Flu 2017: Symptoms and Treatment

Autumn-winter period is the time of seasonal diseases, the most common of which is the flu. What awaits us this year, how to prevent the epidemic and cure it?

Influenza is one of the varieties of ARVI, but it is characterized by serious complications that can lead to death. According to the World Health Organization, 3-5 million people suffer from seasonal influenza every year, and 250-500 thousand cases end in death.

The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets with a distance between healthy and donor not more than 3 meters. You can get infected and through the objects on which there are aerosol particles of the patient's coughing. Getting into a healthy body, the virus weakens the defenses of the immune system, opening the way for other diseases.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

World Flu 2017 - already on the threshold

The beginning of the epidemic is projected for the last months of autumn and the beginning of winter, that is, for the first colds.

The global flu of 2017, according to many experts, will begin with China. This is due to the increased population density, a large population of pigs and birds. Proceeding from this, it can be concluded that again we will have to face H2N2, which unlike in 1957 will be strongly mutated and modified.

Infection with such strains is also possible:

• California - affects both people and animals, transmitted from sight to sight. This virus spread widely in 2009, provoking outbreaks of swine flu around the world. Characterized by permanent mutations. On the symptomatology it is similar to cold, but quickly progresses, accepting the pathological form.
• Brisbane is an Australian virus that spreads quickly. Its peculiarity is that in 25% of cases it causes serious complications.
• Switzerland is a mutated form of the California virus H1N1 type A, which passed into the form of H3N2. On the symptomatology it is identical to the Californian version to which respiratory signs are gradually connected. With timely and correct treatment does not cause complications.
• Yamagata is a relatively safe strain when compared to pork or avian influenza. Rapidly spreading, requires urgent treatment. If the patient carries the disease on his legs, then this can lead to serious complications, the most frequent of which are cardiac and pulmonary pathologies.
• Phuket is an unstable virus that is constantly evolving. Frequent mutations lead to a change in the usual symptoms of the disease. It is difficult to diagnose.

Scientists do not exclude the emergence of new types of deadly viruses. To prevent influenza 2017, vaccination is carried out from previously known strains.

The flu epidemic 2017

Every year we are cautious about the flu season. And this is not surprising, since viruses constantly mutate, complicating the process of diagnosis and treatment. According to the scientists' forecasts, this year seasonal illness can turn into a real epidemic of the flu of 2017, which is associated with exacerbation of pneumococcal infections and changes in many strains.

The human body can not develop permanent immunity to influenza, since the virus is extremely variable. To date, there are three serotype types of the disease: A, B and C, which differ in antigenic spectrum and the location of fragments of ribonucleic acid. Each serotype contains a certain subtype - a strain that can change its genetic data under the influence of external factors, that is, mutate.

• And - these are the most severe forms of influenza. This type is divided into several subtypes by the combination of proteins and features of hemagglutinin. Causes disease in humans, animals and birds, with the possibility of transmission of the virus between all species. 2-3 times a year provokes epidemics, active and antigen-unstable serotype.
• B - causes epidemics of a local nature, affecting several neighboring countries. It can be preceded by an outbreak of serotype A. Most often it affects children, has a moderate symptomatology.
• C - proceeds in mild form and causes single cases of the disease. Mostly affects children and people with a weakened immune system. It only circulates in the human population, it is antigen-stable.

Having had a single flu serotype, you can immediately get sick with another. This is due to the fact that cross immunity between different strains is very weak.

Flu in 2017 in Russia

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has begun preparations for the flu in 2017. In Russia it is expected to begin in winter - November-January. But already work is underway to create a three-component seasonal vaccine, which will include a strain of the virus B, H1N1 and H3N2. Vaccines are developed for adults and children, which will allow to carry out the prevention in full. Immunization of the population will begin with megacities, since they contain the main transport hubs and a large flow of people.

According to the doctors, the epidemic will not cover the whole country at the same time, that is, the flu will gradually move through the territory of Russia. The virus can come from both China and southern neighbors, that is, from European countries. If we consider the strain structure, then H3N2 (a subtype of the influenza A virus) will be dominant. The main symptoms of the disease are: a sharp increase in temperature, head and joint pain, weakness, runny nose. The treatment will not differ from the therapy of last year's strains. With regard to complications, they are possible with the progression of the pathological condition due to late diagnosis or improper treatment. In particularly severe cases, death is not excluded.

