What is the mode of transmission for H1N1 influenza (swine flu)? How does the virus spread from person to person? Get detailed answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Understanding the Mode of Transmission for H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

The human-to-human mode of transmission for the deadly swine flu virus is primarily through coughing or sneezing. When an infected person coughs or sneezes in the presence of uninfected individuals, the virus can be transmitted through the dispersed droplets. It is this rapid viral spread that has raised concerns among World Health Organization (WHO) officials, as a single infected person can potentially transmit the virus to hundreds of others.

Another possible mode of transmission is when an uninfected person touches any item or surface that has the virus on it. A single droplet, as small as 0.5 to 5 micrometers in diameter, or even a single virus particle, is enough to infect a person. A single sneeze can release over 40,000 such droplets, which can either remain airborne as aerosols or settle on nearby objects.

Survival and Persistence of the Swine Flu Virus

The avian influenza virus can survive indefinitely when frozen, and the H1N1 virus can persist on surfaces such as plastic or metal for one to two days, and on dry paper tissues for about fifteen minutes. However, the virus is quickly inactivated by heating to 56째C (133째F) for a minimum of 60 minutes, as well as by exposure to acidic environments (pH < 4).

An interesting study on the survival of influenza A viruses on banknotes found that they can survive in high concentrations for up to 3 days. Interestingly, the presence of respiratory mucus can significantly increase the virus’s survival time, up to 17 days.

Environmental Factors Influencing Virus Survival

The level of humidity and UV radiation can also influence the survival of the swine flu virus. Low humidity combined with a lack of sunlight, as is common during the winter months, can provide optimal conditions for the virus to survive longer, contributing to the higher prevalence of flu during the cold season.

Transmission in Livestock and Zoonotic Risks

Influenza is known to commonly occur in pigs, and the primary route of transmission among these animals is through direct contact between the infected and uninfected individuals. Pigs are often raised and transported in close proximity, increasing the risk of viral transmission. Direct touching or airborne transmission is also possible. Wild animals can also play a role in transmitting the disease between farms.

Individuals who work closely with poultry and swine, such as farm hands, are at an increased risk of acquiring a zoonotic infection. Veterinarians and those involved in meat processing are also at a lower, but still elevated, risk of exposure.

Importance of Surveillance and Vaccination

Continuous public health surveillance and vaccination against swine flu are paramount to protect these high-risk individuals and to prevent the further spread of the disease. By understanding the modes of transmission and the factors that influence virus survival, public health authorities can implement effective measures to mitigate the impact of a potential H1N1 influenza pandemic.

Key Takeaways

• The primary mode of transmission for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) is through coughing or sneezing, which can spread the virus-laden droplets to uninfected individuals.
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects can also lead to transmission, as the virus can persist on certain materials for several days.
• Environmental factors, such as humidity and UV radiation, can influence the survival of the swine flu virus, contributing to seasonal patterns of influenza outbreaks.
• Livestock, particularly pigs, play a significant role in the transmission of the virus, posing a zoonotic risk for individuals who work closely with these animals.
• Effective surveillance, vaccination, and public health measures are crucial to mitigate the spread of H1N1 influenza and protect vulnerable populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can the swine flu virus survive on surfaces?

The H1N1 virus can survive on plastic or metal surfaces for one to two days, and on dry paper tissues for about fifteen minutes. However, the virus is quickly inactivated by heat (56째C/133째F for at least 60 minutes) and acidic environments (pH < 4).

Can the swine flu virus be transmitted through contaminated banknotes?

Yes, studies have found that influenza A viruses, including the H1N1 virus, can survive in high concentrations on banknotes for up to 3 days. The presence of respiratory mucus can even increase the survival time of the virus to up to 17 days on these surfaces.

What environmental factors influence the survival of the swine flu virus?

The level of humidity and UV radiation can impact the survival of the H1N1 virus. Low humidity and lack of sunlight, common during the winter months, can provide optimal conditions for the virus to persist longer, contributing to the higher prevalence of flu during the cold season.

How do livestock and wild animals play a role in the transmission of swine flu?

Influenza is known to commonly occur in pigs, and the primary mode of transmission among these animals is through direct contact between the infected and uninfected individuals. Wild animals can also play a role in transmitting the disease between farms. Individuals who work closely with poultry and swine, such as farm hands, are at an increased risk of acquiring a zoonotic infection.

