Flu 2016: How to avoid infection?

Autumn is already on the doorstep, and this means that seasonal diseases make themselves felt. We will study the characteristics of influenza this year, the methods of treatment and prevention, as well as the main symptoms of the disease.

Information that the virus mutates for more than a year at all on hearing. The best specialists of WHO are engaged in the study of its species, analyze and predict which strain will manifest itself in the autumn-winter period and will be a real test for human health.

Every year, people with low immunity suffer from seasonal infectious and viral diseases. The main danger of the disease is that the virus is prone to frequent mutations. Every 10-20 years, the epidemiological situation changes drastically and is complicated by a complete mutation of the strain. But this does not mean that the symptomatology of the disorder is drastically changing. As a rule, more dangerous symptoms are added to the "classic" signs.

For 2015-2016 epidemiologists expect influenza outbreaks for November-January. And this means that the planned vaccination will be carried out in September-October. But for this season experts predict a stable situation even in the first months of cold weather. Therefore, there is an excellent chance to prepare for a meeting with the infection and to neutralize it.

Flu season 2016 is a hidden danger

For the coming season, doctors do not foreshadow catastrophic outbreaks of influenza. But this does not mean that you do not need to prevent the disease. Since the virus is rightfully considered the most dangerous among known virus lesions. The greatest danger is for people with chronic diseases of the respiratory system and a weakened immune system. The risk group includes elderly people, pregnant women and children.

In 2016, analysts predict an insignificant activity of earlier known strains:

• A / California / 7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09 is a subtype of swine flu, which became known in 2009. It is this virus that caused the epidemic all over the world. The greatest danger is the complications that very often lead to death. Infection can cause sinusitis, pneumonia and even inflammation of the meninges.
• A / Switzerland / 9715293/2013 (H3N2) is a subtype of strain A. Its danger is in complications that have a pathological effect on the cardiovascular system.
• B / Phuket / 3073/2013 (B / Yamagata) and B / Brisbane / 60/2008 - a subtype of strain B, refers to poorly studied viruses. The disease is difficult to diagnose because of the lubricated symptoms. But doctors do not consider it dangerous, since it does not cause life-threatening complications.

Solving the problem of influenza is significantly complicated by the fact that the symptoms that appear at its early stage can be observed in other diseases. Under the mask of influenza infection can be: tonsillitis, food poisoning, typhoid fever, rheumatism, dysentery, tuberculosis and other disorders. There are known influenza-like respiratory tract infections that occur as influenza, but are caused by very different viruses.

To date, there are eight families of such viruses, including the common cold viruses, adenoviruses, parainfluenza and 1RS viruses. Diseases caused by such an infection resemble a real flu. To determine the true pathogen that caused the outbreak, an antibody test is performed.

[1], [2],

Flu 2015-2016: special risk groups

Any disease has certain risk groups among people who are predisposed to infection. Since influenza infection is a respiratory disease caused by viruses, its main danger is a high level of infectiousness, severe course and weight of complications. With improper treatment or lack of it, the ailment can be fatal.

Consider who is at risk for the incidence of influenza infection:

• Newborn children

Children have no immunity, which significantly increases the risk of infection. The situation is complicated by the fact that up to six months, routine vaccination is not carried out. To prevent illness, it is recommended to follow preventive measures. So, if the child is breastfed, the mother should be vaccinated. This will allow the baby to get antibodies through the milk. All who contact the child should also be vaccinated. If someone from family members have symptoms of infection, then any contact with the newborn is contraindicated.

• Pregnant

Immunity is weakened by hormonal changes caused by the development of the fetus. The flu of 2016 in a pregnant woman is dangerous for both the woman herself and her child. The most serious consequence of an ailment is premature birth. If a woman carries the disease on her legs, then this can lead to the development of various defects in the fetus, even miscarriage is possible. Prevent these processes can be timely vaccination and preventive measures.

• Elderly people

The risk of infection is caused by a number of factors, primarily - a large number of chronic diseases and a natural decrease in immunity. Misconduct has a disastrous effect on vaccination.

In addition to the categories described above, people at risk include people with chronic diseases and disabilities, patients with neurological disorders, asthmatics, patients with chronic lung, kidney and liver lesions, and people with developmental and mental disorders.

[3], [4], [5], [6], [7],

World Flu 2016 - already on the threshold

Mixovirus influenzae that is influenza virus, is a member of the family Orthomyxoviridae and has three forms: A, B, C. Types A and B occur in humans. Virus A is the main source of influenza epidemic, and type B provokes milder forms of the disease. Infection is determined by antigenic properties, that is, for the differentiation of A and B types, a solution of antigens of matrix proteins and antigens of non-cloproteins is used.

