Every day we are trapped by the danger of getting infected with one or another infection, especially in the autumn-winter period. One of the most common infections is the flu , which can permanently dislodge from the normal rhythm of life, frustrate plans, and even worse - cause complications. Competent prevention of influenza will help protect yourself from the virus and keep your health.
How dangerous is the flu?
Not only the course of the disease causes fears - the flu is dangerous for its complications , the formation of which is more susceptible to young children, elderly people, pregnant women and patients with various chronic diseases. In addition, influenza complications are often diagnosed in such cases:
- with improperly administered treatment;
- when ignoring bed rest during an acute period of illness;
- at the late start of treatment or premature withdrawal from it.
Flu - complications
The main target of the flu is the lungs, in the tissues of which, under the influence of the pathogen, there is edema, numerous hemorrhages to the alveoli, stagnation. This is often a secondary bacterial pneumonia caused by the activation of pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci and other bacterial species. Much more dangerous is the primary-viral lesion, which develops with lightning speed and is fatal for 2-3 days.
In addition to the respiratory system, it often gives the flu complications on the heart, brain, nervous system, ENT organs, muscles, joints, organs of the urinary system. We list possible complications of illness:
- bronchitis ;
- pleurisy;
- thrombosis of pulmonary arteries;
- pericarditis;
- myocarditis;
- meningitis;
- neuritis;
- myositis;
- sinusitis;
- otitis;
- pyelonephritis ;
- arthritis and so on.
Influenza - consequences
Influenza infection can not only cause complications, but also aggravate various diseases that previously did not manifest themselves. So, against the background of influenza often the first hypertensive or hypotonic crisis, initial symptoms of radiculitis, neuropsychic disorders are diagnosed. Influenza in early pregnancy consequences for the fetus can be very unfavorable: intrauterine death, malformations, hypoxia. Sometimes because of this doctors recommend to interrupt pregnancy artificially. Therefore, the prevention of influenza in pregnant women is so important.
What to do to not get sick with the flu?
The reservoir of infection is an influenza-infected person. You can "pick up" the virus by simply accidentally being near him or by touching objects that have been infected. Proceeding from this, all you need to do in order not to get sick with the flu is to refuse contact with people. It is clear that this method is not very suitable for most of us, so you should use other methods of preventing influenza.
Tips to not get sick with the flu
At the peak of the "raging" infection, so as not to get sick with the flu, doctors recommend following the recommendations:
- Avoid crowded places.
- When in confined spaces with a large crowd of people, use a gauze or one-time mask.
- Often, wash your hands with soap, use hand antiseptic or disinfectant napkins outside the house, try not to touch your nose, eyes, mouth with your hands.
- Often clean and ventilate the rooms in which you stay, monitor the air parameters (humidity not lower than 50%, temperature not exceeding 21 ° C).
- Take daily walks in the fresh air.
- Do not overcool.
- Give up harmful habits that weaken immunity.
- Sleep well, avoid stressful situations, mental overload.
- Rationally eat, consume more fluids.
- Avoid hypodynamia and debilitating physical exertion.
Prevention of influenza - drugs
One of the methods by which the prevention of influenza and colds is carried out are medicines, the taking of which is carried out according to a certain scheme according to the doctor's prescription. Often, drug prevention of influenza is recommended with a clear threat of infection. The drugs are assigned to persons at risk who have not been vaccinated against the infection and are constantly in contact with patients. Highly effective anti-influenza drugs that destroy viruses are recognized:
- oseltamivir ( Tamiflu );
- zanamivir (Relenza);
- peramivir (Rapivab).
