Flu 2014: Know the enemy in person

Despite the fact that the official "genealogy" of influenza originates from the 16th century, when the epidemic of a viral disease was documented for the first time, it is obvious that this disease is being studied in detail, but is still a mystery to science. Every year, information appears about new strains, outbreaks of hitherto unprecedented types of influenza, which every time plunges the planet's population into trouble. Still failed to win and find an effective vaccine against avian influenza, its strains, already known H5N1 and relatively "fresh" H7N9 continue to pose a threat to humanity. Especially insidious, these types of virus due to their increased mu- tuality, and the high transmission properties of strains are fraught with a worldwide pandemic. The past winter, fortunately, was not marked by an intense outbreak of influenza, as it was in 2004-2006 and earlier, but viruses are still a threat and carry the risk of rapid spread. Given the anomalously cold weather in September, the disappointing forecasts of weather forecasters for other autumn months and the assumption of the upcoming extremely cold winter, the theme "flu 2014" can be declared open for active discussion.

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Season of the flu 2014 - unpredictability of the virus

Viruses, its subtypes are a kind of orthomixoviruses and have RNA-containing virions, that is, they contain one of the three most important living molecules. The combined fragments of ribonucleic acid, responsible for the reproduction of the virus in a living cell, form a nucleoprotein, which in turn can be of three types: 

• Influenza A virus.
• Influenza B virus.
• Influenza virus.

The wall of the virus is equipped with substances that help to connect to the cell (hemagglutinin) and penetrate it (neuraminidase). It is these specific "thorns" of the flu that are constantly combined, combined in different versions, which determines the high antigenic viability of the virus. The ability to change annually does not allow us to determine how dangerous the epidemiological season will be in the 2014 flu season, the unpredictability of the virus remains the main problem in countering this formidable disease. Such a unique "vitality", the adaptability of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase makes the influenza virtually invulnerable both to the immune system and to the medicamental effects.

The flu can change in two ways: 

1. Minor mutations in neuraminidase and hemagglutinin are called angiogenic drift. Such changes are common to all types of influenza and do not provoke pandemics, the percentage of complications and, especially, lethal outcomes is very small. This is explained by the fact that immunity is already familiar with the strain and is able to resist it even in such a variable form.
2. Every 20-30 years, sometimes even earlier (in 10-15 years), the virus mutates, significantly changing its surface antigenic structure. Most often, hemagglutinin changes, less often neuraminidase, a similar transformation makes the flu invisible to the immune system and threatens with rapid spread, serious complications and a high percentage of mortality. Pandemics of mutating influenza viruses are a threat to any country, as epidemiological practice shows, there is no such territory on the planet where there were not even single outbreaks of a new strain. The mechanism of mutation is studied, but the conclusions are too contradictory, it is obvious that the virus changes faster than clinical, statistical and epidemiological data are collected.

In addition, it has long been known that the influenza virus can be transmitted not only by airborne droplets from person to person, the bird or an animal can become infected with the flu. At the first stage, the flu spreads within the species boundaries, then it is capable of being transmitted from animal to human and vice versa. This is connected with the main danger of modern types of influenza: their structure contains not only human nucleotides, but also genomes of avian, pork (nucleotide sequences).

The annual prognosis provided by WHO this year is quite comforting, unexpected outbreaks of influenza and new strains, most likely will not happen. However, according to experts, the epidemic can not be avoided and it can be provoked in 2014 by such kinds of flu: 

• H1N1 - A / California, the so-called swine flu (Swine influenza). The last serious outbreak of this strain was registered in 2009 in the US and Mexico, hence the name California. In the same year, in June, WHO conferred on the disease the status of a pandemic and the sixth threat level out of a possible six. In 2014, a moderate prevalence of H1N1 is predicted, the percentage of complications and deaths is expected in the context of epidemiological risks. It is obvious that for more than four years, human immunity has mastered the Californian flu and is able to recognize its variants; besides, during this period, AH1N1 could not significantly mutate, timely vaccination and preventive measures can stop it.
• H3N2 - A / Victoria, a relatively new version of the reassortant virus, threatening serious complications - hemorrhagic lesions of organs, most often of the lungs. This type of influenza last year was sick with a small percentage of the population, and the virus was poorly studied and did not fully show its epidemic characteristics.
• Yamagata line virus - B / Massachusetts / 2/2012, a new strain with which the immune system of the majority of the population is unfamiliar. Many doctors consider it relatively safe compared to avian or swine flu, but B / Massachusetts / 2/2012 remains dangerous because it is poorly understood.

The 2014 flu is approaching

Due to abnormal weather conditions, which are not typical for autumn, in many countries the time frame for the development of the incidence of influenza is expected to shift. In European countries, single outbreaks of influenza have already been reported, but they can not yet be considered epidemiologically significant. Expected to actively promote viruses from north to south, in contrast to the previous season of influenza, when the virus migrated from west to east. An exception is the disappointing outlook for the spread of avian influenza, its new strain - H7N9, which, from the spring of 2013, periodically hit the inhabitants of China. This type of influenza is extremely aggressive and has a high capacity for contagiousness (infection), in addition, cases of H7N9 transmission from person to person have been documented, which was not previously observed (the virus was transmitted by contact with an infected bird). Later, in the summer, outbreaks of swine flu (AH1N1) in Chile were reported, in which 11 Chileans and Venezuela were killed in the north of the country. In August of this year, WHO received information about cases of H7N7 virus, a kind of avian influenza. It is obvious that so far the chaotic circulation of serotypes is not a threatening indicative for the conferment of epidemic status. However, infectious diseaseists are alarmed, unpredictable and have high speed of mutation of genomes do not allow to make an epidemiological forecast and take preventive measures.

Nevertheless, in September 2013, WHO traditionally alerted all countries that the 2014 flu is approaching. According to previously collected and analyzed statistical data, WHO experts recommended using the following types of influenza for the prevention of the vaccine: 

• The California flu is A / H1N1.
• A / H3N2 / 361/2011 - a virus.
• The Yamagata line virus is B / Massachusetts / 2/2012.

The flu epidemic 2014

The World Health Organization systematically conducts epidemiological monitoring of the incidence of influenza in the world. The epidemic of influenza in 2014, according to experts, should not be unexpected, as in August, the information center of the organization began to receive clinical, statistical and other data on periodic outbreaks in different countries. There are also positive changes in the A / H1N1 virus, which was previously given the status of a pandemic and an "6" rating on a six-point scale of threats to humanity. The rapid increase in the incidence of California flu has been suspended, the mortality rate is declining every year due to the introduction of mass vaccination. To date, the vaccine from H1N1 is in every developed country, which significantly reduces the epidemiological threshold and the number of people who are ill. There are also more disturbing messages concerning a new, yet unexplored type of disease - coronavirus MERS-CoV, which, according to the symptoms, may be similar to the manifestations of influenza or pneumonia. To date, the threat of the spread of coronavirus is more global than the strains of the influenza virus already studied.

Flu in 2014 in Russia

According to the forecasts of infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists of the WHO, as well as their Russian colleagues, in Russia such varieties, strains of influenza are expected: 

• Swine flu - A / California / 7/2009 (H1N1).
• New for Russians strain of type В- Massachusetts / 2/2012.
• Already known to the inhabitants of Russia is the virus A / Victoria / 361/2011 (H3N2).

From the so-called swine influenza A / H1N1 vaccination is carried out from 2010, so the population has already developed certain immune responses and resistance to the virus. The B / Massachusetts / 2/2012 virus is more dangerous, as according to the medical experts it is not known to Russians, there is no exact statistics, but some doctors are convinced that about 5% of people have already had this type of flu last year. Due to the fact that all type B viruses flow somewhat easier than their "fellow" type A, it is possible that Massachusetts / 2/2012 was mistakenly diagnosed with ARVI.

Nevertheless, a large-scale preventive campaign for vaccinating the population is already underway in Russia. According to Mr. Onishchenko, the chief sanitary doctor of Russia, there are plans to plant about 38 million people, which is much higher in comparison with the previous year. The past season of the incidence of influenza has not brought unpleasant surprises, so epidemiologists hope that the 2014 flu in Russia will pass without serious losses. Moreover, during the period of 2012-2013 the vaccination covered almost a quarter of the population, which means that every fourth Russian's immune system is able to cope with the disease.

The new vaccine, which will be used since October, contains three inactive strains, the main one of which is the weakened genome of the swine flu (the most dangerous because of its complications). It is assumed that free vaccination will be carried out by domestic drugs (Grippol, Grippol Plus).

In addition, state authorities are already creating hospital reserves - beds, replenish supplies of medicines, protective masks and bring the necessary equipment to medical institutions.