Why is continuous public health surveillance and vaccination important for swine flu?

Continuous public health surveillance and vaccination against swine flu are paramount to protect high-risk individuals, such as those working with livestock, and to prevent the further spread of the disease. By understanding the modes of transmission and the factors that influence virus survival, public health authorities can implement effective measures to mitigate the impact of a potential H1N1 influenza pandemic.

Swine Flu – Mode of Transmission

Written by Dr. Reeja Tharu, M.Phil.,Ph.D

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sunil Shroff, MBBS, MS, FRCS (UK), D. Urol (Lond)

Last Updated on Mar 17, 2023

Mode of Transmission

The human to human mode of transmission of the deadly swine flu virus is likely to occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes in the presence of uninfected people.

One infected person can transmit the virus to hundreds of people and it is this viral spread that is worrying the WHO officials. Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary- general, observed We are concerned that this virus could cause a new influenza pandemic. It could be mild in its effect or potentially be severe. We dont know which way it will go. Another possible mode of transmission is when an uninfected person touches any item that that has the virus on it.

A single droplet of 0.5 to 5 m in diameter or a single virus is enough to infect a person. A single sneeze releases over 40,000 droplets. The droplets can either remain as aerosol or settle on objects.

The avian influenza virus can survive indefinitely when frozen. The virus can survive for one to two days on surfaces such as plastic or metal and for about fifteen minutes on dry paper tissues but only five minutes on skin.

In the mucus secretions, it can survive longer. The virus is inactivated by heating to 56 C (133 F) for a minimum of 60 minutes and also by pouring acids (at pH

In an interesting study done on the survival of the human influenza viruses on banknotes that are dispensed in billions daily it was found that Influenza A viruses can survive in high concentrations for up to 3 days. The same inoculum in the presence of respiratory mucus showed a striking increase in survival time (up to 17 days). They concluded that the unexpected stability of influenza virus should be considered in the setting of pandemic preparedness.

Level of humidity and UV radiation can influence the survival of the virus. Low humidity combined with lack of sunlight (during winters) can be optimal for the virus to survive longer and this accounts for the higher prevalence of flu during winter months.

Influenza is known to occur commonly in pigs and the major route of transmission in these animals is also through direct contact between the infected and the uninfected animals. Pigs are raised and transported in close proximity and this increases the risk of transmission. Direct touching or transmission through air is also possible. Wild animals play a role in transmitting the disease between farms.

Farm hands who work with poultry and swine are at an increased risk of acquiring a zoonotic infection. The others at risk, albeit at a lower scale include veterinarians and those involved in meat processing.

Continuous public health surveillance and vaccination against swine flu are paramount to protect these people and to prevent the spread of the disease.

Published on May 18, 2009
Last Updated on Mar 17, 2023

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Swine flu: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

h2N1, sometimes known as swine flu, can affect both pigs and humans. It is a respiratory disease that results from an influenza A virus. It can cause flu-like symptoms, which may become severe in some people.

The influenza A variant subtype h2N1 is commonly the cause of swine flu in humans. It has similar genetic features to the h2N1 subtype of influenza virus that causes influenza in pigs.

Other main subtypes known to occur and cause influenza in pigs include h2N2 and h4N2. There have been infections in humans with these two variant subtypes as well.

In 2009, the h2N1 variant became widespread in humans for the first time.

Since 2009, the h2N1 virus has become one of the common viruses that circulate each flu season. Many people now have some immunity to the virus. As a result, experts are now less concerned about this type of swine flu than they were in 2009.

However, any time a virus affects humans from a different source, it is a concern. Scientists cannot always tell how a new virus will affect people, or how it will change over time.

Share on PinterestA person can help prevent the spread of swine flu by washing their hands regularly with soap and water.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu.

They include:

• body aches
• chills
• cough
• headache
• sore throat
• fever
• tiredness
• vomiting and diarrhea, less commonly

In severe cases, there may be respiratory failure and death, but this is rare. Most people’s symptoms are relatively mild.

However, young children, older people, pregnant women, and those with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk.

Find out more about flu here.

Scientists developed a vaccine to protect humans from h2N1 after the 2009 outbreak. Since then, protection against h2N1 has become part of the regular seasonal flu shot.