Consider the main clinical signs of viruses and their stages (found all over the world):

Virus	Symptoms	Form of gravity	Assessment of severity	Flow features
A B C	Intoxication of the body, headaches, chills, convulsive syndrome, catarrhal phenomena.	Lightweight	The temperature is subfebrile, with little indication of intoxication.	Without complications, a mild course.
	Pathological changes from the bronchopulmonary system (hemorrhagic edema, bronchitis, segmental edema).	Medium Heavy	Body temperature 38.5-39.5 ° C, symptoms of intoxication (head and muscle pains, adynamia, dizziness) are expressed. In rare cases, abdominal syndrome and segmental puffiness are possible.	Possible complications associated with the virus (neuritis, encephalitis and others).
		Heavy	The body temperature reaches critical values of 40-40.5 ° C. Possible loss of consciousness, nonsense, convulsions, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting.	It is characterized by bacterial complications (otitis media, purulent necrotic laryngo-tracheobranchitis, pneumonia, bronchitis)
	Immunofluorescence and immunoenzyme assays have positive results	Hyper-toxic	Hyperthermal Syndrome; meningo-encephalitic syndrome; hemorrhagic syndrome

World statistics indicate that annually about 15% of humanity suffers from influenza. It is this affliction that causes irreversible damage to the structures of the brain and the cardiovascular system. The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a low activity of the infection for the coming year. But isolated cases of infection are possible, which can be prevented by a timely vaccine.

The flu epidemic 2016

The beginning of the flu epidemic is forecast for January-February 2016. There is still enough time to think about the options for prevention or get vaccinated. A sharp jump in the incidence rate is possible in November-December this year. The danger of the ailment is that only limited means are required to eliminate it.

Annually more than 200 thousand people die from the disease and its complications. Since infection occurs by airborne droplets, the flu takes the form of epidemics, that is, sudden outbreaks that quickly and suddenly spread. In especially acute periods, up to 50-70% of the total population can be infected.

To prevent the catastrophic extent of the disease, it is recommended to carry out prophylaxis. To date, vaccination is considered the most effective. This method not only reduces the mortality rate and maintains health, but also has a significant economic effect. This is due to the fact that the economic damage from the virus of one person is more than $ 100, and the cost of vaccination is 6-8 times lower than the losses from the disease.

For the 2015-2016 season, the composition of influenza vaccines has been updated, according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization. In the vaccine, two strains have been replaced, and now it protects against the three most commonly encountered and serious virus complications.

The strains of influenza vaccines:

• A / California / 7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09
• A / Switzerland / 9715293/2013 (H3N2) -like virus
• B / Phuket / 3073/2013-like virus

Compulsory vaccinations are free of charge: children from 6 months, schoolchildren, students, medical, educational, transport and communal workers. And also pregnant women, patients older than 60 years, persons subject to conscription for military service and people with chronic diseases. The procedure is allowed to be carried out simultaneously with other vaccinations, except for vaccination against tuberculosis.

Flu 2016 in Russia

According to the forecasts of the Federal Health Service, an increase in the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections will begin in January 2016. February will be unsuccessful, since an epidemic of moderate intensity is assumed. According to preliminary estimates by WHO in 2016, the following strains will prevail in Russia: AH1N1, AH3N2 and influenza B. These strains became the basis of the vaccine "Grippol plus", which the Russians are going to vaccinate.

In all districts, the level of morbidity is monitored to prevent an epidemic. Influenza is dangerous because of complications, the most unfavorable of which is pneumonia. To date, it is this complication that holds the leading position among infectious diseases. Particular attention is paid to informing the population at the regional level.

Quarantine-restrictive measures have been developed in medical institutions. For the period of the epidemic, additional beds were procured and drugs were purchased, which would allow patients to be hospitalized in the infectious departments in a timely manner and begin therapy.

[8], [9], [10], [11],

Flu 2016 in Ukraine

The World Health Organization published a forecast of the circulation of strains of the influenza virus in this epidemic season for the northern hemisphere, which is likely to affect Ukraine. According to the data received, the composition of the viruses has been updated, so people with a weakened immune system need to be vaccinated.

