Cold season. Prevention of SARS and ARS

Frost and sun, wonderful day .. or not? The cold season can be filled with magical moments, but a cold or flu can easily ruin both workdays and a long-awaited vacation with your family. How to protect yourself and loved ones from the flu and SARS? Now we'll tell you everything.

Colds are gaining strength at the beginning of winter and can ruin both New Year's holidays and all vacations. To maintain health, strength and good mood for loved ones, it is worthwhile to prevent influenza and SARS. Viral diseases and common colds can be prevented if the necessary preventive measures are taken. Agree, prevention of disease is better than cure.

If you are going to defeat the disease, you need to get to know your opponent well. There are quite a lot of seasonal viral diseases, but often all of them, without understanding, are called with one word “cold”. How is influenza different from SARS? The simplest answer would be “everything”, but we are not looking for easy ways.

Let's start with terminology- “flu” is translated from French as “grab, scratch”, and if you have ever experienced this disease, you understand why it got such a name. In general, influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections are diseases that are initially caused by different viruses and differ in both symptoms and the course of the disease.

There are over 200 viruses that cause colds.
We will answer the most common questions about the differences between these diseases.

How is the flu different from a cold?

Cold- a household name that denotes any ailment caused by viruses or ordinary hypothermia. With the flu, all these ailments have in common a number of common symptoms, but the very course of the disease will not allow you to confuse the flu with a cold. Even in a healthy person with a strong immune system, influenza occurs with symptoms of intoxication - aching joints, pain in the eyeballs, may be accompanied by nausea and chills, this disease is also characterized by temperature fluctuations, which stays above the norm from 2 days to a week, and a strong headache.

If the body is weakened or the immune system is unstable, as is the case in children, the elderly and pregnant women, the flu is more severe, can cause convulsions and lead to pneumonia (pneumonia) or other respiratory diseases, so they are most vulnerable during epidemics.

At the beginning of the course of the disease, influenza is characterized by a dry cough, but if complications occur, sputum may appear, as with bronchitis. Colds pass faster and do not require a long recovery, while after the flu, a long recovery period is required with dizziness and blood pressure drops.

What is the difference between ARI and SARS?

ARI and SARS- abbreviations that are often confused, which is not surprising - these groups of diseases are almost identical. ORZ stands for acute respiratory disease, and ARVI stands for acute respiratory viral infection. Thus, the main difference between them is the viral nature, acute respiratory infections can be limited to one patient, and SARS has the ability to be transmitted.

Thus, influenza viruses are included in the concept of SARS, and before an accurate diagnosis is established, definitions specific infection, which appeared in the human body - the first diagnosis in patients is precisely these four letters.

Usually, colds occur in the off-season, and often we wonder how not to get a cold in the fall, but the most dangerous flu epidemics are in the winter-spring period, especially often outbreaks of the disease occur in February and March. If you care about your health, then it is worth preventing a cold for early stage or avoid it altogether with preventive measures.

First of all, general measures to maintain immunity are relevant - quality food, multivitamins, charging. To prevent the onset of a cold at an early stage, it is enough to follow basic precautions:

avoid hypothermia, especially freezing of the legs and nose, since a weakened body can become infected faster;
try to avoid contact with patients;
wash everything regularly who get into public places with you, especially during epidemics, including outerwear, since viruses can be stored in it for a long time;
if you have a runny nose, use disposable handkerchiefs, so as not to become a “mobile home” of a bacterial colony;
during epidemics or if you yourself have caught the virus and have to be on the street or in a public place, you need to wear a sterile medical mask, and change masks at least once every 4 hours.

Also, when answering the question of how to prevent the disease, you need to remember the rules of hygiene when visiting public places - be sure clean hands and face after visiting public transport and public places.

If the disease has already affected your household, you should think about how not to get ARVI from a patient, since often the disease can capture everyone living in the house in a circle. If there is a sick person with SARS or flu in the house, then after contact with him, you should be especially careful in hygiene. In a room with a patient, you need to regularly ventilate, this will benefit both the sick person and healthy household members.

