Causes, symptoms and methods of treatment of SARS and influenza in adults and children

What is the difference between the treatment of ARVI, ARVI and influenza?

Colds, flu and ARVI in children and adults are the most frequent reasons for visiting district doctors. These diseases are characterized by outbreaks in the cold season (mainly in autumn and winter). It should be noted right away that influenza is included in the SARS group. Most cases of colds are caused by the influenza virus (more than 50% of cases) and SARS.

Other causative agents of acute respiratory viral infections include the parainfluenza virus and adenoviruses - they are detected in approximately 10% of the examined. On average, rhinovirus infection is diagnosed in every fifth patient (more often in adults), and respiratory syncytial infection in one out of ten patients.

We will talk about how the flu differs from SARS and SARS, how these diseases should be treated, below.

Causes and symptoms

ARI is the general name for diseases accompanied by damage to the respiratory organs. When such a diagnosis is made, most often we are talking about the bacterial genesis of the disease, that is, the pathologies of this group are usually caused by the active reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microflora against the background of weakening the body. Stress, hypothermia and chronic fatigue can lead to a decrease in general immunity.

Infectious agents of a viral nature are the direct cause of influenza and SARS epidemics. They are characterized by high contagiousness, that is, they are quickly transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person.

Viruses are spread by airborne droplets. In the incubation (asymptomatic) period, the carrier of the infection is already a danger to others. The symptoms of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections caused by other viruses are generally similar, but it is quite possible to distinguish them from the clinical manifestations of bacterial infections.

Viral diseases are characterized by an acute onset. In most cases, the patient can name not only the day, but also the hour when the first unpleasant symptoms appeared.

Symptoms characteristic of ARVI and flu:

• musculoskeletal pains (aches);
• high temperature (39C and above);
• chills and pronounced febrile reaction;
• headache (mostly in the temples);
• pronounced general malaise;
• photophobia (fear of light);
• conjunctivitis (not always);
• sore throat and cough (on the 2nd-3rd day after the onset of the disease);
• runny nose (rare).

In the case of a cold, respiratory symptoms come to the fore - nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, cough, sore throat. The temperature rises gradually, reaching more moderate values ​​(38.5°С). Most often, it lasts 1-2 days.

Medical treatment of ARVI, influenza and ARVI

Differential diagnosis of colds is extremely important, because completely different drugs are prescribed for the pathogenetic treatment of acute respiratory infections and influenza. Specific drugs for influenza and SARS belong to the clinical and pharmacological group of antivirals. They are completely ineffective against bacteria.

Drugs that block the reproduction of viruses:

• Relenza;
• Tamiflu;
• Remantadine;
• Amantadine.

To strengthen immunity, drugs from the group of interferon inducers are prescribed:

• Cycloferon;
• Amiksin;
• Arbidol.

For the prevention and treatment of SARS and influenza in adults, it is recommended to take Kagocel - a drug that stimulates the body's production of its own interferon. One of the most effective complex pharmacological agents today is Cytovir.

Important: Antibiotics for a cold caused by viruses will not only not cause the proper effect, but will also harm the human immune system.

Drugs that stimulate the immune system (see the list above), as well as complex vitamin preparations, will be useful for ARDS. Lazolvan and Ambrobene are effective against cough. Traditional medicine (raspberry tea, milk and honey) has a good effect.

It is not advisable to immediately start taking antibiotics; they are prescribed for a prolonged form of acute coronary syndrome or for the development of complications.

Medicines of the following categories are used for symptomatic treatment of ARI and SARS:

• analgesics, anti-inflammatory and antipyretics (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Acetylsalicylic acid);
• vasoconstrictors (nose drops Naftizin, Galazolin, etc.);
• antihistamines (chlorphenamine and promethazine are used to stop swelling).

In some cases, it will be useful to prescribe the complex drug Zyrtec, which has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Important: When symptoms of a cold develop, the patient is shown bed rest and the use of warm liquids - tea, herbal decoctions of chamomile, yarrow, birch buds, motherwort, lemon balm.

Treatment, as a rule, is carried out in outpatient settings, that is, at home. Hospitalization of the patient may be necessary only in case of the development of severe and even life-threatening complications.

In 2016, the beginning of the "season" of ARVI, ARRI and influenza fell on the end of October - the beginning of November.

To make an appointment with a doctor, use the special order button on the Dobrobut.com website.

Peculiarities of the course of SARS, influenza and SARS in children and pregnant women

Influenza and SARS during pregnancy are especially dangerous, since the severe course of these infections can cause disorders of the intrauterine development of the child. Women who are preparing to become mothers should consider that some pharmacological drugs can have a toxic effect on the fetus. In this regard, preference should be given not to "synthetics", but to natural means of general strengthening action.

Influenza and SARS in children have a high percentage of complications. This is due to the fact that the baby's immune system is not fully formed. Children are more susceptible (compared to adults) to the respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza.

Outbreaks of viral infections are quite often noted in preschool and general education institutions, that is, in collectives. To prevent them, the Ministry of Health has developed a list of measures to prevent influenza and SARS in schools and kindergartens.

Prevention

Prevention of flu and SARS is of great importance. These pathologies annually lead to the temporary loss of working capacity of millions of people. Hundreds of patients die from complications of viral diseases.

The main measures to reduce morbidity are flu vaccination, increasing general immunity, using personal protective equipment (masks) during epidemics, and observing the rules of personal hygiene. At the peak of the disease, it is recommended, if possible, to visit places of mass gathering of people less often (for example, in public transport) and take vitamin complexes and immunomodulatory drugs.

Parents can significantly reduce the likelihood of a child getting sick if they follow the recommendations prepared by experienced pediatricians and infectious disease specialists.

A note for parents on the prevention of influenza and SARS:

1. The child must follow the daily routine (including sleep and rest).
2. Children need to be outdoors more often.
3. Residential premises should be ventilated, wet cleaning should be carried out regularly.
4. Children should know the rules of personal hygiene (wash their hands more often and cover their mouths with their hands when sneezing and coughing).
5. Prevention of the disease will help hardening (cool rubbing and dousing) and physical education (gymnastics).
6. The children's diet should contain a sufficient amount of vitamins (in particular, ascorbic acid).
7. Dress children according to the season.
8. If symptoms of a cold or ARVI appear, leave the child at home and call the district pediatrician.
9. If possible, do not send your child to kindergarten if there is an outbreak of an infectious disease in the institution.

Following these simple recommendations will help reduce the frequency of diseases of the baby and other family members.

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