[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Flu 2017 in Ukraine

According to medical statistics, every 35-40 years, the epidemiological situation with seasonal diseases is significantly exacerbated. Flu 2017 in Ukraine is expected at the beginning of winter, that is, January-February, and flares are also possible in February. This is due to the circulation of air currents that carry the disease from one area to another. According to experts, the virus will come to us from Russia, and to them from the neighbor-China.

Scientists are preparing to meet with mutated H3N2, which can lead to serious complications and death. But do not panic and trust the forecasts, just listen to them.

In order to protect yourself from seasonal diseases it is recommended to get vaccinated. Also, do not forget about preventive measures aimed at strengthening the immune system. At the first symptoms of the disease (weakness, fever, runny nose, headaches and muscle pains), you need to seek medical help. Timely and correct treatment, will avoid influenza complications.

[14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19]

Flu 2016-2017: special risk groups

Like any disease, the 2017 flu has high-risk groups that are divided according to the medical and epidemic factors.

Medical:

• Patients over 65 years of age and newborns.
• People with chronic diseases: bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular system, kidney damage, endocrine pathologies, kidney, liver and blood diseases.
• Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy.
• People who are in special groups (homes for the disabled and the elderly, boarding schools)

Epidemiological:

• People in contact with a large number of potentially infected (workers in the service sector, trade, public transport and others).
• Medical workers, teachers.
• Babies attending kindergarten or school, students.

The chance of contracting significantly increases with a weakened immune system. To prevent seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended, and compliance with preventive measures.

[20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25]

Influenza 2017 season - the infection is already in the air

With the advent of the first cold weather, the issue of infectious and colds takes on particular urgency. And this is not surprising, since from year to year a mutating virus affects more and more people, causing many painful symptoms and serious complications. The danger of the disease in this period is due to the weakened body. Seasonal virus is in the air and summer time, but the chances of catching it are minimal. This is due to the fact that the body receives solar energy and vitamins, which increase resistance and increase the immune status.

In itself, the flu is not dangerous, in contrast to its atypical form, which is characterized by rapid development and the risk of death. Also, do not forget about the new strains, the spread of which in large areas causes epidemics, paralyzing the lives of many people and even entire countries. The disease spreads by airborne droplets, and in different climatic zones at different times, but always with the appearance of colds. Let's consider in more detail the pathogenesis of influenza:

• Penetration into the respiratory tract and reproduction in epithelial cells.
• Passage of factors of nonspecific airway resistance.
• Gradual destruction of affected cells.
• Catarrhal syndrome, toxemia.
• Restoration and formation of immunity.

In order to get infected, just a few minutes in the same room with the patient. The disease has a short incubation period, so the first symptoms can appear a couple of hours after infection. According to medical statistics, every eighth adult and every fourth child are sick during the epidemic.

According to its symptoms, the season of influenza 2017 will not differ from previous ones. Infection is characterized by such signs: a sharp fit of chills, drowsiness and fatigue, joint and muscle pain. If there is a fever and a cold, then this is a clear manifestation of seasonal flu. At this stage, the immune system comes into contact with the virus. Discomfort can last for a couple of days, after that, well-being improves. If this does not happen and the disease progresses, then it threatens with serious complications.

Symptoms of the flu 2017

The flu is characterized by an acute onset and a short incubation period of 1-2 days. The clinical picture is accompanied by catarrhal and intoxication syndrome. The disease causes severe headaches, a sharp rise in temperature, a runny nose, coughing, chest pains, it is also possible nosebleeds and sensitivity of the gums. Because of unstable blood pressure, tachycardia and bradycardia may develop. There are painful sensations in the muscles, joints and bones. Cough can be complicated by tracheitis, and the hoarseness of the voice and the violation of breathing point to the croup.

Symptoms of influenza 2017 depend on its stage and form:

Light (subclinical)

• Weakness and headaches.
• Raise body temperature to 38 ° C.
• Pronounced hyperemia of the larynx, throat and nose.
• Weak or absent infectious toxicosis.

