the pharynx and causes the development of tonsillopharyngitis with its typical symptoms: sore throat and sore throat, aggravated by swallowing, and cough. The mucous membrane of the pharynx becomes red, the pharyngeal tonsils increase ^{1. 4} .

Other symptoms include swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes and liver, sometimes diarrhea ⁴ .

Respiratory syncytial virus infection

Respiratory syncytial infection is more common in the cold season. The clinical picture of the disease unfolds rather quickly ⁴ . Intoxication syndrome is poorly expressed. Body temperature does not exceed 37.5 ⁰ C ¹ and persists up to 2-7 days ² . The virus infects large and small bronchi, causing the development of bronchitis and bronchiolitis with their characteristic cough, wheezing and shortness of breath ^1.4 .

Other respiratory diseases

Acute respiratory diseases (ARI) can be caused by bacterial microflora: pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci, Haemophilus influenzae, mycoplasmas, chlamydia and other microorganisms ³ .

Bacterial complications may develop against the background of SARS. Hypothermia, exercise, stress and other factors that weaken the immune system, sometimes contribute to the activation of opportunistic microflora and the development of pneumonia ³ .

The possible development of bacterial complications is indicated by:

• no improvement in symptoms or worsening of the condition;
• high temperature persisting for more than 5 days;
• recurrence of body temperature after a period of normal temperature;
• onset of sweating and great weakness;
• change in cough and dyspnea;
• addition of new symptoms ⁷ .

According to statistics, every fourth case of bronchitis and every fifth pneumonia is the result of a chlamydial or mycoplasma infection. In young children, they often cause inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis) and the ear (otitis media) ³ .

Chlamydia can stay in the body for a long time without causing any acute symptoms. A long-lasting dry cough and swollen lymph nodes may be the only symptoms of acute respiratory infections in an adult or a child. Antibiotics traditionally used to treat bacterial pneumonia are ineffective and provide no relief, and X-ray shows bilateral pneumonia ³ .

Mycoplasma affects the upper and lower respiratory tract. The course of the disease is protracted, often with complications in the lungs (pleurisy), heart (myocarditis) and brain membranes (arachnoiditis) ³ .

When to see a doctor

Despite the apparent ease, you should not self-medicate and endure a cold on your feet. You still need to see a doctor, if only in order not to miss diseases that resemble SARS in their symptoms. Their treatment in adults and children will be fundamentally different from the treatment of viral infections.

Treatment of acute respiratory infections

Treatment of influenza, other acute respiratory viral infections and bacterial respiratory infections has common features and differences.

In all cases, you should stay at home, have as little contact with other family members as possible, use individual dishes and cutlery. It is necessary to ventilate the room more often, regularly carry out wet cleaning and disinfection of household items ¹ .

During the febrile period and for 3 days after the temperature has returned to normal, bed rest must be observed ¹ . This is especially important in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in children, who, with a decrease in the symptoms of intoxication, immediately return to normal physical activity, which cannot be done.

Drink plenty of fluids to reduce the symptoms of intoxication. Useful drinks from berries and fruits rich in vitamin C: lemon, rosehip, chokeberry, currant. The diet provides for a decrease in the calorie content of the diet in the first days of the disease, frequent small meals 6-7 times a day and the use of products in liquid and well-ground form ¹ .

Drug therapy

Drug treatment of acute respiratory infections includes etiotropic and symptomatic therapy. Etiotropic drugs act on pathogens. So, for flu symptoms, treatment includes antivirals ¹ . Bacterial respiratory infections are treated with antibiotics, taking into account the sensitivity of pathogens to them ³ . In ARVI, mainly symptomatic therapy is used ¹ .

Symptomatic treatment of acute respiratory infections involves the use of drugs:

• antipyretics that help to cope with fever ¹ ;
• anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory ¹ ;
• antitussives – to suppress dry cough ¹;
• mucolytic and expectorant, facilitating expectoration ¹ ;
• nasal vasoconstrictors (decongestants) – to facilitate nasal breathing ⁵ .

RINZA® for the symptomatic treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza

In the treatment of acute respiratory infections, combined preparations are widely used to combat several symptoms of the disease at the same time, such as RINZA®.

RINZA® tablets are intended for children over 15 years of age and adults. It contains paracetamol, phenylephrine, chlorphenamine and caffeine to help fight fever and headache, nasal congestion and runny nose at the same time ⁸ .

RINZASIP® with vitamin C in the form of powder for making hot drinks with lemon, orange and black currant flavor is intended for the symptomatic treatment of adults and children over 15 years of age. Due to the inclusion of ascorbic acid, it can help strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to infection ⁹ .

RINZASIP® for children over 6 years of age is available as a powder for preparing a drink with a raspberry flavor. In addition to paracetamol in children’s dosage and vitamin C, it contains a vasoconstrictor component – pheniramine maleate, the action of which is aimed at reducing mucosal edema and alleviating nasal congestion ¹⁰ .

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice.