As is known, the influenza virus is susceptible to constant mutations, intensive changes, and every year health professionals give predictions about which strains of the virus will attack people in the upcoming season. Consider the information on the epidemic of influenza 2014 - 2015, about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of this disease.
Forecast for influenza in 2015
According to forecasts for the incidence of influenza in 2015, large-scale outbreaks are not expected, and the epidemic situation will be relatively calm. However, do not relax: the flu is one of the most dangerous diseases that can hit any person. Especially vulnerable to infection are people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, elderly people, as well as those who suffer from various chronic diseases (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, lungs, etc.).
In 2015, the following strains of influenza are expected to be active:
- H1N1 is a subtype of the swine flu virus, which became world famous in 2009, when it caused a massive epidemic. This kind of virus is dangerous for its complications, among which sinusitis, pneumonia and arachnoiditis are most often diagnosed.
- H3N2 is a subtype of type A influenza, already known to our population since last year, but considered to be quite "young". This strain is dangerous because of its poor knowledge, and also that it provokes complications in many patients associated with hemorrhagic lesions.
- The Yamagata virus, which is related to influenza type B viruses, is also a poorly known strain, which is difficult to diagnose. However, according to scientists, it rarely causes serious complications in humans.
Flu Symptoms 2015
As a rule, clinical manifestations of the disease are manifested as early as 12-48 hours after infection. The strains predicted in 2015 are characterized by rapid multiplication in epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, i.e. the disease develops rapidly, literally before our eyes.
The most striking and characteristic manifestation of influenza is the elevated body temperature, which very quickly reaches a mark of 38-40 ° C and persists for at least three days. Other signs of influenza 2015 may include:
- chills;
- headache;
- general weakness;
- lacrimation;
- muscle pain;
- aches in the joints;
- increased sweating;
- lack of appetite;
- a feeling of dryness in the nose and throat;
- sore throat;
- dry, tense cough;
- pain in the chest area;
- photophobia.
In rare cases, a cold appears in the flu.
Prevention and treatment of influenza 2015
As with other strains of influenza, the main preventive measure is vaccination. Although vaccination can not completely protect a person from infection, it helps to significantly alleviate the course of the disease, accelerate recovery and prevent the development of complications.
Also, in order to protect yourself against infection, you should:
- Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of viral infections.
- Reduce visits to crowded places.
- Strengthen the body's immune defense.
If you can not avoid infection, you should not do self-medication, it is better to see a doctor as soon as possible. It is also recommended to observe bed rest during the week, to minimize physical stress on the body. Drug therapy for influenza may include antiviral agents, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators. Often with influenza, interferon preparations of local and systemic action are recommended.