Medium-heavy

• Severe intoxication (chills, increased sweating, headaches and muscle pains, weakness).
• Body temperature up to 39 ° С.
• Catarrhal symptoms (congestion of soft palate and posterior pharyngeal wall).
• Respiratory pathologies (runny nose, chest pain, cough, larynx and trachea).
• Diarrhea and attacks of vomiting.
• Possible complications (otitis, sinusitis, neuritis).

Heavy

• Body temperature up to 40 ° С.
• Confusion of consciousness.
• Muscle cramps.
• Hallucinations.
• Disorders from the cardiovascular system (nosebleeds, hemorrhages in the soft palate).
• Complications of varying severity (bacterial infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis).

Hypertensive

• Severe respiratory failure.
• Hemodynamic disorders and encephalopathy.
• Body temperature is above 40 ° C.
• Hyperthermia (dehydration, rapid breathing, hypoxia).
• Meningism (irritation of the brain or spinal cord).

The latter form in most cases becomes the cause of death. The presence of dangerous cerebral syndromes is due to the neurotropicity of the influenza virus. Encephalic, meningic and convulsive symptoms occur against a background of high temperature. These symptoms can be accompanied by abdominal syndrome, dyspepsia, pain in the digestive tract, attacks of nausea and vomiting.

Features of the flu 2017

Every year, experts of the World Health Organization give a forecast for which strains of influenza will be active in the upcoming epidemic season. According to experts, features of the flu of 2017 will consist in the circulation of three strains: H1N1, H3N2 Hong Kong and Brisbane. Swine flu is known to the world since 2009, so most of the people developed immunity to it. The remaining two strains are new, so an increase in the incidence rate is possible.

The first waves of seasonal illness are already on the way, but its peak is expected for January-February. The rise in morbidity is associated with the arrival of colds and the spread of respiratory viruses. As in previous years, vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease. To vaccinate better in September-November, this will enable the immune system to develop the necessary antibodies and to resist the virus. Timely prevention and proper treatment will prevent various complications of the disease.

[26], [27], [28], [29], [30]

Complications of the flu 2017

Incorrect or untimely treatment of acute infectious diseases can cause serious complications. Flu 2017 is capable of provoking such pathological conditions:

1. Complications of the respiratory system are the most common pathologies. Patients face bronchitis, lung abscesses, pneumonia, sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis.
   • Pneumonia can be caused by viruses and bacteria. It is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature, which persists for a long period of time, a dry cough with blood, increased sweating. This condition requires urgent treatment, since without medical assistance leads to death.
   • Sinusitis - inflammation of the maxillary sinuses. Without proper treatment, the infection spreads throughout the body. The patient complains of nasal congestion and thick discharge from the nasal sinuses, headaches and toothaches, discomfort when pressing on the cheek and forehead.
   • Otitis is an inflammatory lesion of the middle ear, which can lead to hearing loss. Patients suffer from shooting pain in the ear, purulent discharge and fever.
2. Complications of the cardiovascular system - shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, pain in the heart. Very often, the flu provokes inflammation of the heart muscle, which in turn causes heart failure.
3. Diseases of the nervous system - polyneuritis, neuralgia, inflammation of the meninges and other pathologies.
   • Meningitis - headaches, nausea and vomiting, photophobia.
   • Arachnoiditis - raspiruchenie headaches, discomfort in the forehead and nose, attacks of nausea and dizziness.

In order to avoid complications of influenza, it is necessary to follow preventive measures and not engage in self-medication.

[31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36]

What is the difference between a cold and flu?

Light malaise, weakness, fever and chills are the first signs of the disease. What is the difference between a cold and flu if the symptoms of these pathologies and the pathways of infection are similar?

1. Influenza is an acute infectious disease, its virus spreads quickly and mutates, which leads to frequent epidemics.
2. Colds are a disorder that occurs due to hypothermia of the body. The main symptoms are manifested from the respiratory system, gradually developing into more complex forms.

