Influenza 2015: recognize, treat, prevent

What can we expect this flu season, how dangerous is the disease, what are its prognoses? We offer you useful information about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of flu 2015.

Flu is the most unpredictable disease, the course of which is difficult to predict. The flu virus constantly mutates, creating new strains and causing entire epidemics.

The flu virus is changeable, so every year new strains appear that cause more painful and dangerous symptoms. The disease is transmitted not only from person to person, but also from people to animals, birds and vice versa. This is where the danger of flu lies, since the pathogens consist not only of human nucleotides, but also of pig and bird genomes.

According to the World Health Organization, in the 2014-2015 season, the following viruses may appear:

• H1N1 – swine flu or California flu. The virus made itself known back in 2009, causing a severe epidemic. This year, doctors predict an average level of morbidity.
• H3N2 is a fairly young virus, but very dangerous. Clinical symptoms are difficult to confirm, and the flu causes serious complications in the lungs.
• Yamagata is the most dangerous and not fully studied virus. The symptoms of this strain are similar to all of the above, which complicates its diagnosis and treatment.

As for the upcoming exacerbation of flu, scientists do not predict spontaneous or unexpected outbreaks and high levels of morbidity. But we should not forget about prevention, stimulation and hardening of the immune system.

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The 2015 Flu Season – An Element of Unpredictability

Every person has had the flu at least once in their life. That is, the disease is common in everyday terms. But, despite this, the virus has many strains, each of which manifests itself in its own way, has similar symptoms, different and very dangerous complications for the body. There is such a thing as seasonal flu and it must be distinguished from other types of this viral disease.

• Seasonal or common flu is always present and is typical for a certain time of year. In our country it starts in mid-autumn or at the beginning of winter cold and, as a rule, quite unexpectedly. The virus is not pandemic, that is, it does not cause an epidemic, does not lead to mass fatalities or destructive consequences.
• Seasonal flu is not atypical, that is, it has a protracted period of development and recognizable symptoms. The peculiarity of the atypical flu virus is that it begins suddenly and at any time of the year. As a rule, people do not pay due attention to the symptoms of the disease, taking the flu for a common cold.

The 2015 flu season is an expected period, which both medical and educational institutions are diligently preparing for. The disease is directly related to the time of year, and is spread by airborne droplets. People with a weakened immune system are the first to get sick. The incubation period of flu is short, up to 8 hours from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms. The virus makes itself known when the indicators of respiratory air samples positive for the flu virus are at a high level for several weeks. Thus, last flu season, the H3N2 virus, which belongs to group A, was predominant. The only way to fight the disease is full vaccination and preventive measures.

The symptoms of seasonal flu are a sharp increase in body temperature, which is very difficult or impossible to bring down. In addition to the temperature, the patient experiences debilitating chills, fever, increased sweating, nasal congestion and runny nose. Antibiotics and nasal sprays do not help. The person quickly gets tired, there is pain in the joints and a severe headache that does not go away until recovery. The person becomes apathetic, drowsiness and heavy breathing appear.

The danger of seasonal flu is that without proper treatment, the disease has terrible consequences for the body. Complications can manifest in any system of the body. Despite the fact that seasonal flu is a common occurrence, without proper treatment, the disease can cause death.

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World flu 2015 is already coming to us

At the moment, the world is not seeing the most encouraging forecasts regarding the 2015 flu. Of course, the current situation has a chance of a favorable outcome, but some facts are quite alarming. •

There have been several deaths from the swine flu strain in Chile to date. Scientists say the disease is moving from north to south due to abnormal weather and climate conditions.

• We should not forget about the recent outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. If the flu mutates and acquires at least some of the symptoms of this disease, the consequences will be disastrous for the entire world.
• For the first time, cases of human-to-human transmission of the virus have been recorded, which has never happened before. This suggests that the 2015 flu is significantly different from the virus strains of previous years and may have a global mass character.

The forecast for the incidence of flu in 2015 largely depends on the prevention of possible illness. Universal vaccination of the population allows to reduce the number of patients. Despite the fact that experts disagree, this year the world is expecting a wave of three viruses: H1N1, Massachusetts and H3N2. Doctors are already identifying a number of signs that will help to recognize the disease. Of course, the symptoms may manifest themselves differently and depend on the strain of flu and the age category of the patient.