Through ventilation is most effective, but it can adversely affect the patient's condition. To update the air in the room without, it is better to use it - it will supply fresh air to the room in a timely manner without the street cold, as well as dirt, dust and allergens due to several filtration stages.

During epidemics, ordinary precautions may not be enough, and it is worth including “heavy artillery” in the form folk remedies and medical preparations.

Before highlighting folk remedies for flu and colds, we remind you that the treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a qualified doctor, and these methods can only be used as prevention, self-medication can be dangerous to health.

The most common folk remedies include:

Garlic

If eating garlic is not possible for any reason, inhalation can be done: grate a few cloves of garlic and half a small head of onion and breathe over the mixture.

vitamins

Winter and the beginning of spring are often accompanied by a massive one - if the body is deficient in vitamins, then it is more difficult for it to resist diseases. Therefore, most of the popular methods of preventing influenza are taken by vitamins - they are replenished through the use of honey, berry fruit drinks, cranberries and lingonberries are especially effective, herbal decoctions, wild rose, aloe and other plants. In addition, it is recommended to consume lemons and ascorbic acid - at least 500 mg per day - and drink more fluids.

Inhalations

At an early stage of colds, the first “swallow” is a runny nose. Inhalation can be done with essential oils. To do this, 500 ml of water is heated in a small saucepan to a boil, after which oil is added to the water - usually eucalyptus or mint - and the fragrant steam is breathed under a towel for 10-15 minutes. Also for inhalation, you can use decoctions of sage, oregano, lavender or other herbs, as well as steam of freshly boiled potatoes. Such “breathing” slightly reduces the risk of catching an infection, but helps to restore the nasal mucosa and get rid of a runny nose.

Folk remedies have their pros and cons. Their advantages include:

availability: both recipes and ingredients are easy to find in any store at low prices;
minimal amount side effects: even if the chosen remedy does not help prevent the disease, there will be no harm from it either;
no contraindications they can be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding;
they are universal, as they support immunity in general, and are not aimed at a specific virus.

The disadvantages of folk remedies include low efficiency- in order for them to have an effect, you need to practice them constantly. Such prevention is more a way of life than a set of measures.

Prevention of influenza and ARVI, the drugs for which you find in a pharmacy, is more effective than folk methods. Medicines work effectively if they are used according to the instructions. Today, there are many drugs to prevent diseases, first of all, they support our immunity. The fact is that due to the variety of viruses, it is impossible to invent pills for influenza - what wins one strain of the virus is not suitable for fighting another. Respectively, drugs are divided according to known influenza modifications and types of drugs.

Exist individual drugs against influenza A, they are used as prescribed by a doctor, they shorten the course of the disease, and the symptoms become less pronounced.
Antiviral drugs are used to treat and prevent influenza A and B. Such drugs are used during epidemics in contact with an infected person according to the instructions.
Homeopathic remedies for flu most often syrups can be used to prevent flu and colds in children.
Complex soluble powders with paracetamol, which are most often used as an answer to the question “What to take to prevent a cold?” they are characterized by a high speed of work and almost immediately relieve the symptoms of the disease, however, they have a strong effect on the gastrointestinal tract and liver, so it is not recommended to use them for prevention.
Nasal drops most often used when in contact with a sick SARS, so as not to catch the virus. Among them are both preventive and more strong drugs. For example, nose drops for flu and colds are used at any stage of the disease, and some of them also help fight the destruction of the nasal mucosa. The doctor will help you choose the right drops, in accordance with the characteristics of the body and the stage of the disease.
Often used to prevent influenza ointment in the nose. The locality of their impact allows the use of ointments even during pregnancy and lactation.

Whether to get a flu shot

The flu shot is one of the most talked about ways to protect against illness. It is considered most effective if the vaccine is chosen correctly and matches the current strain. The task of vaccination is to strengthen the immune system, start the production of antibodies and prevent infection. There are several vaccines, it is best to choose the right one together with your doctor. When answering the question of whether it is possible to get a flu shot, the doctor considers the general history and condition of the body.

pregnant women
patients with diabetes,
people with cardiovascular disease,
patients with immunodeficiency
preschoolers.