Every year, experts try to predict which flu virus strains are likely to circulate during the flu season, which usually peaks in winter. They prepare vaccines according to the types that are most likely to occur.

If experts predict that a certain strain of h2N1 could cause a pandemic, health authorities will recommend including a change to this component in the annual flu shot.

TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend an annual flu shot for everyone aged 6 months or older, barring certain rare exceptions. A doctor can advise on individual needs.

Steps for managing swine flu symptoms and preventing further infection include:

• using over-the-counter remedies
• washing hands regularly with soap and water
• getting plenty of sleep
• exercising often
• managing stress
• drinking liquids
• eating a balanced diet
• avoiding being close to someone with flu symptoms
• not touching surfaces that may have the virus

Anyone who has flu should stay home from work or school while symptoms last.

Doctors now consider h2N1 to be a flu strain that can occur in people and spread alongside seasonal flu viruses. A person can catch it if they are in close contact with someone who has h2N1.

People who work with swine may have a risk of contracting new types of flu or other diseases from animals. These are known as zoonotic diseases.

Risk factors

Some people have a higher risk of flu, including h2N1, or having severe symptoms or complications.

These individuals include:

• people aged over 65 years
• children under 5 years
• people with conditions, such as diabetes, HIV, or cancer
• pregnant women
• people with chronic lung disease, such as asthma
• people with chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
• anyone with a compromised immune system
• children with neurologic conditions

If a doctor suspects that a person may have h2N1 or another type of flu, they may recommend a test to confirm the diagnosis.

The rapid influenza diagnostic test can help identify swine flu. However, this test can vary in effectiveness and may show a negative result when a certain influenza virus strain is present.

More accurate tests are available in specialist laboratories.

Most people do not need more than a rapid flu test, as treatment will be the same, regardless of the test outcome.

If a person has flu, the following tips can help prevent further spread:

• Limit your contact with other people.
• Do not go to work or school while experiencing flu symptoms.
• Cover the mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If no tissue is handy, cover the mouth and nose with your hand or crooked arm.
• Put your used tissues in a trash can.
• Wash your hands and face regularly.
• Keep all surfaces that you touch clean.
• Follow all doctors’ instructions.

The annual flu shot can offer protection from various types of flu.

Those whose work or lifestyle brings them into contact with swine and other animals should:

• follow all health and safety precautions when handling animals
• ensure that swine have their relevant vaccinations
• call a vet if an animal appears sick
• avoid contact with pigs if they or other animals appear ill

Here are some more facts about swine flu:

Can I catch swine flu from pork?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that transmits through droplets in the air and on surfaces. It is not possible to catch if from eating properly cooked pork.

Could there be another pandemic?

Another pandemic of h2N1 swine flu is much less likely now, as people have developed some degree of immunity. Before the 2009–2010 pandemic, there was no evidence that h2N1 had infected humans.

Under the right conditions, however, a pandemic can occur if any novel virus moves from animals to humans.

The SARS-CoV-19 virus that causes COVID-19, the infection that first appeared in December 2019, is currently being monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO).

What does swine flu look like in pigs?

Symptoms in pigs include:

• fever
• depression
• coughing (barking)
• runny nose
• red and runny eyes
• breathing difficulty
• low appetite

Swine flu is common in pigs in the United States, but vaccines are available.

Modes of transmission and spread of influenza

The only source and spreader of influenza is a sick person. Diseases of healthy people always begin after contact with patients with influenza.

The causative agent of influenza is concentrated in the upper respiratory tract of the patient (nose, nasopharynx). When coughing and talking, the patient throws pathogens into the air along with tiny drops of saliva, sputum and mucus. Infected droplets can stay in the air for several hours. A healthy person who finds himself in a room where a flu patient coughs, inhales influenza pathogens along with the air. If such people do not have sufficient protective forces against the pathogen, the latter begins to multiply in the nose and throat. As a result, the disease develops and a new source of infection is created.

It is especially easy to get the flu when you have close, even short-term contact with a sick person who talks, sneezes, coughs, without turning away and not covering his nose and mouth with a handkerchief.

The greatest danger is posed by people who continue to go to work with the flu. Communication with them entails a wide spread of infection. It is possible to become infected, although more difficult, through objects that have come into contact with saliva or mucus from the patient’s nose (handkerchiefs, towels, dishes, books, toys).

