Flu 2015: recognize, cure, prevent

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

Flu is the most unpredictable disease, the course of which is difficult to predict. The influenza virus is constantly mutating, creating new strains and causing whole epidemics.

The influenza virus is variable, so new strains appear each year, causing 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. It is in this lies the danger of influenza, as the pathogens consist not only of human nucleotides, but also of pork and bird genomes.

According to the World Health Organization, in the season 2014-2015, the appearance of such viruses as:

• H1N1 - swine flu or California flu. The virus made itself felt in 2009, triggering a severe epidemic. This year, doctors predict an average incidence rate.
• H3N2 - the virus is quite young, but very dangerous. Clinical symptoms are difficult to confirm, the flu gives serious complications to the lungs.
• Yamagata is the most dangerous and not fully studied virus. The symptomatology of this strain is similar to all of the above, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat it.

As for the forthcoming exacerbation of influenza diseases, the scientists do not predict spontaneous or unexpected outbreaks and a high incidence rate. But do not forget about the prevention, stimulation and hardening of the immune system.

[1], [2], [3], [4],

Flu season 2015 - element of unpredictability

Everyone at least once in his life, but he was sick with the flu. That is, the disease is habitual in the everyday sense. But, despite this, the virus has many strains, each of which manifests itself in its own way, has similar symptoms, various and very dangerous complications for the organism. There is such a thing as seasonal flu and it must be distinguished from other types of this virus disease.

• Seasonal or regular flu is always and is typical for a certain time of the year. We have it starting from the middle of autumn or at the beginning of winter cold and, as a rule, quite unexpectedly. The virus is not pandemic, that is, does not cause an epidemic, does not lead to massive deaths or devastating consequences.
• Seasonal influenza is not atypical, that is, it has a long period of development and recognizable symptoms. The peculiarity of the atypical influenza virus is that it starts suddenly and at any time of the year. As a rule, people do not pay due attention to the symptoms of the disease, taking flu for an ordinary cold.

The 2015 season of influenza is the expected period, to which both medical and educational institutions are assiduously prepared. The disease is directly related to the time of year, and spreads by airborne droplets. People with a weakened immune system are the first to fall ill. The incubation period of influenza is insignificant, up to 8 hours from infection until the first signs appear. The virus makes itself felt when the rates of respiratory air samples positive for the influenza virus are at a high level for several weeks. So, in the last season of the flu, H3N2 virus, which belongs to group A, prevailed. The only way to fight the disease is full vaccination and preventive measures.

Symptoms of seasonal flu are manifested as a sharp increase in body temperature, which is very difficult or impossible to knock down. In addition to the temperature of the patient awaits exhausting chills, fever, increased sweating, stuffy nose and runny nose. Antibiotics and nasal sprays do not help. The person quickly gets tired, there are joint pains and a severe headache, which does not go right through to recovery. The person becomes apathetic, there is drowsiness and heavy breathing.

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

[5], [6], [7], [8]

World Flu 2015 is already coming to us

At this time in the world, not the most comforting forecasts for the 2015 flu prevails. Of course, the current situation has chances of a favorable outcome, but some facts are very worrying. •

To date, Chile has recorded several deaths from a strain of swine flu. Scientists say that the disease is moving from north to south due to abnormal weather and climate conditions.

• Do not forget about the recently erupted hemorrhagic fever Ebola. If the flu mutates and gets at least some of the symptoms of this disease, the consequences will be disastrous for the whole world.
• For the first time, there were recorded cases of transmission of the virus from person to person, which had not happened before. This suggests that the 2015 flu differs significantly from the strains of the virus of previous years and may have a global mass character.

The forecast for the incidence of influenza 2015 largely depends on preventing a possible disease. Universal vaccination of the population reduces the number of patients. Despite the fact that experts disagree, this year the world expects a wave of three viruses: H1N1, Massachusetts and H3N2. Doctors already identify a number of signs that will help to recognize the disease. Of course, the symptomatology can manifest itself in different ways and depends on the strain of influenza and the age category of the patient.

The main signs of the flu are high temperature, which lasts up to one week and does not get lost by drugs, feverish condition, severe headaches, pain in the muscles and photophobia, rash on the body, sore throat, severe weakness and complete lack of appetite. Do not forget that the disease can occur in several forms, the most dangerous of which is toxic.

Flu Epidemic 2015

The flu epidemic 2015 is possible if the virus is so mutated that existing vaccines will be ineffective in fighting the new strain. The epidemic can happen for the simple reason that the flu is easily transmitted and spreads very quickly. The main way of transmission of the virus is airborne, but it is also possible to use the household way of infection, for example, through household items.