For 2015-2016, it is recommended to use vaccines against such strains as:

• A / California / 7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09
• A / Switzerland / 9715293/2013 # 01
• In / Phuket / 3073/2013

In the past epidemic season, there were about 5.4 million cases of influenza infection. At the same time, about 13% of the total population of the ARVI got sick, 49% of them - children under 16 years old. The Ukrainian Center for Disease Control and Monitoring regularly analyzes the immune stratum of the population. The latest information indicates insufficient immunological protection of Ukrainians, which threatens the epidemic state and dangerous complications of influenza.

[12], [13],

Symptoms of influenza 2016: warned - means armed

Clinical signs of influenza and SARS have much in common because of the defeat of the respiratory tract and general toxic symptoms. Influenza is an acute, infectious disease with mild catarrhal symptoms and severe toxicosis. The largest lesion occurs in the trachea and large bronchi. Symptomatics varies and depends on the immune status of the patient's body and age, as well as on the type of virus and its strain.

In 2015-2016, there can be both uncomplicated and complicated forms of the disease. The incubation period can last from a few hours to 1-5 days. After this, acute clinical manifestations begin. The severity of any form depends on the severity and duration of intoxication and catarrhal symptoms.

Intoxication

The main sign that manifests itself in the first hours of infection. The disease begins with a sharp rise in temperature, from subfebrile to hyperthermia. If the disease has an easy form, then the temperature is not high. Severity of intoxication shows the level of fever. When infected with type A (H1N1) virus, the symptoms of intoxication are poorly expressed even at very high body temperature.

• Temperature - acute and short. The period of fever lasts 2-6 days, after which the temperature decreases. If it persists for a long period of time, then this indicates complications.
• Headache - unpleasant sensations arise in the frontal and supraorbital areas, intensify when the eyeball moves. The severity of the pain may be different, but, as a rule, it is moderate. Pronounced pains are accompanied by sleep disorders, vomiting and unfavorable symptoms from the CNS.
• General weakness - this symptom also refers to the syndrome of intoxication. There is fatigue, increased sweating, a sense of weakness. The patient complains of muscle and joint pains, aches in the whole body, and especially in the lumbosacral region.
• Appearance - the patient's face looks red, conjunctivitis, photophobia and lacrimation possible.

Catarrhal syndrome

Another leading sign of influenza infection. But, as a rule, he recedes into the background, and in some cases is absent. The duration of catarrhal syndrome is 7-10 days, but cough may last longer.

• The oropharynx - the reddening of the soft palate with a distinction from the hard palate is observed. By the 3rd day of the disease, redness changes to a vascular network. If the ailment has a severe course, then in the soft palate there are small hemorrhages and cyanosis. The mucous membrane is restored on the 7-8th day of treatment.
• Nasopharynx - the nasal mucosa is hyperemic, dry, edematous. Nasal conchae are swollen, which significantly hinders breathing. These symptoms occur on day 2-3 of the disease and are accompanied by discharge from the nose. In the case of toxic damage to the vascular walls and intense sneezing, there may be nasal bleeding.
• Cough, tracheobronchitis, laryngitis - there are painful sensations behind the sternum, dry cough. If the flu is uncomplicated, then cough persists for 5-6 days. In addition, there is rapid breathing, pain in the throat, hoarse voices, wheezing.

• Cardiovascular system - changes due to toxic damage to the heart muscle. When the temperature rises, palpitations occur, accompanied by blanching of the skin. After this, there is sluggishness, slowing of the pulse and redness of the skin.
• Digestive system - changes are not expressed in character. There is a decrease in appetite, constipation, impaired intestinal motility. On the tongue appears a white coating, possibly an intestinal disorder.
• The urinary system - as the viruses are eliminated from the body through the kidneys, it leads to damage to the kidney tissue. In the analysis of urine appears protein and blood elements.
• CNS - toxic reactions from the nervous system entail severe headaches, drowsiness, anxiety, convulsions and loss of consciousness. In rare cases, there are meningic symptoms.

If the flu is extremely severe, complications can lead to cerebral edema and other pathologies. Lightning-fast form of influenza lesion represents a serious danger of death. Patients with chronic diseases and a weakened immune system are at risk. This form causes pulmonary and cerebral edema, various bleeding, severe respiratory failure and other complications.

[14], [15], [16], [17]

Features of the flu 2016

Despite the fact that the season of acute infectious diseases has just begun, medical statistics are horrifying. Features of the flu of 2016 is that in the first week of the new year the disease was affected by about 125 thousand people. But the worst thing is an increase in the number of deaths.