The main symptoms of flu are high temperature that lasts up to a week and is not brought down by medication, fever, severe headaches, muscle pain and photophobia, rash on the body, sore throat, severe weakness and complete loss of appetite. It is worth remembering that the disease can occur in several forms, the most dangerous of which is toxic.

Flu epidemic 2015

A flu epidemic in 2015 is possible if the virus mutates so much that the vaccines that exist today will be ineffective in combating the new strain. An epidemic can also happen for the simple reason that flu is easily transmitted and spreads very quickly. The main way of transmitting the virus is airborne, but it can also be transmitted through everyday objects, for example.

The disease begins acutely, the incubation period can last from 2 to 5 days, unlike seasonal flu, which manifests itself the next day after infection. The severity of the disease depends on the general condition of the body, the age of the patient, the presence of concomitant diseases and whether there were previous lesions by one of the currently known strains of the virus. Depending on the above factors, one of the forms of the disease can develop. At first, the flu occurs in a mild form, develops into moderate, severe and the most dangerous hypertoxic.

• Mild form – the temperature does not rise to critical values and may be within normal limits. Symptoms of infectious toxicosis are weakly expressed, the patient feels general weakness, fatigue, apathy.
• Moderately severe form - body temperature reaches critical levels, the patient exhibits all the classic symptoms of the virus. Catarrhal symptoms, intoxication of the body, respiratory and abdominal symptoms are present.
• Severe form – body temperature remains at 40-40.5°C. In addition to the above symptoms, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and nosebleeds are added.

If the flu is uncomplicated, the acute course is observed for 3-5 days, recovery occurs in 10-12 days. But after the disease, symptoms of post-infectious asthenia appear for another month. In the case of an epidemic, the occurrence of severe flu increases by 3-5 times. Most victims are among elderly patients, people with chronic diseases and children.

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Flu 2015 in Russia

Flu in Russia, as in any other country, has a certain periodicity and cyclicity of development. If in previous years the disease was moderate, then in 2015 a peak of the disease is possible, which will lead to an increase in its destructive nature in subsequent periods. The development of influenza infection also depends on weather conditions; if there is a sharp cold snap, the flu will not exceed its last year's scale.

Scientists predict the previous viral profile, i.e. the prevalence of A viruses and a slight presence of B virus. If there are mutations, this will negatively affect the above-mentioned strains, significantly increasing the incidence and mortality rate. Of the A group viruses, H1N1 and H3N2 will predominate. These strains come to Russia every year and are traditional.

The symptoms of influenza, despite the variety of strains, will be classic, which has been observed over the past few years. Based on this, the following signs of influenza can be distinguished: a sharp rise in temperature, dizziness and severe headache, general weakness, muscle pain, loss of appetite. It is possible to develop symptoms that are not typical for influenza: dry throat and nose, sore throat, dry cough, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders. Treatment is standard, the success of which depends on the correct and timely diagnosis of the disease. To prevent influenza 2015, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation recommends vaccination.

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Flu 2015 in Ukraine

Flu 2015 in Ukraine may begin in the last ten days of December or in January, doctors do not indicate exact numbers or specific time frames. Ukrainians are waiting for the previously known strain H1N1 California and H3N2, which will go with the virus group B - Massachusetts. As scientists predict, the flu will come to our country from Southeast Asia. At the same time, weather conditions will not stop the virus, but can prolong its stay, which will significantly increase the number of cases. But, despite this, the disease will not have an epidemic scale, that is, it will be within the limits of past years.

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine advises not to refuse preventive measures of protection against the disease, i.e. vaccination. Even if a person gets the flu after vaccination, the risk of possible complications is significantly lower, as is the duration of the disease. To protect against the 2015 flu, it is recommended to get vaccinated in October of this year. This will protect against seasonal flu, and the immune system will have time to acquire the necessary protective properties to fight the new virus.

The vaccination procedure is free and can be done at any clinic. The only thing you need to have with you is the vaccine purchased at the pharmacy. The cost of the "panacea" for the flu will be at the level of 100-150 UAH. But before vaccination, you need to consult a doctor, since the vaccine has a number of contraindications and can cause side effects.