The disease begins sharply, the incubation period can last from 2 to 5 days, in contrast to the seasonal flu, which manifests itself on the 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 previously 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 is mild, growing into a moderate, severe and most dangerous hypertoxic.

• Light form - the temperature does not rise to critical values and may be within normal limits. The symptoms of infectious toxicosis are poorly expressed, the patient feels general weakness, fatigue, apathy.
• The medium-heavy form - body temperature reaches critical levels, the patient exhibits all the classic symptoms of the virus. There are catarrhal symptoms, intoxication of the body, respiratory and abdominal symptoms.
• Heavy form - the temperature of the body is kept at 40-40.5 ° C. To the above symptomatology, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and nosebleeds are added.

If the flu without complications, then the acute course is observed within 3-5 days, recovery occurs after 10-12 days. But after the transferred disease for a month symptoms of postinfectious asthenia appear. In case of an epidemic, the appearance of a severe form of influenza increases 3-5 times. Most of all victims are among elderly patients, people with chronic diseases and children.

[9], [10]

Flu 2015 in Russia

Influenza in Russia, like in any other country, has a certain periodicity and cyclical development. If in previous years the disease was of moderate nature, then in 2015 a peak incidence is possible, which will lead to an increase in its destructive character in subsequent periods. The development of influenza infection also depends on weather conditions, if there is a sharp cooling, then the flu will not exceed its last year's scales.

Scientists predict the previous viral profile, that is, the prevalence of viruses A and the insignificant presence of virus B. If there are mutations, this will negatively affect the aforementioned strains, which will substantially increase the incidence and mortality rate. Of the viruses of group A, H1N1 and H3N2 will prevail. These strains come to Russia every year and are traditional.

Symptoms of influenza, despite the variety of strains, will be classic, which has been observed for several past years. On this basis, we can distinguish the following signs of influenza: a sharp rise in temperature, dizziness and severe headache, general weakness, muscle pain, lack of appetite. Perhaps the development and uncharacteristic of the flu symptoms: dryness in the pharynx and nose, perspiration, dry cough, diarrhea and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. 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 can begin in the last decade of December or in January, doctors do not indicate exact numbers or specific time frames. Ukrainians are waiting for the previously known strain of H1N1 California and H3N2, which will go with the virus group B - Massachusetts. As scientists predict, in our country the flu will come from Southeast Asia. In this 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 the scale of the epidemic, that is will be within the past years.

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine advises not to abandon the preventive measure of protection against the disease, that is, vaccination. Even if after the vaccination a person becomes ill with the flu, then the risk of possible complications is much less, as well as the duration of the disease. For protection against influenza 2015, it is recommended to do the vaccine in October this year. This will protect against seasonal influenza, 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 taken at any clinic. The only thing you need to have with you is a vaccine purchased in a pharmacy. The cost of a "panacea" from the flu will be at the level of 100-150 UAH. But before vaccination it is necessary to consult a doctor, since the vaccine has a number of contraindications and can cause side effects.

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Flu 2015: Special Risk Groups

In any disease, and especially with the flu, there are so-called special risk groups. These groups include categories of people who, for certain reasons, have a high chance of catching the flu and get a number of complications from the disease. Let us consider in more detail which contingents belong to the special risk group for influenza 2015:

• Children

This category includes newborns, babies, and older children. Newborns do not have their immunity, which significantly increases the risk of the disease. Another danger for infants, the fact that up to six months, babies are not eligible for flu vaccination. It is extremely important to carry out seasonal preventive measures to prevent the disease. 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 with 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 mother and her baby. The most dangerous complication of the disease is premature birth, defects in the fetus or intrauterine death. To prevent such dangerous complications, a woman should make a flu vaccine in a timely manner. By the way, vaccination is possible during pregnancy, and it is safe for a future mother. Do not forget about the classic preventive measures that will strengthen the immune system.

• Elderly people

The danger of old age before the flu is due to several factors. Firstly, people are mistrustful of vaccination. So, among pensioners the lowest percentage of vaccination against the virus. Secondly, it is a lot of chronic diseases. This fact negatively affects the body and the protective functions of the immune system. If an elderly person has caught a flu, the disease runs for a long time, causing a number of serious complications.

• People with disabilities

The danger for this group of people lies in the lowered immune system. Such people can not always carry out preventive measures to prevent influenza, and are prone to serious complications of the virus disease.

