Symptoms of influenza in adults and children. What should I take at the first sign of the flu?

With the onset of the cold season more and morepeople are beginning to be disturbed by the flu, the symptoms of which are very similar to other catarrhal diseases. The cause of its occurrence is the penetration of a viral infection into the body with the defeat of the respiratory tract. It often manifests itself in the form of epidemics. About 15 percent of the population of the entire planet becomes infected with it every year.

Development and distribution

Signs of flu can occur in people anytime.age category. The source of infection can be a sick person who spreads it through airborne droplets. The high-risk group includes young children and the elderly, as well as pregnant women and people with chronic diseases of the respiratory system and heart.

The virus enters the human bodydirectly through the cells of the ciliated epithelium of the trachea, bronchi and nose. It is in them, he begins to multiply, the cells are destroyed and die. In the presence of infection, irritation of the respiratory tract is noted. The immune system is oppressed, so often associated secondary infection, leading to complications.

What characterizes the main forms?

Not always the symptoms of influenza virus appear the same, because there are several forms of the course of the disease. Despite the differences, they are all quite dangerous for humans.

1. In mild form, the temperature does not rise more than 38 degrees. Symptoms of intoxication do not appear clearly, and may even be absent. In this case, the disease is confused with the common cold.
2. Moderately severebody temperature 38.5-39.5 degrees and classic signs. Usually there are joint and muscle pain, sweating increases significantly, dry cough begins to torment, voice becomes hoarse.
3. In severe form marked intoxication. The temperature rises to 40 degrees. Bleeding from the nose and signs of encephalopathy in the form of convulsions and hallucinations are possible.
4. Hypertoxic form is expressed by temperature.above 40 degrees. Intoxication of the body can lead to swelling of the brain or infectious-toxic shock. Sometimes respiratory failure develops.
5. The fulminant form can lead tofatal, especially if patients have a weakened immune system or some pathological problems with the respiratory system. Lungs may swell and cause extensive bleeding as well as other serious complications.

On the incubation period

When a virus enters the body, it startsmultiply inside infected cells. Any symptoms or signs of flu are not yet detected. The incubation period usually lasts 3-5 days. Its duration is affected by the state of the immune system and the amount of virus that has entered.

The disease begins to manifest when the cellsbegin to die. From that moment on, the virus becomes dangerous to others. The immune system detects destructive processes in the body and begins to react in a certain way. The most dangerous period for infection is three days after the first symptoms appear.

How can you tell about colds?

The first signs of flu may resemble normala cold. However, knowing some subtleties, it is possible not to be mistaken with the diagnosis. Influenza almost always begins at lightning speed. With a cold, the symptoms increase gradually. First, the nose is laid, then pain in the throat and other symptoms appear. The temperature at cold rarely rises above 38.5 degrees.

With flu more pronounced intoxication. It appears as a result of poisoning by harmful substances that appear due to the collapse of the destroyed viruses. Cough in the presence of a virus in the body does not occur immediately. It usually takes about three days after the onset of the inflammatory process. With a cold, the patient begins to cough at the very beginning.

By recognizing the first signs of cold and flu, you can avoid complications in the treatment process. The right approach to therapeutic interventions also speeds recovery.

Main signs of flu in adults and children

Symptoms of the disease in children and adults are about the same. They are quite pronounced.

1. In almost all cases risesBody temperature. It continues to rise for several hours. Chills often appear. Temperature usually lasts from 2 to 5 days. Doctors do not recommend knocking her down if she does not exceed 38.5 degrees.
2. Another symptom is weakness, whichappears due to the active struggle of the body against viral infection. It takes a huge amount of energy. Weakness may persist for several days after recovery.
3. After infection, most people appearcough. He can stay for about a week. The virus affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and therefore cough occurs after infection in most cases.
4. Signs of flu in adults and children can bequite severe headache, which is associated with the formation of waste products of a viral infection in the body. Intoxication is very active. Pain sensations most often appear in the temples or orbits. In some situations, there may be dizziness, as in the fever the vessels expand somewhat.
5. Certain changes occur in the oropharynx. Usually, the soft palate becomes red as the vessels are often affected. In severe cases, even minor hemorrhages can occur. Patients sometimes complain of dry mouth. The oral cavity acquires its former appearance only 7–9 days after the onset of initial signs.
6. Changes relate to the nasopharynx. On the mucous membrane appear edema, breathing with the nose is much more difficult. Burning or stinging may occur. With more severe forms, nosebleeds begin.