Let us repeat that the doctor should recommend the medicine, since he has information about which kind of pathogen the incidence of the disease has been provoked. In addition, these drugs have many side effects and contraindications, so they can not be taken independently. In addition to these funds, other drugs are widely used (although their effectiveness has not been fully proved), which can be divided into several categories:
- interferons and their inductors - enhancing the production of protective cells (Kagocel, Amiksin, Lavomax, Arbidol, Immustat and others);
- phytoimmunomodulators - herbal preparations that enhance immunity (Immunal, tincture of ginseng, Echinacea extract, Ultravit, Phytoimmunal and others);
- vitamins of group C, A, B, strengthening nonspecific immunity;
- products of beekeeping (propolis, pollen, perga, honey and the like), stimulating the protective reactions of the body;
- homeopathic preparations (Aflubin, Ocillococcinum, Influcid, Agri and so on);
- Oksolinovaya ointment - a topical preparation that is used for nasal hikes and prevents the introduction of viral particles into the mucosa.
To maintain local immunity, it is important to monitor the condition of the mucous membranes of the nose, when drying, their functioning is disturbed. An elementary way to maintain a normal level of hydration of the nasal mucosa is the regular use of saline solutions in the form of drops and sprays:
- Marimer;
- Aqualor;
- Zilch;
- Dolphin;
- Quix and others.
Prevention of flu by folk remedies
The list of people's councils, how to avoid flu and cold, includes the use of the following phytopreparations for strengthening immunity:
- broth of dogrose;
- tea from the leaves of black currant;
- infusion of St. John's wort;
- infusion of sea-buckthorn;
- ginger tea;
- tincture of rhodiola rosea and others.
The recipe for maintaining the defenses of the body
Ingredients:
- dried apricots - 200 g;
- raisins - 200 g;
- prunes - 200 g;
- walnut - 200 g;
- honey - 200 g.
Preparation and use
- Combine the crushed ingredients, mix with honey.
- Transfer to a glass container with a lid.
- Use daily on a tablespoon in the morning for half an hour before the first meal.
Recipe for preventing the penetration of the virus through the nasal mucosa
Ingredients:
- garlic - 3 cloves;
- water - 50 ml.
Preparation and use
- Grind garlic, pour boiling water.
- Insist under the lid for two hours.
- Bury 1-2 times a day in each nostril for 2-4 drops daily.
How to avoid the flu if the family is ill?
When someone has become ill in the family, the question of how to avoid the flu is especially relevant.
In this case, such a reminder is applicable (prevention of influenza with forced contact with the patient):
- If possible, the patient should be isolated in a separate room.
- When coughing and sneezing, the patient needs to be covered with a napkin.
- Being in the same room with healthy family members, the patient should wear a mask.
- After each contact with the patient or objects that he used, you need to wash your hands thoroughly.
- Several times a day, it is required to clean the house and aerate.
- It is necessary to monitor the parameters of the air in the room.
What is there to not get sick with the flu?
To not get sick with the flu, you need to adhere to the correct diet. The following products are useful, rich in substances for building immune cells and the proper functioning of all body systems:
- a fish;
- chicken;
- veal;
- cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice);
- low-fat dairy products (kefir, yoghurt, cottage cheese).
- nuts;
- vegetables and fruits.
Limit should be:
- sweet;
- flour;
- smoked meat.
Prevention of influenza - vaccination
Prevention of influenza through vaccination through the introduction of a drug that provides protection against the current strains of pathogens in this season is the most effective method. The vaccination against influenza, although it does not give a 100% guarantee against infection with the flu, can significantly reduce the severity of the disease. It is advisable to be vaccinated 1-2 months before the peak incidence, but even at the height of the epidemic, it is not too late.
How to avoid complications after the flu?
The most correct decision on the question of what to do if you get sick with the flu, will be an appointment with a doctor. Only a physician can establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the treatment regimen taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body. Next, follow all the medical recommendations, which will minimize the risk of complications.
Necessarily to the doctor it is necessary to address, if:
- improvement in the condition is not observed after 4 days after the onset of the disease;
- high fever is present on the seventh day of illness;
- cough intensifies or decreases its productivity;
- there is vomiting, convulsions, loss of consciousness;
- a skin rash appears;
- pallor of the skin and chills in combination with high body temperature.