The disease causes the influenza virus AN1N1, which first made itself felt in 2009. The average incidence of swine flu is 570 patients per 10,000 population. In Ukraine, the highest rate of pathology is recorded in the Kiev and Odessa regions, the least affected in the Transcarpathian and Ternopil regions. On the territory of Russia, this strain also rages.

Because the infection is constantly mutating, this greatly complicates the process of diagnosis and treatment. In connection with the epidemiological situation, an intensified antiepidemic regime is being introduced in many cities. Schools and kindergartens are closed for quarantine, infectious hospitals are overcrowded, a masked regime is introduced. All forces are thrown on informing the population about a dangerous disease and the peculiarities of its prevention.

[18], [19], [20], [21],

What is the difference between a cold and flu?

Many people believe that the flu is a synonym for the common cold. Only the temperature rose, there was a runny nose and cough, the patients immediately diagnosed themselves as a flu. Of course, this approach is completely wrong. It is very important to understand the difference between these diseases. Colds are mild diseases with sparing symptoms. Influenza and its complications can cause pneumonia and death.

Influenza infection is a viral disease that is accompanied by high fever, muscle and joint pain, weakness. The common cold is a broader concept consisting of a complex of symptoms that are caused by both bacteria and viruses. That is, to treat the flu, you need a special medicine, and for a cold you need to establish the type of the disease and only then prescribe a therapy.

• The cold develops slowly, usually with malaise, and the flu - with a sharp temperature jump and increased weakness.
• Colds can be both viral and bacterial etiology, influenza is an acute viral lesion.
• For the diagnosis of influenza, bacteriological tests are used, and laboratory tests are used to confirm the cold.
• As a rule, the cold has a favorable outcome, and the flu, especially severe and neglected forms, leads to complications and even death.

Influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory infections are colds that have a common symptom but differ in the nature of their course and duration.

Symptomatology	Flu	Other SARS
Time from infection to the first signs	1-2 hours to 2-5 days	2-7 days
Onset of disease	Fast, there is a headache, chills, weakness.	Gradually, there is a runny nose, cough, mild weakness.
Temperature	> 38.5C	<38.5C
Painful symptoms	General malaise and fever, pain in the muscles.	The defeat of the upper respiratory tract (cough, wheezing).
Complications	Often	Rarely

As a rule, the incidence of colds increases from the end of August and lasts until the spring period. The flu is characterized by epidemiological outbreaks in December and February.

How to treat the flu 2016?

At the first symptoms of a malaise it is very important to react correctly and prevent the development of infection. Treatment of influenza is a complex of procedures that allow to destroy the virus and restore normal functioning of the organism with minimal complications.

Consider the algorithm that should be followed for influenza infection:

• Bed rest

Disease can not be carried on legs, therefore during this period it is necessary to observe bed rest and to sleep more. But do not forget that an ailment is not an excuse to spend time watching TV or at a computer.

• Drinking regime

During illness, there is increased sweating, which can lead to dehydration of the body. Therefore, to maintain the water-salt balance, you need to consume a sufficient amount of liquid (herbal teas, juices, fruit drinks, pure water).

• The climate in the apartment

It is necessary to regularly carry out wet cleaning in the room, since a moist climate helps to tolerate the disease more easily. Ventilation of the premises will allow the accumulation of accumulated microbes and viruses. In addition, fresh air promotes recovery and improves well-being. You can use a variety of aroma lamps with aromatic oils or salt lamps that kill microbes.

• Food

Despite the fact that in the early days of the disease the appetite is significantly reduced, proper nutrition will enrich the body and weakened immune system with vitamins and beneficial substances. Food should be easy, the diet should predominate porridge, soups, boiled meat, fruits and vegetables.

• Vitamins

Help to maintain the body in a tone and quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Vitamin complexes - Vitrum and Supradin - have a good immunomodulating effect.

In addition to the above methods of treatment, there is also drug therapy. Acceptance of medications should be informed and recommended by the attending physician. Independently take pills is contraindicated. To date, there is no shortage of medicines that eliminate viral and colds. Consider their classification by general criteria.

Drugs for symptomatic therapy

Drugs of this category eliminate only the symptoms of the disease: heat, muscle and headaches, nasal congestion, cough. Such pills do not affect the virus, so they should be used as a secondary agent.

• Analgesics and antipyretic drugs - have analgesic effect, relieve muscle and joint pain.
• Vasoconstrictors - help to eliminate nasal congestion, swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and nasal sinuses.
• Antihistamines - reduce swelling of mucous membranes, eliminate inflammation, lacrimation and itching. Most often, patients are prescribed: Chlorphenamine, Promethazine.

