How long does flu typically last. What are the main symptoms of influenza. How can you differentiate between flu and COVID-19. What are the best ways to treat flu at home. When should you seek medical attention for flu symptoms.

Understanding the Duration and Impact of Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects millions of people worldwide each year. As we navigate through the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the typical duration and impact of the flu has become increasingly important.

The flu season has returned with significant force after a period of reduced activity during the height of the pandemic. Dr. Matthew Ellman, a primary care physician at Yale Medicine, notes, “We are seeing a lot of flu cases as people spend more time gathering, traveling, and congregating indoors due to the colder weather. There is a rise in all respiratory infections, but especially flu.”

How long does the flu typically last?

The duration of the flu can vary from person to person, but typically:

• Symptoms begin 1-4 days after exposure to the virus
• Most people experience symptoms for 3-7 days
• Some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems, may have symptoms for up to two weeks
• Fatigue and weakness can persist for several weeks after other symptoms subside

Recognizing Flu Symptoms and Differentiating from COVID-19

While flu symptoms remain relatively consistent year to year, the emergence of COVID-19 and its variants has made it more challenging to distinguish between the two illnesses. Dr. Ellman explains, “COVID-19 is a moving target right now, at least among the vaccinated patients I’m seeing. Lately, people with COVID have been experiencing cold-like symptoms, including sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and some fever.”

What are the main symptoms of influenza?

The most common flu symptoms include:

• Rapid onset of illness
• Fever (100-104°F or 37.8-40°C)
• Muscle aches and pains
• Non-productive cough
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose

It’s important to note that older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems may not always develop a fever when infected with the flu.

The Importance of Testing and Diagnosis

Given the similarity in symptoms between flu and COVID-19, testing plays a crucial role in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Dr. Thomas Murray, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, advises, “Since home rapid COVID-19 tests are readily available, it’s a good idea to test for it first when you have any symptoms associated with a virus.”

Should you get tested for both flu and COVID-19?

While testing for COVID-19 is easily accessible through home rapid tests, it’s important to remember that a negative result doesn’t necessarily rule out other illnesses. Dr. Murray cautions, “A negative rapid COVID doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. You could have COVID-19 and it’s not yet showing up on the test, or you could have flu or another illness.”

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination test that checks for both flu and COVID-19. This is particularly useful if you’re at high risk for complications from either illness or if you’ve had known exposure to someone with confirmed flu or COVID-19.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Influenza

For most healthy individuals, home care is the primary approach to managing flu symptoms. However, certain high-risk groups may benefit from antiviral treatments to reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

What are the best ways to treat flu at home?

For most people, the following home remedies can help alleviate flu symptoms:

1. Get plenty of rest to allow your body to fight the infection
2. Stay hydrated by drinking water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever and alleviate muscle aches
4. Use a humidifier to ease congestion and coughing
5. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, which can weaken your immune system

When are antiviral medications recommended for flu treatment?

Antiviral medications may be prescribed for individuals at high risk of complications from flu, including:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Young children, especially those under 2 years old
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

These medications are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset and can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.

Preventing the Spread of Influenza

As we continue to navigate the challenges of multiple respiratory illnesses circulating simultaneously, taking preventive measures is crucial to protect ourselves and others from the flu.

How can you reduce your risk of getting or spreading the flu?

To minimize the spread of influenza:

• Get vaccinated annually against the flu
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Stay home when you’re sick to avoid infecting others
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your immune system
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded public spaces during flu season

Dr. Murray emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination: “It’s important to remember that flu is a disease that kills thousands of people every year. While the flu vaccine might not keep everyone from getting flu, it will help prevent its spread and help keep people out of the hospital.”

When to Seek Medical Attention for Flu Symptoms

While most cases of flu can be managed at home, certain symptoms or circumstances warrant immediate medical attention.

When should you seek medical care for flu symptoms?

Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you experience:

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

These symptoms may indicate complications from the flu that require prompt medical intervention.

The Impact of Flu on Different Age Groups

The flu can affect people of all ages, but certain groups are more vulnerable to severe complications. Understanding how the flu impacts different age groups can help in tailoring prevention and treatment strategies.

How does the flu affect children differently from adults?