After the vaccine, in the first days there may be an increase in temperature and slight weakness. Vaccination is prohibited if symptoms of the disease appear.

Like autumn - begins: snot, cough, red nose, watery eyes, head gods ... Another cold! Of course, not everyone is prone to endless seasonal colds. But the modern pace of life, constant stress, nerves, a sedentary lifestyle plus an unhealthy diet, and in a hurry - all this contributes to the weakening of our defenses and the emergence of an increasing army of sick people, from autumn to spring (and some manage to get sick in the summer). What to do, how to protect yourself in the cold season?

Let's start by thinking about what a cold is. In fact, it is hypothermia that causes a painful condition. But hypothermia becomes a provocative moment for the occurrence of serious infectious diseases. The most frequent "guest" with hypothermia is an acute respiratory viral infection (). ARVI covers a whole group of infectious diseases - adenovirus infection (eye damage), rhinovirus infection (nasopharyngeal damage) and others. In addition, "wake up" chronic diseases- tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. The causative agents of these diseases already live in the body, and the immune system “watches” and does not allow them to roam. But if hypothermia sets in, the immune system begins to weaken, “turns sour”, and chronic diseases “raise their heads”. And it starts - cough, snot, sore throat, hoarse voice. Under a cold, ordinary herpes can also be hidden - it is worth catching a cold, as they appear in the corners of the lips. But catarrhal phenomena (cough, snot, lacrimation) herpes does not cause, preferring to immediately strike deep into the internal organs and nervous system. So.

Rest. Rest is meant not only in summer, but in autumn and winter. After all, the increased load in school and at work, lack of sun, stress - everything affects the state of the immune system. Rest means the ability to relax on time, to sit with your eyes closed - so during the day several times. A simple rule, but it works great.
. Honey perfectly fights colds and strengthens the immune system. For this effect, you need to eat at least one teaspoon per day. The solar energy accumulated in honey allows you to resist the most harmful microbes.
Oddly enough, in autumn and winter a person loses moisture no less than in summer. In the cold season, we wear warm clothes, we ventilate the premises less often, we travel in stuffy transport, the air from heating appliances dry, and we are less thirsty. And dehydration is a powerful factor that affects the decrease in immunity. Therefore, the third advice is to drink plenty of water, because water removes all kinds of toxins from our body, reduces the level of stress hormones, and removes dry mucous membranes.

Tips are simple and accessible. Of course, do not forget about general hardening activities - physical education, outdoor walks, as well as proper nutrition. And also - you should not wrap yourself up heavily in winter and autumn and get scared if your feet are already wet. Any fear exacerbates negative forces, and positive thinking strengthens the immune system.

Today you will not see anyone with seasonal flu. People are used to getting flu and SARS in certain seasons, for example, in autumn and winter, when the epidemic is spoken of as a matter of course. According to statistics, about 15% of the total population of the planet suffer from seasonal flu during the cold season, so do not be afraid of this, worry too much, because there is always effective methods treatment of the disease. At the same time, one should not relax, since diseases can be avoided if certain rules are followed. Knowing the first signs of the disease, its causes and some other features, you can easily cope with it and avoid serious consequences.

Flu season in Russia starts in autumn or winter

What is meant by the term "seasonal flu"? Generally speaking, the flu is a disease caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract, nose, and throat. The disease can affect anyone, regardless of age.

Seasonal influenza is a viral disease that is characteristic of a certain time of the year, season. For example, in Russia this type of illness often manifests itself in autumn and in the first half of winter, in other countries - other seasons, depending on the characteristics of the local weather.

It is worth noting that this is not an epidemic flu that manifests itself within the entire country or even a group of states. According to statistics, in our country every eighth adult and every fourth child suffers from seasonal influenza, which can be transmitted different ways from person to person.