The above-described drugs do not eliminate the viral infection, but soften its symptoms. Duration of therapy is 3-5 days.

[22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27], [28],

Drugs affecting the immune system and the virus

These drugs are prescribed only after determining the cause of the disease and the type of virus. Antiviral and immunomodulating drugs destroy the virus and prevent the possibility of development of the pathogen. Preparations of this category are classified according to the mechanism of action:

• Inhibitors of neuraminidase - stop the spread of infection in the body, reduce the risk of complications. Most often, patients are prescribed: Oseltamivir and Zanamivir.
• Inductors interferon - perfectly combined with other antiviral agents and enhance their effect. Promote the production of proteins in the body that suppress the infection. Effective as a preventive tool during influenza epidemics. This category includes: Cycloferon, Arbidol, Amiksin.
• Blockers of the viral protein M2 are antiviral agents of type A. They are prescribed very rarely, since they have many side effects: Rimantadine, Amantadine
• In addition to the above described funds, antiviral preparations are isolated, we consider them:
• Homeopathic medicines - Aflubin, Anaferon, Arbidol, Antigrippin.
• Immunostimulating agents - Koldenflu, Imudon, Kagocel, Amiksin.
• Antitussive - Ats, Lazolvan, Kodelak, Libeksin, Sinekod.
• To relieve the inflammation of the throat and the common cold - Pharinggocept, Strepsils, Nazivin, Naftizin, Sinupret.
• Antiviral powders - Koldakt, Lemsip, Nurofen, Panadol, Tamaflu, Kodelmikst.

Any drugs aimed at treating a viral disease should be prescribed by the attending physician. Their independent use can cause serious side effects from all organs and systems, which will aggravate the course of the underlying disease.

Read also:

• The most modern means of influenza
• Treatment of influenza by alternative methods
• Home remedies for flu: which ones to choose?

[29], [30], [31],

Complications of the 2016 flu

AH1N1 or swine flu hit the world in 2009, taking with it a lot of human lives. This year, a mutated strain appeared, which also caused deaths. Its danger in rapid spread, especially in rainy and wet weather. Since this winter lives on the weather of autumn, it is this that can explain the prevailing epidemiological situation.

Danger of the virus in its complications. Flu 2016 causes non-susceptible antibiotic viral pneumonia. The disease quickly affects the lungs and vascular system, provoking puffiness, which can lead to death within 24 hours. The preconditions for secondary infection are associated with a weakened immune system. Because of the severe inflammatory process, she can not fight new pathologies.

Signs of secondary infection in cases of flu have differed depending on the general condition of the body and the bacteria that caused the pathology. But a symptom characteristic of all (appears on the 3-6th day of the disease) is the second wave of fever. It is from this point on the life of the patient depends on the effectiveness of treatment.

Consider the most common complications of influenza 2016:

• Pneumonia - the danger of pneumonia is that it appears suddenly when it seems that the disease has receded. High body temperature 39-40 ° C is accompanied by chills, pain in the chest, cough with phlegm and blood.
• Sinusitis - a prolonged inflammatory process in the nasopharynx causes severe headaches, changes in the voice. Perhaps the redness of the skin and the release of pus from the sinuses.
• Otitis - this complication occurs in both children and adults. There are severe pains in the ears with sharp lumbago, which intensify during conversation, food intake or pressure in the ear.

With timely medical care, these bacterial complications can be quickly eliminated. For treatment use a wide range of antibiotics and vitamin therapy.

More dangerous complications:

• Hypertensive pneumonia - many specialists attribute this pathology to influenza varieties, but in fact it is its consequence. Body temperature exceeds the threshold of 40 ° C, it is accompanied by neurotoxicosis, convulsions, hallucinations, nosebleeds. It is this pathology that is the main cause of deaths from influenza.
• Reye syndrome - as a rule, occurs in patients under 12 years of age. It arises because of the use during therapy of aspirin, which destroys the functioning of the liver and the central nervous system. In half the case this leads to death. The first symptoms appear on the 5th-6th day of the disease. In children, convulsions, respiratory disorders, increased drowsiness, apathy, coma begin. The only prevention of this pathology is the rejection of aspirin during the treatment of viral infections.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome is another complication that occurs most often in children. It makes itself felt 1-2 weeks after the flu. The child suffers from muscle pain, increased weakness, heart rate abnormalities and blood pressure, impaired kidney function. The main cause of the disorder is that the body produces antibodies to its cells in the nervous system that have been infected with the virus. The acute period lasts for a month, and for a full recovery it will take years. Without timely medical assistance, the child is paralyzed, and even death.