Children, especially those under 5 years old, are at higher risk for flu-related complications. They may experience:

• Higher fever than adults
• More severe gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Increased risk of febrile seizures
• Higher likelihood of developing ear infections or pneumonia

Parents should monitor their children closely and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.

What unique challenges does the flu pose for older adults?

Adults aged 65 and older face increased risks from flu due to:

• Weakened immune systems that make it harder to fight off infections
• Higher likelihood of having chronic health conditions that can be exacerbated by flu
• Increased risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia
• Potential for more subtle symptoms, making early detection challenging

Regular check-ins with healthcare providers and early intervention are crucial for this age group.

Long-term Effects and Complications of Influenza

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

What are potential long-term effects of severe flu infections?

In some cases, severe flu infections can lead to:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness lasting several weeks or months
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke in the weeks following infection
• Exacerbation of chronic health conditions like asthma or heart disease
• Rare neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Post-viral syndrome, characterized by lingering fatigue and other symptoms

Monitoring your recovery and following up with your healthcare provider can help address any persistent or new symptoms that develop after a flu infection.

Can you get the flu twice in one season?

While uncommon, it is possible to contract the flu more than once in a single season. This can occur due to:

• Infection with different strains of the influenza virus
• Weakened immune system following the initial infection
• Incomplete recovery from the first bout of flu
• Exposure to a new strain not covered by the seasonal vaccine

Maintaining good health practices and getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of multiple flu infections.

The Role of Flu Vaccines in Prevention and Symptom Reduction

Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in preventing flu infections and reducing the severity of symptoms if infection occurs. Dr. Murray notes, “This year’s flu vaccine appears to be a good match to the circulating strains.”

How effective are flu vaccines in preventing infection?

The effectiveness of flu vaccines can vary from year to year, but generally:

• Vaccines reduce the risk of flu illness by 40-60% among the overall population
• Even when not preventing infection entirely, vaccines can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and risk of complications
• Vaccination helps protect vulnerable populations through herd immunity
• Annual vaccination is recommended due to the evolving nature of flu viruses

Getting vaccinated not only protects individuals but also helps reduce the strain on healthcare systems during peak flu seasons.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

Optimal timing for flu vaccination:

• Ideally, get vaccinated by the end of October
• Vaccines can be effective even if received later in the flu season
• It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop
• Children who need two doses should start the vaccination process earlier

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best timing for your flu shot based on your individual circumstances.

Navigating Flu Season Amidst Ongoing Pandemic Concerns

As we continue to deal with the challenges of COVID-19, managing flu season requires a balanced approach to prevention, testing, and treatment.

How has the pandemic affected flu prevention and treatment strategies?

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced flu management in several ways:

• Increased awareness of respiratory hygiene practices
• Wider adoption of mask-wearing during flu season
• Enhanced testing capabilities for multiple respiratory viruses
• Greater emphasis on staying home when experiencing symptoms
• Renewed focus on the importance of vaccination against preventable illnesses

These adaptations have potential long-term benefits for managing both flu and other respiratory infections.

What lessons from the pandemic can be applied to future flu seasons?

Key takeaways from the pandemic that can improve flu management:

1. Importance of early detection and isolation of infected individuals
2. Value of flexible work and school policies to accommodate illness
3. Benefits of telemedicine for initial symptom assessment
4. Significance of clear public health communication
5. Necessity of robust vaccination programs and public education

Applying these lessons can help create more resilient healthcare systems and communities better equipped to handle future flu seasons and potential pandemics.

Here’s How To Get Through It > News > Yale Medicine

Four years ago, a sudden fever, sore throat, and body aches typically pointed toward one common—and unwelcome—seasonal illness: the flu.

But with the COVID-19 pandemic and all its associated precautions, including masking and staying home, influenza activity was down significantly in 2020 and 2021 compared to previous years. But now, the flu is back—with a vengeance.

“We are seeing a lot of flu cases as people spend more time gathering, traveling, and congregating indoors due to the colder weather. There is a rise in all respiratory infections, but especially flu,” says Matthew Ellman, MD, a Yale Medicine primary care physician and director of Yale Medicine Internal Medicine Associates.