Do not confuse seasonal flu with epidemic

The reasons

It should be understood that the influenza virus is highly contagious. This is especially true in autumn and winter for the following reasons:

At this time of the year, the air is much drier than during the warmer months, and the virus thrives in such conditions.
In winter, human immunity is significantly weakened, which is why the virus calmly penetrates the body.
In certain seasons, people gather more indoors, where there is a greater chance of spreading the infection and passing it on to other people.

In any case, illness can be avoided if the usual preventive measures. If it could not be avoided, contact your doctor so that at least you do not face the complications of the disease.

Symptoms

The flu season is characterized by the following first symptoms:

A sharp increase in body temperature to 38 or even 39 degrees.
The presence of cough, runny nose and chills.
Apathy, drowsiness.
Conjunctivitis.
Muscle pain, general fatigue.
Sleep disturbance.

Among the first symptoms of seasonal flu are apathy, general weakness, fever

As a rule, pronounced signs are observed during the first 2-3 days, then things will slowly improve. At the same time, do not forget about proper treatment, because the body itself may not be able to cope with the disease to the end.

Throughout the illness, weakness and malaise remain, which is so characteristic of seasonal flu. If a child suffers from this disease, he may experience vomiting and diarrhea.

In any case, it is worth taking effective measures to treat the disease, having previously sought help from a doctor.

Possible Complications

Lack of treatment or wrong approach to this process can cause certain complications of seasonal flu:

Pneumonia or bronchitis.
Respiratory diseases.
Diseases of the heart and kidneys.
Inflammation of the sinuses and throat.
Stroke.
Exacerbation of diabetes.

With such diseases you can not joke, so the treatment of seasonal flu must be approached with all seriousness.

Seasonal flu can cause certain complications, so you need to treat it immediately.

Diagnostics

How to understand that this is a seasonal flu, and not an epidemic or some other? First of all, modern diagnostics will be needed here. Specialists carry out microbiological diagnostics, examining the mucus secreted by coughing, as well as smears from the nasal mucosa.

After an accurate diagnosis is made, doctors prescribe the most appropriate treatment method.

Treatment

The main feature of the treatment is its complexity. Here, any one drug will often not help, since it is necessary to use antiviral, immunomodulatory agents, if necessary, antipyretics, etc.

Today, for treatment, they use:

Arbidol, Amiksin, Rimantadine - all these tools help fight a viral infection.
Complivit, Duovit, Supradin - strengthen the immune system and protect the body from harmful bacteria.
Paracetamol, Ibuprofen - reduce body temperature with its sharp increase.
Mukaltin, various cough syrups are expectorants that help with dry and wet coughs.
Theraflu, Fervex - preparations for effective fight with an infection.

There are many drugs used to treat seasonal flu.

One has only to remember that the treatment must be agreed with the attending physician, since some drugs contain substances that should not be consumed, for example, with allergies, diabetes and other diseases.

How not to get infected?

SARS and flu season is an unpleasant season for many people. At this time, you don’t want to do anything, the joy of life disappears, you have to take a vacation at your own expense or miss important school days. That is why it is much more important for people not to catch seasonal flu than to deal with its negative impact later. How to do it?

It is recommended to wear gauze bandages when visiting public places with a large crowd of people.
Wash your hands more often.
Drink more liquid.
Use drugs that strengthen the immune system.
Get vaccinated against influenza.
Try to ventilate the room where you are most of the working or school day more often.
Moisturize the nasal mucosa, cleanse it of viruses and bacteria.

You can get vaccinated against seasonal flu

All these rules will help not to catch the seasonal flu. If you still could not protect yourself from the disease, rather contact for medical care and experts will help you solve your problem as soon as possible. Such a disease should not become a huge hindrance in your life, because today there are many ways to treat it.

A change in weather and a drop in temperature signal the start of the holiday season, but with it comes the season of colds. If you're not careful, you can get quite sick! The best way to protect yourself from the flu - vaccination, however, immunity can be strengthened not only at the doctor's office. You can protect your body with healthy foods!