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Flu 2015: High-Risk Groups

For any disease, and especially for the flu, there are so-called high-risk groups. These groups include categories of people who, for certain reasons, have a high chance of catching the flu and getting a number of complications from the disease. Let's take a closer look at which contingents are considered high-risk for the 2015 flu:

• Children

This category includes newborns, infants, and older children. Newborns do not have their own immunity, which significantly increases the risk of disease. Another danger for infants is the fact that vaccination against influenza is contraindicated for babies under six months. To prevent the disease, it is extremely important to carry out seasonal preventive measures. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should get a flu vaccine. Through breast milk, the child will receive ready-made antibodies. Everyone who is close to the child should be vaccinated, and at the slightest symptoms of the disease, do not contact the baby.

• Pregnant women

The immune system of a pregnant woman is weakened due to hormonal changes in the body caused by the growth and development of the child. Flu during pregnancy is dangerous for both the mother and her baby. The most dangerous complication of the disease is premature birth, fetal defects or intrauterine death. To prevent such dangerous complications, a woman should get a flu vaccine in a timely manner. By the way, vaccination is possible during pregnancy and is safe for the expectant mother. Do not forget about classic preventive measures that will strengthen the immune system.

• Elderly people

The danger of old age before the flu is caused by several factors. Firstly, people are distrustful of vaccination. Thus, among pensioners the percentage of vaccination against the virus is the lowest. Secondly, there are many chronic diseases. This fact negatively affects the body and the protective functions of the immune system. If an elderly person is infected with the flu, the disease lasts a long time, causing a number of serious complications.

• People with disabilities

The danger for this group of people lies in the weakened immune system. Such people cannot always carry out preventive measures to prevent influenza, and are susceptible to serious complications of the viral disease.

• Patients with chronic diseases

The main risk of getting the flu is the reduced protective functions of the immune system due to the long-term course of pathological processes in the body.

• Travelers

The danger lies in constant contact with a large number of people and frequent trips on public transport. The only sure way to prevent the disease is vaccination.

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Flu Symptoms 2015: What You Need to Know About the Enemy?

Symptoms of flu 2015, like any flu infection, manifest themselves as a sharp rise in body temperature and intoxication of the body. The patient suffers from muscle pain, severe headache, chills, increased fatigue and irritability. Dryness in the mouth and nose, a dry, tense cough, which causes pain behind the breastbone, appear.

• If the disease progresses smoothly, the above symptoms persist for 5-7 days, after which recovery occurs, but a feeling of severe fatigue still remains.
• If the flu is severe, the patient will experience secondary bacterial infections, which can lead to very serious complications.

Regardless of the strain of the virus, the flu has a general picture. But each of the symptoms can manifest itself in specific signs inherent only to it. Let's consider the main symptoms of the flu 2015:

• Feverish state is the beginning of the disease. The patient's body temperature rises to 39-40°C and in a few hours the body becomes intoxicated, the condition worsens.
• Chills – usually have a high degree of intensity, so wrapping and warming compresses do not bring relief. As soon as the high temperature is brought down, the chills go away.
• Headaches are a symptom of intoxication of the body, which may indicate a worsening of the flu and the appearance of complications in the form of sinusitis. The pain has a dull, pressing character, which manifests itself when moving the eyes and sharp turns of the head.
• Cough – indicates the development of an inflammatory process in the bronchi. As a rule, it is a dry cough.
• Muscle pain – appears in the first day of infection and is a clear sign of intoxication of the body.
• General weakness – increased drowsiness and malaise are observed, which are the body’s natural reaction to the action of the virus and the weakening of the protective functions of the immune system.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite are factors of intoxication and may be a sign of the intestinal form of flu.

In addition to the above symptoms, additional clinical manifestations are possible, which include dizziness, dry mouth, tinnitus, decreased sense of smell, and a painful reaction to bright light and loud noise. The patient is irritable and slightly nervous. There is an unhealthy shine in the eyes, a coating on the tongue and lips, lacrimation, cracks in the corners of the mouth, increased pulse, and rapid breathing. Symptoms also depend on the form of flu. Mild, moderate, severe, and toxic forms are distinguished. The duration of the feverish state can be up to one week. At the same time, there is a periodic improvement in the patient's well-being.