In fact, the theoretical “tripledemic,” which describes a combination of flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases occurring at the same time, is more of a “twindemic,” with COVID and flu cases spiking and RSV numbers steadily declining in children, he adds.

One good piece of news is that this year’s flu vaccine appears to be a good match to the circulating strains, says Thomas Murray, MD, PhD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist.

“It’s important to remember that flu is a disease that kills thousands of people every year,” Dr. Murray says. “While the flu vaccine might not keep everyone from getting flu, it will help prevent its spread and help keep people out of the hospital. And because the health care system is stretched right now, that’s really what is needed. If more people are protected from flu and therefore stay out of the hospital, it frees up resources to better care for anyone who comes in with any problem.”

We talked more with Drs. Ellman and Murray about all things flu—from distinguishing it from COVID-19 to treatment to whether you can get it twice in one season.

Can you tell flu and COVID-19 apart?

While the most common flu symptoms remain the same year to year, COVID-19 and its evolving variants have created more of a puzzle when it comes to differentiating it from other illnesses.

“COVID-19 is a moving target right now, at least among the vaccinated patients I’m seeing. Lately, people with COVID have been experiencing cold-like symptoms, including sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and some fever,” Dr. Ellman says.

For the most part, flu is notable for its rapid onset and symptoms such as a fever of 100 to 104 degrees, muscle pains, and a non-productive cough, he says. “But it’s important to note that older people and those with issues with their immune system might not get a fever, and I’m also seeing some people with fatigue, sore throat, stuffy nose, and headache,” Dr. Ellman adds.

Dr. Murray agrees that it can be “very difficult” to differentiate among possible reasons a person is ill, including flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses. “Sudden onset of symptoms, in general, is more likely to be flu, but it’s certainly not a guarantee,” he says.

Should you get tested for flu and COVID?

Since home rapid COVID-19 tests are readily available, it’s a good idea to test for it first when you have any symptoms associated with a virus, doctors say. However, a negative rapid COVID doesn’t mean you’re in the clear, Dr. Murray cautions.

That’s because you could have COVID-19 and it’s not yet showing up on the test (rapid tests are not as “sensitive” as PCR tests), or you could have flu or another illness. “Therefore, it’s best to stay home when you have any symptoms that could be flu or COVID-19. And if you go out in public, wear a mask,” Dr. Murray says.

Another option is to see if your doctor can order a test, which is often performed at a testing site, that looks for both flu and COVID-19. But if a test is not easily available or if you know you were exposed to flu and/or COVID, it’s also fine for people who are otherwise in good health to stay home and skip the test.

However, if you are considered “high risk” for complications from either illness, you may want a test to confirm it; you may be eligible for antiviral treatments (more on those below).

Dr. Murray gives the following example of when a test is unnecessary: “If someone in your house has flu and two days later you have a fever, muscle aches, and chills, I don’t think you need a test. You’ve got flu,” he says. “But if you don’t have a known exposure, or you went to a party, and it’s unclear if people there had COVID, flu, or anything else, then if you really want to know, you should test.”

How do you treat flu?

For most healthy children and adults, home care is the best way to treat flu. This includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and, if needed, taking over-the-counter medications to lower fevers or reduce muscle pain.

But for those at risk of severe disease or complications from flu, an antiviral treatment is recommended. And the list of qualifications for risk of significant illness is quite long, notes Dr. Ellman. “This includes anyone over age 65, children under age 2, pregnant women or women who have delivered a baby within two weeks, people in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and those with chronic asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and more,” he says.

The first antiviral treatment recommended for children and adults is typically oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu). The medication, which comes in pill and liquid form, is taken twice a day for five days and should be started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

It’s important to know that antiviral medications take a little time to work. “They will shorten the course of illness by a couple of days, and the earlier you take it, the better,” Dr. Murray says.

There are also other antiviral treatments for children and adults, Dr. Murray notes. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) provides information on them here, as well as a complete list of conditions that make people more susceptible to developing serious complications from the flu.

Tamiflu side effects, which include nausea and vomiting, are rare in adults, Dr. Ellman says, but children are more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms. In rare cases, some children also experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, Dr. Murray says. These can include delirium, delusions, tremors, and anxiety symptoms, among others, so they must be monitored for changes in behavior while on the drug.