Influenza is an independent disease with acute symptoms, and cold symptoms depend on its localization. That is, it can proceed both acute and lethargic, but it does not cause life-threatening complications. It is very important to distinguish between pathology data. The main risk group for both diseases are people with weakened immune system, children, pensioners, pregnant women. Flu and cold have a similar symptom, but their manifestations have a number of distinctive features:

• Infection - with the virus, the virus spreads abruptly, the symptoms develop very quickly. With a cold, the infection affects the body slowly and sluggishly, the symptoms are progressive.
• The first signs - with the flu, the temperature rises sharply, accompanied by an ache in the body, headaches and intoxication. With a cold, there is a runny nose, a sore throat and a cough, a subfebrile temperature.
• Cough - a cold is characterized by a slight sore throat, which can go into a gross cough. With the flu, cough is accompanied by abundant sputum and chest pains.
• Headaches and muscle pain - the flu causes severe intoxication and discomfort throughout the body. There may be attacks of nausea and vomiting, severe convulsions, and pain in the eyes. For the common cold is characterized by a state of weakness and weakness.
• Recovery - the duration of this period is completely dependent on the immune system. The cold passes faster and does not cause complications. The flu is characterized by a prolonged recovery, which is accompanied by weakness and drowsiness.

Knowing the main differences between flu and cold, you can independently determine the onset of an acute seasonal disease. This will allow to take appropriate medical measures and reduce the risk of complications from the disease.

How to treat the flu in 2017?

The main danger of an acute infectious disease is a rapid development. Knowing the symptoms of the virus and how to treat the flu 2017 can prevent its complications. At the first signs of malaise, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Self-medication for influenza lesions is unacceptable, especially for children and people of advanced age.

For treatment of seasonal influenza infection 2017, it is necessary:

• Abundant drink, healthy food and rest - the patient needs rest, hot drinks in the form of herbal teas, fruit drinks, natural juices and a balanced diet.
• Antipyretics - to facilitate the condition, it is recommended to take Paracetamol, Acetylsalicylic acid, NSAIDs.
• Vasoconstrictors for the relief of nasal breathing and medicines for liquefaction and sputum discharge.
• Antitussive medications are prescribed to relieve pain in the chest caused by a strong, crampy cough. Most often, patients are appointed with Percussin, Libexin, Tusuprex, various herbal preparations for wet and night cough.

All medications should be prescribed by a doctor. It is better to treat flu after consultation with a therapist.

How to prevent the flu in this season 2016-2017?

Autumn is in full swing, so the prevention of viral diseases is quite urgent. In order to prevent the flu in this season 2016-2017 it is necessary to adhere to such recommendations:

1. Strengthening the protective properties of the immune system

• Full nutrition and sleep.
• Physical activity.
• Admission of vitamin and minerals.
• Hardening.
• Rejection of bad habits.

2. Vaccination is recommended for people with chronic diseases, for children, the elderly, pregnant women. Vaccination is necessary for everyone, whose work is connected with a large number of people (sellers, social workers, teachers, doctors, military and many others).

Allocate such types of vaccines:

• Live all-virion - they include a living virus, which when ingested creates an immune system to a specific strain. May cause adverse reactions and has many contraindications.
• Whole-virion - contain the killed, purified virus. They have fewer drawbacks than living ones, but they are still very rarely used.
• Split vaccines - they include internal and surface antigens, which due to special purification have a minimum of adverse reactions and contraindications.
• Subunit - contain surface purified virus proteins. Much safer than split-vaccines are used to prevent seasonal diseases.

All of the above vaccines have different indications for use and a number of contraindications. That is why anti-influenza immunization should be carried out only in the medical field.

3. Personal hygiene - since the flu is transmitted by airborne droplets, compliance with basic hygiene rules will prevent infection. To reduce the risk of infection, you must:

• Do not contact closely with the patient and use a mask if necessary.
• Frequently wash hands with soap under running water or use alcohol-containing products, napkins.
• Regularly ventilate the living area and carry out a wet cleaning.
• Do not touch the face with dirty hands.

Prevention can also be done with the help of special medications. Typically, this is necessary for people who have come into contact with an infected or have a weakened immune system. To prevent the disease use standard anti-influenza drugs, but in a smaller dosage.

The flu of 2017, like the seasonal epidemics of previous years, can provoke high mortality. The risk of death is associated with the development of dangerous complications of the disease and its improper treatment.