Symptoms largely depend on the strain of the virus, let's look at the symptoms of the most common flu viruses:

• H1N1 – has classic flu symptoms, but causes complications in the form of sinusitis, pneumonia, arachnoiditis.
• H3N2 – this virus also has standard symptoms of the disease, but the flu causes complications that manifest as hemorrhagic lung lesions.
• Yamagata - the virus is not fully understood, so it is attributed with all the signs of influenza, since scientists have not yet been able to identify specific symptoms.

The flu virus can cause serious complications that affect the performance of the entire body. If the inflammatory process is localized in the meninges, the complication occurs due to the activation of the infectious focus, this can be frontal sinusitis, bad teeth or sinusitis. Arachnoiditis can cause adhesions, which will lead to impaired blood circulation between the membranes of the brain. This complication is characterized by symptoms such as severe headaches, numbness and weakness of the limbs. In particularly severe cases, signs of epilepsy appear.

Inflammation of the nasal sinuses and pneumonia, that is, pulmonary damage, are characteristic of a severe form of influenza. The influenza virus also causes hemorrhagic symptoms, as a rule, these are: facial hyperemia against the background of general pallor of the skin, nosebleeds, hemorrhages on the mucous membranes and skin. Hemorrhagic signs lead to complications from the cardiovascular system and are an unfavorable prognosis for the disease. That is why, at the first symptoms of influenza, it is necessary to seek qualified medical help, and not self-medicate.

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What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

Many people mistakenly believe that a cold is a synonym for the word flu. That is, a low temperature, runny nose and general weakness suggest the idea that the flu has set in. But such self-diagnosis is fundamentally wrong, since the flu and a cold are two completely different diseases.

• Influenza is a viral disease that is accompanied by high fever, general weakness, muscle pain and bone aches.
• The common cold is a general term that includes a number of diseases of the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract caused by viruses and bacteria.

Based on the above, we can conclude that the methods of treating colds and flu are different. But the most important thing is to correctly diagnose and recognize diseases in a timely manner. As for what is more dangerous, a cold or flu, there is no clear answer to this question, since both viral and bacterial diseases are dangerous for the human body. Medicine knows of cases when, at first glance, harmless mild flu, due to improper treatment, transformed into very complicated forms, for example, pneumonia. This also applies to colds.

There are a number of symptoms that allow you to see the difference between the flu and a cold, that is, to conduct a self-diagnosis.

Flu	Cold
The temperature rises sharply, literally in a couple of hours. It is difficult to say when the first signs of the disease appeared.	The temperature may not rise or may rise, but very slowly and not to critical values.
A severe headache, general weakness, increased sweating or fever and dry, cold skin appear.	The headache is minor, but lethargy and apathy appear. With increased physical exertion, sweating and chills are possible.
In the first days of the disease, a strong dry cough, runny nose and sneezing appear.	A slight sore throat, slight runny nose and coughing appear.
Vomiting and diarrhea are possible, which are signs of intestinal flu.	Vomiting occurs extremely rarely and, as a rule, in advanced stages of the disease or improper treatment.

Flu is considered a typical viral disease, can be seasonal, accompanied by high temperature and a number of other symptoms characteristic of it. But what diseases are related to such a concept as a cold? By the way, almost all diseases of this nature are united under a common diagnosis - ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection). Let's consider the main diseases that are related to the general concept of a cold:

• Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity or simply a runny nose. Rhinitis can be a symptom of other diseases. The disease causes discomfort and unpleasant sensations.
• Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat, treated with pills and folk medicine. Without proper treatment, it can lead to tonsillitis.
• Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Dusty air, hypothermia, cold drinks can provoke the disease.

Only a doctor can accurately diagnose a cold and distinguish it from the flu. It is important to remember that both colds and flu are not harmless diseases. Incorrect treatment or ignoring symptoms can lead to disastrous consequences that are very difficult to treat.

How to treat flu 2015?