Strict bed rest for the entire duration of the illness and full treatment at home under the supervision of a doctor until complete recovery is the best protection against the development of severe complications and a guarantee of a quick recovery. The most dangerous thing with the flu is to carry the disease on your feet and attend work during illness. Such a “hero” inevitably infects dozens of healthy people who find themselves next to him in a bus, tram, subway, and at work. It is these people, who flaunt their health, who go out into the cold and damp air, become victims of pneumonia, exacerbation of heart disease, inflammation of the brain.

Preventive measures

For a successful fight against influenza, it is far from indifferent to know how the virus behaves in the external environment, which, along with droplets of sputum and mucus, enters the air surrounding the patient. It turns out that it quickly dies under the influence of sunlight and normal room temperature, as well as weak solutions of a number of disinfectants. Drying out, the virus also loses its activity. All this is used from the neutralization of air in hospitals, hostels, residential and office premises. To do this, they are intensively ventilated and open wide access to sunlight. Floors and furniture are wiped with disinfectants.

During epidemic rises in the incidence, in order to neutralize the air from influenza pathogens in crowded places (at railway stations, in factories, etc.), they increase supply and exhaust ventilation, organize thorough ventilation of rooms and wet cleaning with the use of disinfectants, in cinemas increase the intervals between sessions for thorough ventilation. Restrict any mass events for children.

Of great importance is the increase in the general resistance of the population to influenza. The activity of the protective forces of a person is directly dependent on the general state of his health. The stronger the person, the easier it is to cope with any infection, including the flu. Therefore, everything that helps to strengthen the body helps in the fight against influenza. An important role is played by physical culture and the widespread use of the powerful natural forces of nature – air, water, sun. The point is not only that, thanks to physical education and hardening, all life processes are completed more fully and actively, and the body’s chances of fighting infection increase. Hardening teaches the body to better adapt to fluctuations in external temperature and not to catch a cold under the influence of hypothermia. After all, a cold increases the activity of various bacteria that accompany the flu. As you can see, hardening and physical culture prepare the body for a meeting with influenza infection, create greater resistance against the harmful effects of microorganisms.

To increase resistance to influenza, it is necessary to meet the body’s needs for vitamins, especially vitamin C. If this vitamin is supplied in sufficient doses with food, then metabolic processes proceed better, tissue nutrition increases, blood vessel walls become less permeable. All this reduces the harmful effects of the influenza virus. That is why in the cold months of the year, when influenza epidemics develop more often, it is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, and if they are deficient, take ascorbic acid or multivitamins.

All the activities of the organism are carried out rhythmically with a certain sequence. This is the guarantee of health. It is clear that following a reasonable daily routine increases the body’s resistance to influenza infection.

Minutes spent on daily physical exercises create a good mood and increased working tone for the whole day.

Daily walks in the fresh air, especially in the evening, strengthen sleep and the activity of the cardiovascular system. A categorical cessation of smoking is the best protection against serious diseases of the lungs, heart and blood vessels.

The only evidence-based effective method of preventing influenza is vaccination. Its benefits are obvious. First of all, this is the strict specificity of vaccines to the strains of the influenza virus that are most relevant in the season. Vaccination is more than 2 times higher than the effectiveness of non-specific means of prevention. It does not require significant material costs, since the vaccination is carried out once or twice (for children). Vaccines have been used for more than 50 years, during which time their safety and effectiveness have increased. All approved vaccines in the country undergo quality control.

Contraindications to immunization with influenza vaccines are: allergic reactions to chicken protein, reaction to the previous administration of the vaccine, immunodeficiency states, neoplasms. Therefore, before vaccination, a doctor’s examination is mandatory.

The influenza virus is constantly mutating, changing its properties, as a result of which influenza epidemics are repeated from year to year, and last year’s vaccine will not protect against the disease this year.

Can influenza be prevented?

According to the Office of Rospotrebnadzor for the Amur Region, on the 43rd week of 2016, the incidence rate of acute respiratory viral infections is 41% below the weekly epidemic threshold.

Of the ARVI cases, about 70% still falls on children under 17 years of age, among them the largest proportion are children attending preschool educational institutions and schoolchildren.

Viruses of non-influenza etiology (adeno-, RS-viruses, parainfluenza) circulate among the population, laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza have not been registered.