• Patients with chronic diseases

The main risk of getting sick with the flu is reduced protective functions of the immune system because of the long course of pathological processes in the body.

• Travelers

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

[13], [14], [15],

Flu symptoms 2015: What you need to know about the enemy?

Symptoms of influenza 2015, like any influenza infection manifests itself as a sharp rise in body temperature and intoxication of the body. The patient suffers from pain in the muscles, severe headache, chills, increased fatigue and irritability. There is dryness in the mouth and nose, a dry tense cough that causes pain behind the sternum.

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

Regardless of the strain of the virus, the flu has a big picture. But each of the symptoms can be manifested by specific signs inherent only to him. Consider the main symptoms of influenza 2015:

• A febrile condition is the onset of a disease. The patient rises body temperature, up to 39-40 ° C and for several hours develops intoxication of the body, the condition worsens.
• Chills - as a rule, have a high degree of intensity, so wrapping and warming compresses do not bring relief. As soon as it is possible to bring down the heat, the chills pass.
• Headaches are a symptom of an organism's intoxication, which may indicate a worsening of the flu, and the appearance of complications in the form of sinusitis or sinusitis. The pain has a blunt, pressing character, which is manifested by the movement of the eyes and sharp turns of the head.
• Cough - indicates the development of the inflammatory process in the bronchi. Usually, this is a dry cough.
• Pain in the muscles - manifested in the first day of infection and is a clear sign of intoxication of the body.
• General weakness - there is increased drowsiness and malaise, which are a natural reaction of the body to the action of the virus and weakening of the protective functions of the immune system.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite - are factors of intoxication and can be a sign of intestinal flu.

In addition to the above symptoms, an additional clinic is possible, accompanied by dizziness, dry mouth, tinnitus, decreased sense of smell and a painful reaction to bright light and strong noise. The patient differs irritability and mild nervous excitability. There is an unhealthy shine in the eyes, a plaque in the tongue and lips, lacrimation, cracks in the corners of the mouth, increased pulse and rapid breathing. The symptomatology depends on the form of the flu. Isolate light, medium, heavy and toxic forms. The duration of fever 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 viruses, consider the symptoms of the most common influenza viruses:

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

The influenza virus can cause serious complications that affect the performance of the whole organism. If the inflammatory process is localized in the area of the meninges, then the complication arises from the activation of the infectious focus, it can be frontitis, sick teeth or sinusitis. Arachnoiditis can cause adhesion processes, which will lead to a violation of blood circulation between the membranes of the brain. This complication is characterized by such symptoms as severe headaches, numbness and weakness of the extremities. Severe cases show signs of epilepsy.

Inflammation of the nasal sinuses and pneumonia, that is, pulmonary lesions, characters for the severe form of the course of the flu. Influenza virus causes hemorrhagic symptoms, as a rule, it is: face hyperemia against the background of general pallor of the skin, nosebleeds, hemorrhage on the mucous membranes and skin integuments. Hemorrhagic signs lead to complications from the cardiovascular system and are an unfavorable prognosis for the disease. That is why, with the first symptoms of influenza, you need to seek qualified medical help, rather than self-medicate.

[16], [17]

What is the difference between a cold and flu?

Many people mistakenly believe that the common cold is a synonym for flu. That is, low temperature, a common cold and general weakness pushes the idea that the flu has come. But such self-diagnosis is fundamentally wrong, since influenza and colds are two completely different diseases.

• Influenza is a disease of the viral etiology, which is accompanied by high fever, general weakness, muscle pain, and aching bones.
• The common cold is a common term, which 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 treatment of colds and flu are different. But the most important thing is to correctly diagnose and timely recognize the disease. In occasion of that it is more dangerous cold or a flu the unequivocal answer to the given question is not present, as both virus and bacteriemic diseases are dangerous to a human body. Medicine knows cases when, at first sight, a harmless flu of a mild form, due to improper treatment, has been transformed into very complicated forms, for example, into pneumonia. This also applies to colds.

There are a number of symptoms that allow you to see the difference between flu and cold, that is, to conduct 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 rise, but very slowly and not to critical values.
There is a severe headache, general weakness, increased sweating or fever and dry cold skin.	Headache is insignificant, but lethargy and apathy appears. With increased physical exertion, sweating and chills are possible.
In the first days of the disease there is a strong dry cough, runny nose and sneezing.	There is a small tickling in the throat, a minor rhinitis and coughing.
Possible vomiting and diarrhea, that is, signs of intestinal flu.	Vomiting happens extremely rarely and, as a rule, when the form of the disease is neglected or improperly treated.