How to treat flu, and is there a panacea for the viral disease - a pressing question for many scientists and millions of people who are anxiously awaiting the 2015 flu wave. There are many methods that are effective in treating flu. But the type of treatment depends on the form of the disease, the patient's age and possible complications. Let's consider the most effective methods for treating flu infection.

Non-drug treatment for flu 2015

The patient must strictly stay in bed for at least 5-7 days. During this period, it is not recommended to work on the computer, watch TV or read. The weakened body must fully recover, and additional loads exhaust it, prolong the duration of the disease and can cause complications.

It is necessary to observe the drinking regime and drink at least 2 liters of water per day. It is also recommended to drink tea with lemon, fruit drinks, rosehip infusion and any warm drinks rich in vitamin C. Liquid accelerates the removal of toxins from the body, which are formed due to the vital activity of the virus.

Non-specific drug therapy for influenza 2015

This point of treatment should be agreed with the attending physician. The patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Paracetamol), which reduce pain and lower the temperature. Very often, powdered drugs are used to combat the flu, which are easy to use. Do not forget that if the temperature remains at 38ºС, it is contraindicated to bring it down. Since during this period the body activates its defense mechanisms and actively fights the virus.

Antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil), throat pain medications (Gexoral, Bioparox) can be taken. Patients are prescribed vasoconstrictor nasal drops, which effectively relieve congestion and eliminate runny nose symptoms. If the patient has a cough, it is treated with drugs (ACC, Bronholitin), which reduce the viscosity of sputum, making it light and liquid, which makes coughing easier. But antibiotics are prohibited for the treatment of influenza. Antibiotics are absolutely powerless in the fight against viruses, they are used only for bacterial complications.

Read also: Correct treatment of flu

Antiviral therapy

This stage of flu treatment is carried out only under the supervision of the attending physician. An effective flu treatment regimen consists of taking the following drugs: intranasal interferon, anti-influenza γ-immunoglobulin, antiviral rimantadine and oseltamivir to alleviate the general condition. The duration of taking the above drugs and their dosage are selected by the attending physician, individually for each patient.

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How to prevent flu this 2014-2015 season?

Since autumn is already on the doorstep, the issue of flu prevention is especially relevant. The main method of preventing viral diseases is vaccination. A person is injected with a particle of an infectious agent, which stimulates the body to produce antibodies that prevent infection and further spread of the disease. It is best to vaccinate in the fall, since epidemics occur between November and March. But you should not vaccinate in advance, since the titer of antibodies from the vaccine retains its properties for several months and decreases after six months.

To prevent flu and colds, it is necessary to reduce sources of possible infection. Try to use public transport and visit crowded places as little as possible. Both adults and children should spend more time outdoors, this makes infection with the virus almost impossible. Today, there is a huge selection of medications to prevent flu. These are mainly antiviral drugs that reduce the clinical manifestations of the disease and shorten the duration of the disease.

• It is very important to prevent the viral infection from getting on the mucous membranes. To do this, you should limit contact with infected people. Do not forget that the virus can remain on hygiene items and personal belongings of the patient. Therefore, it is very important to follow the rules of hygiene.
• To protect against flu, it is necessary to increase the body's resistance to infection. Good nutrition and regular exercise will strengthen the immune system. Particular attention should be paid to adequate sleep and rest, minimize stress and give up bad habits.
• If the first symptoms of flu appear, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication is strictly prohibited, since it is impossible to predict the course of the disease, as well as its complications.
• Remember that the flu virus is easily transmitted through dirty hands. Wash your hands regularly, especially after using public transport. Try to avoid shaking hands and use hand hygiene products that will help destroy the infection.

There is so-called emergency flu prevention. It is effective if the outbreak of infection occurs in a closed group or during an acute epidemic. If vaccination has not been carried out, then it is necessary to take antiviral drugs. This method of prevention is especially relevant for people who are at risk. It is recommended to take rimantadine, Tamiflu and anti-flu immunoglobulin. The duration of therapy can take 1-2 months, but only after consultation with the attending physician.

Flu 2014-2015 is an expected phenomenon that can be prevented and the body can be prepared for its appearance. Good nutrition, outdoor recreation, minimum stress, more physical activity and personal hygiene are basic rules that will allow you to protect yourself and your family from new and seasonal strains of flu 2015.