Influenza occupies a special place among contagious diseases. Influenza epidemics occur every year, usually during the cold season, and affect up to 15% of the world’s population. Influenza and SARS account for 95% of all infectious diseases in the world. Every year, up to 500 million people fall ill in the world, 2 million of whom die. In Russia, from 27.3 to 41.2 million cases of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections are registered annually.

The first mention of influenza was made many centuries ago by Hippocrates. The first documented pandemic (global epidemic) of influenza, which claimed many lives, occurred in 1580. The infamous “Spanish flu” occurred in 1918 – 1920 This most severe pandemic known has claimed more than 20 million lives and affected 20-40% of the world’s population. Death came quickly. A person could still be absolutely healthy in the morning, by noon he would fall ill and die by night.

The causative agent, the influenza virus, was discovered in 1931. It was first identified by British virologists in 1933. Influenza B virus was isolated three years later, and influenza C virus was isolated in 1947. Influenza A virus causes moderate to severe illness. It affects both humans and animals. It is influenza A viruses that are responsible for the emergence of pandemics and severe epidemics.

The main causes of recurring epidemics are: the unique ability of the virus – the causative agent of influenza to variability and ease of infection. Moreover, the influenza virus changes its properties so much each time that the body’s defenses, developed during the period of the previous influenza illness, turn out to be ineffective and the person remains defenseless in front of the familiar “stranger”.

It is the ability of the virus to variability that necessitates annual immunization against influenza. And it is precisely this circumstance that makes it difficult to systematically fight the flu. Influenza, as well as acute respiratory viral infections similar in clinical course, are the most common diseases.

The influenza virus is very easily transmitted. It has the most common route of infection transmission – airborne. The source of influenza infection is mainly a sick person. The influenza virus enters the air with droplets of saliva, mucus, when coughing, sneezing, and also during the conversation of the patient. An infected zone is formed around the patient with a maximum concentration of aerosol particles. The range of their dispersion usually does not exceed 2-3 m. A healthy person, being in a room with a sick person, inhales the influenza virus along with the air. You can also get infected through items that were used by the patient – handkerchiefs, towels, dishes, books, toys. You also need to know and remember that dirty hands can serve as a factor in the transmission of infection.

A person with influenza is contagious from the first day of illness until full recovery. This transmission mechanism is very active. It is estimated that every person with the flu infects at least five healthy people. From the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs of the disease, it takes from one to three days. The patient develops a severe headache, a sudden increase in body temperature, chills, profuse sweating, general malaise, weakness, aches in the joints of the extremities, lower back, muscle pain. There are unpleasant sensations in the nasopharynx – dryness of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and pharynx, sore throat, which culminate in a runny nose, dry cough, pain behind the sternum. But sometimes some symptoms may be absent.

In the case of mild (including erased) forms of influenza, body temperature remains normal or rises no higher than 38 ° C, symptoms of infectious toxicosis are mild or absent. The disease does not cause disability. People carry the disease “on their feet.” Such a flu is even more insidious, since the patient infects much more healthy people who find themselves with him at work, in public transport, etc. A more severe course of influenza is observed in patients suffering from chronic diseases (rheumatism, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the central nervous system, kidneys), as well as in children of early childhood and in the elderly. With the flu, the entire body is affected, its defenses are weakened, resistance is reduced, a wide road is opened for pathogenic microorganisms, therefore:

Influenza is dangerous with complications, of which the most serious are pneumonia, inflammation of the meninges. In addition, influenza exacerbates chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, kidneys, tuberculosis, etc.

Is it possible to prevent influenza?

Due to the high susceptibility of the population to influenza, it is important to actively immunize adults and children with influenza vaccines to develop specific anti-influenza immunity. Influenza vaccines are well tolerated by children and adults and form a high specific immunity against influenza. After vaccination, antibodies appear after 8-12 days, immunity lasts up to 12 months, including in the elderly.

The benefits and effectiveness of influenza vaccination are undeniable. Influenza vaccination prevents 70-90% of influenza in healthy people under 65 years of age and 30-70% reduces the likelihood of hospitalizations due to pneumonia and other complications of influenza in older people (over 65 years of age). If the disease does occur, then its course will be milder and less prolonged without the development of severe complications and deaths.

And don’t think that this is only the concern of medical professionals, as is often the case among the population. Your health and the health of your children largely depends on you. That’s just the vaccination campaign, which is held annually on the eve of the epidemic rise in the incidence of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections this year has almost ended. And you, due to your busyness, forgetfulness or carelessness, have not received a flu shot!