Recommendations for the first signs of flu

Preferably with the first symptomsprovide the patient with bed rest. A person who has become infected with a viral infection is very infectious to those around him, so it’s immediately necessary to limit contact. If necessary, it is recommended to use a mask of gauze.

If the first signs of flu are already presentadults and children, you need to ensure adequate fluid intake. When heat man sweats a lot, so he loses a lot of water. In this case, too hot drinks should be avoided. Drink should be warm.

Suitable beverages may beherbal teas, fruit drinks or non-acidic juices. It is desirable to refuse coffee, because it can increase the heartbeat, which will lead to a deterioration in overall well-being. It is recommended to drink more than 2 liters of water a day so that the body can successfully get rid of toxins that cause nausea, drowsiness and headache.

Indoors need to maintain a comfortabletemperature To reduce the concentration of the virus should be carried out regular airing of the room, even if it is cold outside. If you can not take a shower, you need to remove the sweat from the skin with wet wipes.

What remedies can relieve symptoms?

Many think about what to take whenSigns of flu to relieve your condition. For this you have to remove the main symptoms of the disease. Of these funds can be divided into three categories of drugs.

1. Antipyretic drugs help lowertemperature, easing the patient's condition. After taking usually disappears aches in muscles and joints. In addition, these drugs have anti-inflammatory effect. Ibuprofen or paracetamol is often taken.
2. Get rid of nasal congestion allowspecial drops with vasoconstrictor action. With their help, it is possible to quickly remove the swelling, thereby restoring normal breathing. However, it is desirable not to use such means for a long time. Usually buried in the nose for 3-5 days. A significant increase in this period can lead to the development of medical rhinitis, which is expressed by the constant stuffiness of the nostrils.
3. Antihistamines can be used to relieve some symptoms. Their reception allows you to get rid of swelling of the nasopharynx and redness of the eyes.

Preparations for influencing the pathogen

Ill people should also know what to takeat the first sign of flu, to quickly eliminate the pathogen. The basis of treatment is antiviral drugs, as they act directly on the infectious agent. There are quite a few such tools. They can influence the virus at all stages of its life cycle.

Antiviral effects are particularly effective in the early stages of infection, as it prevents the non-cellular agent from multiplying. Similar preparations are subdivided into two classes.

1. Neuraminidase inhibitors have an effect onmany strains of the virus. They prevent the spread of the pathogen in the body, while reducing the severity of symptoms. Significantly decreases the duration of treatment. However, there is evidence that such drugs can cause side effects in the form of nausea, diarrhea, and even mental disorders.
2. M2 inhibitors affect the virus, preventing it from entering the healthy cells of the body. However, many pathogens are resistant to the old forms of such drugs.

Studies have made it clear thatpronounced antiviral and therapeutic effects are given by immunostimulants like donor serum and gamma globulin. They have high antibody titers. Gamma-globulin is recommended to be prescribed at the very first signs of flu.

As a preventive and therapeutic agentin the CIS countries can be used interferon preparations. Manufacturers claim that they have not only an immunostimulatory, but also antiviral effect. Some experts caution against their use for the prevention and treatment of influenza, as interferons can cause adverse reactions, especially if the doses are very high.

Although many claim possible useinterferon inducers in the fight against viral infection, in authoritative journals on the conduct of clinical research data are not available. These drugs are not drugs in North America and Europe.

About taking vitamin C

More Linus Pauling promoted the use ofVitamin C in large quantities at the first sign of a cold and flu. In this regard, the method has become quite widespread. However, not so long ago, a study was conducted that made it clear that regular intake of ascorbic acid does not contribute to reducing the number of colds and viral diseases. He only facilitates them to some extent.