Another group of influenza complications are brain and CNS lesions. The risk group includes children, people with predisposition to brain disorders, pregnant women and elderly patients.

• Meningitis - there are severe headaches in combination with vomiting and increased tone of the neck and neck muscles. In especially severe cases, the patient throws back his head. The prognosis of the pathology depends on the results of the diagnosis, but, as a rule, unfavorable.
• Encephalitis - influenza infection affects the cerebral cortex and cerebral vessels. It develops at the acute stage of the flu, that is, in the early days. Against this background, there is a high fever, convulsions, loss of consciousness and even violations of speech function. May lead to paralysis or paresis.
• Arachnoiditis - this complication has a hidden nature, since it may appear in a couple of months, or even a year after the flu-like defeat. For its slow course, there is a growing symptomatology. Patients complain of frequent headaches, nausea, tinnitus, increased fatigue. There are epileptic seizures, visual acuity and hearing loss. Most often, arachnoiditis is detected in differential diagnostics with oncology.

The pathologies described above are only a small part of what the flu can lead to. The reason for concern should be an unexpectedly emerging, uncharacteristic for the viral infection symptomatology. At the first signs of a pathological condition, you need to seek medical help. After a comprehensive examination, the doctor will determine the reality of the threat of complications.

[32], [33], [34], [35], [36]

How to prevent the flu this season 2015-2016?

Many preventive measures are used to prevent influenza. But special attention is paid to vaccination, which is a specific immunoprophylaxis.

To date, there are three generations of vaccines - whole-virion, split, subunit. They have in their composition viral antigens, which allows the body to develop protection. But this method has a number of drawbacks. The vaccination is done from one virus, so if another species appears during the epidemic, the vaccine will not protect and will have to be vaccinated again. Do not forget about those cases when vaccination caused a number of negative consequences. Therefore, this method is a personal choice for everyone.

Read also: Vaccination against influenza

Common methods of preventing infection:

• Strengthening the immune system - for preventive purposes it is recommended to take immunostimulating drugs and carry out tempering of the body.
• Vitamin therapy - to strengthen the protective properties of the immune system, natural vitamins are excellent, which are found in fresh vegetables, fruits and greens.
• Hygiene - after visiting the street, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean your nose with a solution of sea salt.
• Avoid places of congestion - during the epidemic, refuse to visit public places and transport. To prevent infection, wear a cotton-gauze dressing.
• Healthy indoor climate - regularly wet cleaning and airing. If you have a humidifier, an aroma lamp or a salt lamp, then use them, they kill germs in the room and refresh the air.

Flu 2016 is a seasonal ailment, to the appearance of which it is possible to prepare. Conducting elementary preventive measures, will protect against acute viral infection.

Mortality in influenza in 2016

According to official data, about 30 people died of influenza infection in Ukraine this year. Mortality in influenza in 2016 is many times higher than this figure for the past period. Since the beginning of the epidemic season, that is, from October 1, 2015 until now, about 2.5 million cases of flu and ARVI have been recorded. About 4% of all patients were hospitalized, the majority of whom were children under 17 years of age - 75%.

The seriousness of the situation is aggravated by a sharp increase in mortality. This season prevails swine flu (Californian strain). 80% of deaths are associated with late seeking medical help (5-6 days). This indicates that many people do not perform basic preventive recommendations.

To date, it is difficult to predict the extent and lethality of the influenza epidemic. Therefore, at the first sign of the disease, you need to seek medical help. In order to prevent pathology and its complications, it is very important to carry out prevention:

1. Always wash your hands - in most cases, infection occurs by contact. Malicious microorganisms can live on the surface of infected objects for several hours, or even weeks. Disinfect hands after visiting public transport and other places of congestion.
2. Limit the use of alcohol and nicotine - it is the smokers and alcoholics who are most often ill with the flu and have its complications. Tobacco smoke dries the nasal passages and paralyzes the ciliated epithelium, which begins to pass the infection into the body. Passive smoking also poses a danger, as it reduces the status of the immune system.
3. Drink plenty of fluids, do exercises and breathe fresh air. Regular airing of the room and walks in the fresh air temper the body. Physical loads accelerate the oxygen exchange between the circulatory system and the lungs, which contributes to the elimination of toxins.

Do not forget that the flu is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases to date. And even if the disease is not severe, it can cause serious consequences.