Chicken noodle soup

Chicken soup is a traditional winter dish that is recommended for those who catch a cold. And it's not at all that warm food causes a feeling of comfort. This soup has an anti-inflammatory effect: it soothes inflammation in the respiratory tract, which is characteristic of colds. In addition, it will relieve nasal congestion.

Ginger tea

Ginger is one of best products to fight the common cold. Recently published research reports that ginger's powerful properties are the key to fighting a cold or flu.

Turmeric

This spice will not only complement your dishes, it will also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. According to scientific data, curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice, activates the production of cells that protect the immune system.

oranges

Oranges are high in vitamin C, an essential nutrient, especially during cold season. According to scientific evidence, this vitamin helps prevent colds in cold weather and shortens the duration of the disease if you do succumb to it.

Water

When you feel not in the best way, water may be the ideal solution. Maintain normal levels of hydration to avoid breathing problems. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day!

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt contains a large number of probiotics, in addition, it has more protein than regular yogurt. Research published in a Korean scientific journal has shown that probiotics prevent the development of the common cold and make it easier to treat.

Blueberry

Blueberries are high in antioxidants that help treat and prevent colds. According to scientific data, the use of flavonoids - antioxidants, which are abundant in blueberries - reduces the likelihood of disease by a third!

Ginseng tea

Ginseng tea is not only delicious, but also incredibly healthy. No wonder it is used as medicine with respiratory tract infections. Studies show that ginseng significantly improves symptoms.

tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great food when you are sick because they are high in vitamin C. Eating tomatoes will boost your immune system!

Salmon

Salmon is high in zinc, a substance that helps reduce the symptoms of a cold. If you want your loved ones and children to avoid colds, try to eat plenty of foods rich in zinc. Researchers have no doubt that this works effectively.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in theobromine, an antioxidant that helps fight coughs. Studies show that this substance is good for relieving bronchitis.

Red pepper

Red peppers are another good source of vitamin C. Studies have shown that eating two hundred milligrams of vitamin C every day can cut your risk of catching a cold by half!

Broccoli

American researchers have found that broccoli is an important addition to the diet for those who want to avoid colds. Broccoli and other varieties of cabbage boost immunity.

Extra virgin olive oil

quality olive oil promotes the restoration of the body and improves immunity. Studies have shown that a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids Provides anti-inflammatory action and boosts the immune system.

Green tea

Green tea contains flavonoids, which strengthen the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, catechins help fight bacteria and viruses.

Spinach

Spinach is a true superfood when it comes to your health. It is high in healthy fiber and also contains vitamin C, which helps prevent colds and reduce symptoms of the disease.

Whole wheat bread

Whole grains have anti-inflammatory properties that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body. It is worth remembering that seventy percent of immunity is provided by the intestines, so keeping it healthy is especially important.

Eggs

Eggs, especially the yolks, are loaded with immune-boosting nutrients. They are high in vitamin D, which helps regulate and strengthen the immune system. Studies show that taking vitamin D regularly reduces the chance of infection.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the best cold-fighting foods out there, and it's no coincidence. It helps to several times reduce the likelihood of developing the disease!

Apples

Apples are effective in preventing illnesses like the common cold. The thing is that they contain antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

nuts

In most cases, nuts contain vitamin E, which helps fight disease. A daily intake of fifty milligrams of vitamin E helps reduce the risk of a cold by twenty-eight percent.

Tuna

Like salmon, tuna is a good source of zinc. it nutrient effectively acts on the immune system and helps reduce the severity of cold symptoms. This is confirmed by scientific research.

Rosemary

Rosemary is not just a mouth-watering spice to add to your meals, but it's also a great anti-inflammatory and an impressive source of antioxidants.

bone broth

Broths cooked on the bones have an anti-inflammatory effect. That is why their use helps to cope with the symptoms of a cold.

Honey

Natural and high-quality honey is not only tasty, it also helps to relieve the symptoms of a cold. Honey helps to improve the condition of the throat. Studies show that honey works as an antibacterial property and kills all harmful bacteria.

miso soup

Miso is a soy-based spread that contains antioxidants that help boost the immune system. Studies have shown that soy's high antioxidant content makes it an effective anti-inflammatory agent.

oysters

Oysters are high in zinc. This is one of the types of seafood that is always recommended by experts.