The effect of vitamin C intake, as studies show, is negligible. The risk of infection is not reduced, and the duration of the disease is reduced by no more than 10 percent.

Alternative medicine

Proponents of alternative treatment methodspropose to use as an additional funds various plants. Some of them have antiviral effects. For those who do not know what to drink at the first sign of flu from folk remedies, we can recommend eucalyptus tincture. It will require 20 grams of dry crushed leaves. However, it must be prepared in advance, as it is infused for about 7-8 days. Alcohol is simply poured into a container with leaves and tightly closed. Take must be 20-25 drops, diluted in a small amount of water.

A simpler option is to usebulbs. It should be cut into pieces and inhale 3-4 times a day for couples. Between these procedures, you should put a tampon dipped in crushed garlic in your nose.

If you see signs of flu in children, you canprepare a safe but effective remedy. It is necessary to grate ginger on a fine grater and add honey to the resulting mass in a ratio of 4 to 1. After mixing the natural medicine, it is recommended to add 1-2 spoons to tea.

Tangible effect brings fresh pine needles. To prepare you will need only 100 grams of the original substance. It should be thoroughly washed and chopped, then pour a liter of hot water and bring to a boil. The tool must be infused for 1-2 hours. After this period of time, it can be filtered and consumed in half a glass 3 times a day.

More affordable means is a decoction ofpearl barley. It can be taken at high temperature. To prepare, pour 100 grams of cereals with a liter of water. Within 10-15 minutes should be carried out boiling. The cooled tool is filtered and taken orally at night. To improve the taste, you can add a tablespoon of honey.

At the first sign of a flu,be useful tincture of three herbs, mixed in equal proportions. For preparation are used: sage, initial letter, chamomile. The listed herbs are carefully crushed. Half a liter of water is required to add one tablespoon of dry mix.

Signs of complications

Sometimes there may be complications from the flu. Signs of illness of other organs may appear if during the course of a viral infection the body exerted physical exertion. Most often, the respiratory organs are affected. Some people develop pneumonia caused by a secondary infection.

The flu virus can even cause acute infections.nervous disorders, which are expressed in the form of severe headache, dizziness and nausea. Quite often, complications lead to otitis, sinusitis, meningitis, conjunctivitis and other dangerous diseases.

• Pneumonia causes breathing problems. Body temperature rises to high values. Acute chest pain may be present.
• When sinusitis is marked by heavy breathing due to the defeat of the nasal passages. Typically, when blowing your nose, thick mucus is yellow or green in color. There are painful sensations around the nose and eyes.
• Otitis is not difficult to notice. Immediately there is pain in the ears, begins the discharge of pus from them. Sensations of discomfort can be in the throat and neck.
• Conjunctivitis is accompanied by discomfort in the eye area. There are swelling, redness and purulent discharge.
• Meningitis deserves special attention, sincein many cases it is fatal. If it is present, a high temperature rises, consciousness may be confused, convulsions appear. The patient becomes too sensitive to light and loud sounds.

What preventive measures can help?

To avoid disease, you must be able toclearly recognize the signs of influenza in people and know the preventive measures. The most effective way to avoid infection is timely vaccination. Modern vaccinations are reliable and safe for the human body. They need to be done annually, since the immune response is possible only in the short term.

During an epidemic, it is advisable to avoid largeclusters of people. It is not recommended to stay in the same room with a sick person for a long time. It is imperative to wash your hands after visiting public places. In your own home should be carried out wet cleaning, which consists in washing the floor, wiping the surfaces of furniture with detergent. It also requires regular airing of the room so that the concentration of the virus does not increase.

If a person has all the signs of flu, and contact withit can not be avoided, it is necessary to use a gauze mask. Approaching the patient is not too close. The minimum allowable distance is 1 meter. It is precisely by close contact that it is easiest to pick up the infection. By adhering to the listed recommendations, you can avoid infection with influenza.