“If a child is hospitalized or if they have underlying problems that put them at high risk for being admitted to the hospital or having a serious illness, we would treat them with antivirals because the potential benefits outweigh the adverse effects,” says Dr. Murray. “But with children who are otherwise healthy, parents have to decide if the benefits are worth the side effects that come with antiviral treatment.”

The other value of antiviral flu treatments, Dr. Murray says, is that they can be used prophylactically with high-risk close contacts. “If you have a household member who has an immune problem, cancer, or a lung problem and they’re at a very high risk for being hospitalized from flu, then you can give these medicines to prevent influenza once they’ve been exposed to a close contact,” he says.

When should you seek medical attention?

Most people who get the flu will recover within a few days to about two weeks, but there are risks of complications, including pneumonia.

For children, Dr. Murray says parents should look out for breathing trouble and dehydration (low urine output, including few to no wet diapers in babies). “If you have any concerns, call your pediatrician,” he says. “And if a child who has flu starts to feel better and then suddenly gets worse, call your provider right away because sometimes they can have a bacterial infection after influenza.”

Is there an amoxicillin shortage?

Many bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment. Unfortunately, there have been reported shortages of amoxicillin, a common medication. But medical experts stress that while this has been the case on and off, other antibiotics are available that can be used to treat ear infections, pneumonia, and other issues.

Can you get flu twice in one season?

During flu season, multiple strains—flu A and B—circulate. After infection with one strain, you should have immunity from that strain for the rest of the flu season. However, you could get infected with a different strain, Dr. Murray points out.

“The surge we’re seeing now is with flu A­; we have not had any flu B yet, but it tends to come later in the season,” says Dr. Murray. “So, you can get flu A now, and then potentially, in a couple of months, you could get flu B. The vaccine contains strains for both flu A and B, so it’s important to get vaccinated even if you’ve already had the flu this season.”

Should older adults get a different type of flu shot?

This flu season, the CDC recommends that people 65 and older who have not yet gotten their flu vaccine try to find a specially formulated one because they are more at risk for serious illness. There are three types: Fluzone high-dose quadrivalent vaccine, Fluad quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine, and Flublok quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine.

According to the CDC, the recommendation was based on a review of studies suggesting that, for this age group, these vaccines are potentially more effective than standard flu vaccines. Of the three recommended for older adults, Fluzone carries the most evidence of superior efficacy over the standard flu vaccine, according to the CDC. A 2014 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed Fluzone to be 24% more effective at flu prevention in people 65 and older than the standard vaccine.

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When to Get Medical Help for Flu Symptoms

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When to Get Medical Help for Flu Symptoms (PDF)

On this page:
What are the symptoms of influenza?
What should I do if I get sick?
Seek medical care for people at high-risk
Get medical help immediately for these symptoms
Who should take antiviral drugs?
When should I go to the emergency room?
How long should I stay home if I’m sick?
Don’t wait to get sick

What are the symptoms of influenza?

You may have influenza (flu) if you have some or all of these symptoms:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• very tired
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting (most common in young children or the elderly)

What should I do if I get sick?

Most people are sick with the flu for 3-5 days and get better on their own. People without high-risk conditions that aren’t very sick usually don’t need to seek medical help, but should:

• Stay home. Avoid contact with other people as much as you can to keep from spreading your illness to others.
• Rest and drink lots of fluids.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands often – with soap and water, or a hand sanitizer.
• If necessary, take medicine to reduce fever.
• Watch for symptoms of more serious illness. (see below)

Call your health care provider if you or a family member has symptoms you are concerned about, such as a very high fever.

Seek medical care for people at high-risk

Some people are at high risk of getting very sick from flu. The following people should call their health care provider as soon as symptoms of flu develop:

• Is pregnant or within the last two weeks of delivery
• Is a child under 2 years of age
• Has neurologic or neuromuscular disorder, asthma or chronic lung diseases like COPD or cystic fibrosis, heart disease (except high blood pressure), liver or kidney disease, a blood disorder (such as sickle cell disease), metabolic or endocrine disorders (such as diabetes), severely obese, weakened immune system due to disease or medicines (including HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, on long term steroids, or anti-rejection drugs for transplants)
• Is 65 or older

Health care providers will determine whether flu testing and possible treatment are needed. Your health care provider may prescribe antiviral drugs that can treat the flu. These drugs work better when they are started soon after symptoms develop.