Mushrooms

Eating mushrooms is a great way to boost your immune system, US studies show. Scientists have found that regular use of them in meals can reduce inflammation and increase the number of cells important for the normal functioning of the immune system.

Tea with anise

Anise works as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. In addition, scientists note that it effectively fights viruses and contains antioxidants that can help boost immunity.

Fennel

Fennel has a calming effect, so it's great for relieving flu symptoms. Research also demonstrates that fennel works as a sedative for those suffering from conjunctivitis, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. In addition, fennel contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

With the end of summer and the onset of cold weather, the season of colds begins. Despite the fact that in the summer the body received a supply of vitamins, not everyone's immunity increases so much that it is able to resist new strains of influenza and various acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections in the off-season.

What is the difference between SARS and SARS?

The general term ARI refers to all acute respiratory diseases upper and lower respiratory tract with viral, bacterial and fungal infections. ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections) is more of a diagnosis, it defines diseases that are only of a viral nature. Among the whole set of acute respiratory viral infections, the most famous and severe acute respiratory disease is the flu.

Epidemiological outbreaks of influenza accompany every winter-spring season. The influenza virus multiplies and spreads very quickly. It is well known how long SARS are contagious, how they are transmitted and spread, but it is not easy to protect yourself from them. The route of transmission of infection is aerosol. A sick person becomes the source of infection.

During his contact with a healthy person, the virus enters the respiratory system by airborne droplets, invades the epithelial cells and enters the systemic circulation. During the first 5-6 days, a sick person poses the greatest infectious danger to others, and if he stays on his feet, he can put to bed more than a dozen people who meet on his way.

How and how to treat influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections

Influenza is characterized by an acute onset and a rapid increase in symptoms during the first day. High fever, aching muscles and joints, headache, pain in the eyes definitely indicate the viral origin of the disease. Respiratory symptoms - sneezing, runny nose, red throat, dry cough appear on the second or third day.

Worst of all, flu is tolerated by small children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, especially if the disease is not mild, but moderate and severe with a temperature of 38-40 ° C. Treatment should be under the supervision of a physician, as the flu is fraught with complications and exacerbations of chronic diseases.

Treatment of ARVI consists of bed rest, the use of antiviral drug, nasal remedies, throat and cough medicines prescribed by a doctor. Before his arrival, you can take 2.5 g of ascorbic acid in powder, or drink tea with lemon.

Antipyretic drugs should be taken depending on the state of health, but with high temperature the virus dies faster. In order to avoid dehydration of the body at elevated temperatures, you need to drink plenty of fluids. Any warm vitamin drink is useful - fruit drinks, juices, dried fruit compotes, herbal teas.

Do not go to extremes, trying to reduce the treatment time yourself. No medicine will help to cope with a viral infection in 1-2 days. Medical statistics on how many days ARVI is sick indicates that with a favorable course, the disease lasts 5-7 days, but the body is fully restored in two weeks.

If after 7 days of treatment the patient's condition does not improve, but is complicated by the appearance of otitis media, pharyngitis or pneumonia, this may mean that a bacterial infection has superimposed on a viral infection. In such cases, the doctor changes the tactics of treatment and prescribes antibiotics.

Prevention of seasonal colds

It is impossible to completely protect yourself from ARI, but to reduce the risk seasonal diseases and infection with the flu is possible if preventive precautions are observed:

do not come into contact with other people's infected objects - tablets, phones, bank cards;
in transport, in public places and when caring for the sick, use a mask;
wash your hands more often or use disinfectant wipes;
avoid crowded places - shops, theaters, cinemas, celebrations;
ventilate rooms more often and carry out wet cleaning;
effective remedy- flu shot.

In the season of colds, you need to dress properly so as not to freeze, and your immunity can be supported by immunomodulators, taking vitamins, micro and macro elements, and good sleep.

The doctor will help you choose the right preventive measures.