And what to do now, you ask?

In the first place, avoid contact with people who show signs of illness. Lead a healthy lifestyle (good sleep, balanced diet, physical activity). On the table, there must be vegetables (at least frozen), fruits, dairy products and meat. Secondly, be sure to rest, walk more often – you won’t catch the flu in the fresh air! But you need to dress according to the weather so as not to sweat and freeze, to avoid drafts. At any time of the year, it is important to do exercises in the morning.

But it is better to stop drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco – this will help you avoid not only flu and other acute respiratory viral infections, but also a number of other insidious diseases.

Traveling less by public transport, limiting attendance at entertainment and other mass events – this is where it is easy to pick up the virus.

It must be remembered that the infection is easily transmitted through dirty hands. The simplest hygienic rule is now more relevant than ever – during illness, when caring for the sick, coming from the street, you must wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Special observations have shown that hands come into contact with saliva up to 300 times a day. When shaking hands, through door handles, other objects, viruses pass to the hands of healthy people, and from there to their nose, eyes, mouth. So, at least for the period of epidemics, it is recommended to refuse handshakes.

Carry out wet cleaning, ventilation and humidification of the air in the room. To drive away the infection, an apartment or office should be aired several times a day for 10 minutes. This will reduce the concentration of viruses in the air by 85-90%.

Outside the home, the easiest and most reliable barrier to infection is a gauze bandage or mask. On the street, you can not wear a mask – here the probability of “picking up” the virus is minimal. The mask is needed in public transport and in crowded areas. And do not forget that it protects only for 2-3 hours, after which the mask should be changed to a fresh one.

It’s time to remember about vitamins!

Vitamins C, A and group B should be used most widely. The optimal ratio of them contains conventional preparations: Hexavit, Revit, Dakamevit, Undevit, other, more modern preparations containing the above mentioned vitamins. Take in age dosages 2-3 times a day after meals in the form of a course lasting 20-30 days. Eleutherococcus extract can also be taken as a drug that increases the body’s resistance in the form of 25-30 day courses: adults 20-30 drops per dose 2-3 times a day, children – 1-2 drops per year of life 2 times a day .

It can be advised to resort to seasonal and emergency non-specific disease prevention, namely to taking chemotherapy drugs (on the recommendation of a doctor).

Particular importance is given to the prevention of influenza in children’s institutions. It is necessary to carefully monitor the health of children in order to prevent a sick child from joining the team. In children’s institutions, schools, regular ventilation of the premises, disinfection of indoor air with bactericidal irradiators, daily wet cleaning of premises using solutions of permitted disinfectants are mandatory. At the first signs of illness in children, they should not visit children’s institutions, schools.

What to do if you have flu symptoms? Self-treatment at flu is unacceptable . It is the doctor who must make the diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment appropriate to your condition and age. It is necessary to strictly follow all the recommendations of the attending physician: take medicines in a timely manner and observe bed rest during illness, since the disease increases the load on the cardiovascular, immune and other body systems. It is unacceptable for sick children or parents of sick children to start taking antibiotics on their own (often unjustified), which not only does not prevent the development of bacterial complications in adults and children, but sometimes also contributes to the occurrence of allergic reactions, the transition of the disease to a chronic form, dysbacteriosis, the formation of resistant bacterial forms. By following your doctor’s recommendations, you will prevent complications and protect others from the possibility of getting the flu.

In order not to infect family members, the patient should be isolated in a separate room, and if there are no such conditions, the patient’s bed should be fenced off with a screen. Given that influenza pathogens are stable in the external environment and are easily destroyed under the influence of disinfectants and oxygen, the room must be regularly ventilated, wet cleaning should be carried out twice a day using disinfectant solutions. Tableware and tea utensils of the patient must be washed with hot water with baking soda or boiled. Boil underwear and bed linen in soapy water. Caregivers should wear four-layer gauze masks, which should be changed every 2-3 hours or ironed with a hot iron.

To provide first aid to the patient, before the doctor arrives, you can apply a heating pad to the legs if there is a chill, an ice pack to the forehead in case of severe headaches. Dryness and discomfort in the throat softens a warm drink, with a dry cough it is good to give warm milk with soda.