Get medical help immediately for these symptoms

Infants and Children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not urinating or no tears when crying
• Severe or repeated vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Pain or pressure in chest or belly
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms that get better but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

Adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or belly
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or repeated vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that get better but then return with fever and worse cough
• Severe dehydration

Who should take antiviral drugs?

Most healthy people who get the flu do not need antiviral drug treatment.

It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat people who are very sick with the flu (for example people who are in the hospital) and those with high-risk factors that increase their chance of serious complications from the flu.

When should I go to the emergency room?

If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. You should only go to the emergency room if you need to seek immediate medical care.

How long should I stay home if I’m sick?

Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

Don’t wait to get sick

Vaccination increases your odds of preventing the flu – get vaccinated!

How long the flu is contagious and the first signs of the disease

According to the World Health Organization, about 1 billion people in the world become infected with the flu every year. The peak of activity of this severe viral infection occurs in autumn and winter. Due to the possible severe course of the disease, influenza is especially distinguished from other acute respiratory viral infections.

Influenza symptoms

The severity of the symptoms and how long the flu lasts depends on the person’s health and age. The disease is more difficult for children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and chronic diseases.

The main difference between influenza is an acute onset: the temperature rises sharply (up to 38-39.5 degrees), but on the first day there are no catarrhal phenomena. There are signs of infectious intoxication:

On the second or third day, cough, chest pain, runny nose may appear. In the absence of complications, the fever lasts 2-4 days, and the person recovers in 7-10 days.

How long flu is contagious

The virus spreads rapidly through the air. The incubation period is several days, during which a person already becomes contagious – before the first signs appear, and then another 5 days (for adults) or up to 7 days (for young children).

Prevention of influenza

Doctors recommend the following measures to prevent influenza infection:

• strengthening immunity

• regular and thorough hand hygiene

• 900 02 ventilation of premises

• vaccination – according to indications

For reinforcement The body’s defenses are important to a healthy lifestyle with a sufficient level of physical activity and a balanced diet, as well as taking vitamins.

Vitamins for the prevention of influenza

First of all, you need to pay attention to the 3 main trace elements with immunostimulating properties: vitamin C, vitamin D and Omega-3.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble micronutrient that our body cannot synthesize on its own, so it must be obtained from food. Participates in many important processes and performs the following actions:

• increases the activity of natural killer cells – a special type of lymphocytes that are responsible for human innate immunity

• strengthens cell membranes and prevents the penetration of viruses

• neutralizes free radicals that can damage cells and cause the development of various diseases, as well as premature aging

• reduces the duration of viral infections

Vitamin D is produced in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet light. Due to insufficient sun exposure, many people are deficient in this vitamin, so doctors recommend taking it extra. The main task of vitamin D is to promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, but its benefits in other areas have also been proven:

• strengthening immunity, reducing the risk of developing infectious diseases0004

• Improvement of physical endurance

• Maintaining health of the cardiovascular system

omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are indispensable and should be present in the human diet. They are contained in cell membranes, regulate metabolism, and also:

• activate the immune system

• provide an antioxidant effect

• help maintain tone, energy and good mood

You can purchase premium quality vitamins and Omega-3 on the NFO website.

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ways of transmission, signs, prevention – MBUZ City polyclinic 12 Krasnodar

Millions of people every year fall ill with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI or, as they say, ARI). These infections affect up to 80% of the population every year. The most severe forms of influenza and acute respiratory infections are observed, first of all, in the elderly and children under one year old. These infections cause enormous damage to public health and sometimes lead to serious complications. Hundreds of people die every year from the flu and its complications.

Due to the high level of antigenic variability in circulating viruses, immunity to viruses that circulate in the current year may not be effective against viruses that begin to circulate next. Annual epidemic outbreaks of influenza are explained precisely by the high level of variability of the virus.