Influenza is considered a typical viral disease, can be seasonal, accompanied by high fever and a number of other symptoms characteristic of it. But what diseases refer to such a concept as a cold? By the way, almost all diseases of this nature are combined under the general diagnosis - acute respiratory viral infection. Consider the main diseases that relate to the common concept of the common cold:

• Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa or a common cold. Rhinitis can act as a symptom of other diseases. The disease causes discomfort and unpleasant sensations.
• Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat, it is treated with pills, methods of alternative medicine. Without proper treatment can lead to sore throat.
• Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx caused by pathogens. Dusty air, hypothermia, cold drinks - can provoke the disease.

It is only the doctor who can reliably diagnose a cold and distinguish it from the flu. Do not forget that both colds and flu are not harmless diseases. Improper treatment or neglect of symptoms can lead to disastrous consequences, which are very difficult to treat.

How to treat the flu 2015?

How to treat the flu, and whether there is a panacea for a viral disease is an urgent issue for many scientists and millions of people who are anxiously awaiting the wave of the flu of 2015. There are many methods that are effective in treating the flu. But the type of treatment depends on the form of the disease, the age of the patient and possible complications. Consider the most effective ways to treat influenza infection.

Non-drug treatment of influenza 2015

The patient must comply with strict bed rest, at least 5-7 days. During this period it is not recommended to work at a computer, watch TV or read. The weakened organism must fully recover, and the additional stresses deplete it, prolong the duration of the disease and can cause complications.

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

Nonspecific 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 reduce the temperature. Very often, powder preparations are used to fight the flu, which are convenient to use. Do not forget that if the temperature is kept at 38 ° C, it is contraindicated to knock down. Since during this period the body activates its protective mechanisms and actively fights the virus.

It is possible to take antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil), drugs for pain in the throat (Geksoral, Bioparox). Patients are prescribed vasoconstrictive nasal drops that effectively relieve congestion and eliminate the symptoms of the common cold. If the patient has started coughing, then he is treated with drugs (ACTS, Broncholitin), which reduce the viscosity of phlegm, making it light and liquid, which facilitates cough. But antibiotics used to treat the flu is prohibited. Antibiotics are absolutely powerless in the fight against viruses, they are used only for bacterial complications.

Read also: Proper treatment of influenza

Antiviral therapy

This stage of treatment of influenza passes only under the supervision of the attending physician. An effective regimen for the treatment of influenza consists of the administration of such drugs: interferon intranasal, anti-influenza γ-immunoglobulin, antiviral rimantadine and oseltamivir for ease of general condition. Duration of administration of the above described drugs and their dosage are selected by the attending physician, individually for each patient.

[18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23]

How to prevent the flu in this season 2014-2015?

Since autumn is already at the doorstep, the issue of preventing influenza becomes particularly urgent. The main method of preventing a viral disease is vaccination. A person is injected with a piece of an infectious agent that stimulates the body to produce antibodies that prevent infection and further spread of the disease. It is best to vaccinate in the autumn, as epidemics occur between November and March. But it is not necessary to carry out an early vaccination, as the antibody titre of the vaccine retains its properties for several months and decreases after six months.

To prevent influenza and colds, it is necessary to reduce the sources of possible infection. Try as little as possible to use public transport and to visit places of large concentrations of people. As adults and children need to spend more time on the air, it makes infection with the virus almost impossible. To date, to prevent the flu, there is a huge selection of medicines. Basically, these are antiviral drugs that reduce the clinical manifestations of the disease and reduce the duration of the disease.

• It is very important not to let the virus infection on the mucous membranes. To do this, limit contact with infected people. Do not forget that the virus can persist on items of hygiene and personal belongings of the patient. Therefore, it is very important to follow the rules of hygiene.
• To protect against influenza, it is necessary to increase the body's resistance to infection. Full nutrition and regular exercise will strengthen the immune system. Particular attention should be paid to full sleep and rest, minimize stress and abandon bad habits.
• If the first symptoms of flu have appeared, you need to see a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to engage in self-medication, as it is impossible to predict the course of the disease, as well as its complications.
• Do not forget that the flu virus is easily betrayed through dirty hands. Regularly wash your hands, especially after traveling on public transport. Try to avoid handshakes and use hand hygiene products to help destroy the infection.

There is so-called emergency flu prevention. It is effective in the event that an outbreak of infection has occurred in a closed team or during an acute epidemic. If vaccination is not 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-influenza immunoglobulin. The duration of therapy may take 1-2 months, but only if consulted with your doctor.

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