Ways of transmission

During sneezing, as well as when coughing, the smallest particles of saliva and sputum fly out of the mouth of a sick person, in which viruses are contained in huge quantities. Therefore, the main mechanism for the transmission of influenza and SARS is called – airborne. Another mechanism of respiratory infection transmission is contact. It has long remained unproven and less obvious than airborne. However, it plays an equally, and perhaps even greater role in the spread of colds. It happens like this. As a rule, a person who sneezes or coughs covers his mouth with his hand, hoping to prevent the spread of infection by airborne droplets. At the same time, he does not suspect how much it simplifies the transmission of his infection by contact. The fact is that the entire colossal mass of microbes that was supposed to go out into the open space settles on the hand of a sneezing or coughing person. Which safely carries it to household items, including those that other people touch. Or he carries it on the hands of friends, colleagues and acquaintances with handshakes. Those, in turn, only have to touch their mouth, nose, or wipe their eyes, which are also lined with mucosa susceptible to SARS, and the complex airborne transmission route is reduced tenfold for the virus in time and complexity. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands and avoid touching your own face with your hands during outbreaks of respiratory infections.

To this it should be added that the causative agents of ARVI are quite stable in the external environment. Thus, the influenza virus can remain viable outside the body for up to 3 weeks. Therefore, infection can occur even after a considerable time after contact of a sick person with household items, children’s toys, dishes, door handles of public institutions, etc. On the other hand, for the successful introduction of the virus into the body, another factor is important – the number of viral particles that enter the body. The smaller it is, the less likely it is that the protective barriers of the body will be overcome and a disease will occur. A high concentration of viruses can persist indoors, especially with large crowds of people: offices, schools, kindergartens, public transport, shops. On the contrary, in the open air it is almost impossible to meet a sufficient number of microbial particles for infection. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, even during a seasonal outbreak of SARS, it is absolutely not dangerous to walk outdoors . It is much more important what transport you use to get to the place of walking or work.

Signs of the disease, principles of treatment

After the pathogen has entered the body, it takes time for it to overcome the protective barriers of the body and begin to multiply in sufficient quantities, exerting its effect on the body. This time is called the incubation period. For SARS, the duration of the incubation period ranges from several hours to 3 days, on average 2 days, and depends on the aggressiveness of the virus, the number of viral particles and the state of the protective forces of the respiratory system.

Further, the clinical picture of ARVI begins to gradually develop. It can be divided into 2 syndromes – catarrhal and intoxication. Catarrhal syndrome is the result of damage to the mucous membranes and manifests itself as follows: dryness, sore throat and sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, voice change, redness of the conjunctiva, lacrimation, sometimes – photophobia.

Intoxication syndrome, as a rule, appears later than catarrhal and disappears before it, but nevertheless is more severe. The reproduction of viruses inside cells is accompanied by the formation of toxins dangerous to humans. The destruction of infected cells leads to the entry of these substances into the blood, which cause a picture of an intoxication syndrome. It manifests itself: fever, chills, pain in the joints and muscles, in more severe cases – nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

Viral infections of the respiratory tract are characterized by light, transparent discharge with low viscosity (specialists call them serous). By the end of the disease, they may become yellowish. If the discharge from the nose or bronchi becomes thick, their number increases sharply, and the color becomes dark yellow, this may indicate the addition of a bacterial infection.

Despite the wide variety of symptoms, for most people SARS, including influenza, is a mild illness. They pose a danger to people with severe concomitant diseases: diabetes mellitus, heart failure, chronic renal failure, tuberculosis and others.

Any infection is a conflict between the human body and a pathogen. Each such conflict at the same time requires the closest attention to itself. Seeing a doctor is mandatory, it will help to make a timely diagnosis and determine adequate treatment. Antibiotics that successfully treat bacterial infections are ineffective for treating SARS. They have completely different mechanisms of action that cannot affect viruses in any way. The only case when the use of antibiotics is justified is the addition of a bacterial infection. The doctor prescribes antiviral drugs, of which many are currently developed and they are selected individually. Perhaps the appointment of vitamins, detoxification and symptomatic therapy.

Prophylaxis

To prevent the spread of infection, should, if possible, protect the patient from contact with others. In order to reduce the release of viruses when sneezing, you can use the mask by putting it on the patient. In order for the mask to perform its protective function, it must cover both the mouth and the nose. Only in this case, it will retain droplets of liquid that fly out when sneezing, talking and coughing.