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Flu 2014 in Ukraine

According to forecasts of epidemiologists, infectious disease of a large species diversity of influenza will not be in 2014. A / Victoria (H3N2) and a rather severe "Californian" strain - H1N1 - are expected to return, which last season was infected and over 11% of the total population of Ukraine, almost every tenth resident of the country. In addition, during the period from January to March 2014, outbreaks of B / Massachusetts / 2/2012, a virus that is considered relatively unfamiliar to Ukrainians, are possible. However, in the spring of 2013, this strain already cruised the country without exceeding the epidemiologically tolerable boundaries, to some extent, the immune system is already familiar with its genome. The spread of the B / Massachusetts virus is expected from northern European territories, most likely from Scandinavian countries and Finland. According to forecasts, the Massachusetts type of influenza will spread in a northeasterly direction and will capture most of Russia. Its echoes can be felt by the Ukrainians themselves. The symptomatology of the B virus is almost identical with the signs of other strains of influenza - persistent hyperthermia, complications in the form of pneumonia, bronchitis. Influenza B / Massachusetts is characterized by its rapid development, the defeat of the body occurs literally in front of our eyes, in a matter of hours. Despite such alarming forecasts for serotype B, it is worth noting that this type of influenza refers to a less dangerous category of viruses compared to serotype A, the B / Massachusetts virus causes fewer complications.

Features that may affect the flu in 2014 in Ukraine, are difficult to predict, but in September this year, according to the head of the State SES Mr.. Kravchuk, there is an atypical for this time of year growth in the incidence of viral infections. Due to the fact that the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infection are very similar to the signs of influenza, the latter often remains undetected. According to a preliminary assessment of infectious disease, the first wave of influenza can sweep the country in late October, and the epidemiological peak is forecasted by February 2014.

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Flu 2013-2014 group: special risk

All those who are weakened, those with reduced immune defenses, and those who have not taken preventive preventive measures are in the danger zone of infection with the influenza virus. Also, the 2013-2014 flu might become a threat for those who for some reason did not pass the timely vaccination.

Groups of special risk: 

• Children from birth to 2-3 years. Especially kids who have congenital pathologies or are often ill with ARI, ARI.
• Pregnant women during the entire period of bearing the baby. Especially the risk of complications in the third trimester is high.
• People who have a history of neurological pathology.
• People with asthma.
• Anyone who has a history of chronic diseases of the respiratory system (lungs, bronchi).
• People with excessive body weight, with disturbed metabolism.
• Influenza of any type is dangerous for the elderly.
• People suffering from tuberculosis.
• Patients with diabetes mellitus.
• People with cardiovascular diseases.
• HIV-infected patients.

In addition, everyone at risk who is due to the specific nature of work is associated with frequent and constant contacts - doctors, teachers, public transport drivers.

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Symptoms of the flu 2014 - know the enemy in person

The main signs and symptoms of influenza are quite typical, although its manifestations may differ from one another in people of different age categories, and also depending on the strain. Nevertheless, there are the same, "classic" symptoms - severe malaise, headache, aches in all joints of the body and an elevated body temperature that does not lend itself to drug treatment for several days. It is suddenness that distinguishes the flu from all other colds.

The most typical symptoms of the 2014 flu are: 

• The raised temperature of a body - from 38 degrees, sometimes up to 39-40. The temperature lasts no less than 3 days.
• A febrile condition, a periodic severe chills, associated with body temperature fluctuations.
• Headache, pain can increase with movement, physical activity.
• Possible photophobia (photophobia) - painful sensations when looking at a bright light, light sources.
• Pain in the muscles (myalgia), aches in the joints.
• Strong weakness, decreased appetite.
• Painful sensations in the throat, perspiration, pain of a "scratching" character.
• A runny nose is possible.
• At a hyperthermia above 39 degrees hemorrhagic displays in the field of eyes - the reddened squirrels, nasal bleedings, a hemorrhagic eruption on the face are possible.

In addition, the signs of influenza can differentiate depending on its form: 

• The mild form of influenza.
• Moderately influenza.
• Severe form of influenza.
• Hypertensive form of influenza.

1. The mild course of the disease is characterized by a stable temperature in the range of 37.5-38 degrees, as a rule, the temperature does not rise above and signs of an organism intoxication are not observed.
2. The medium-heavy course of the flu is characterized by a rapid rise in body temperature to 39-39.5 degrees, the patient has classic signs of the disease - weakness, headache, joints and aching all the muscles. Also, excessive sweating, coughing, manifestations of pharyngitis, abdominalgia (abdominal pain) is possible.
3. With a severe form of influenza, the temperature rises sharply to 40 degrees and keeps within these limits for about a day, which provokes delusions, convulsions, and strong intoxication of the body. This form of flu requires an immediate call of a doctor and emergency medical care.
4. The toxic form is characterized by neurological symptoms and can be manifested by intense headaches accompanied by hemorrhagic eruptions, myalgia, drowsiness, and often rigidity of muscles. These symptoms are very similar to meningitis, can be clinically blurred and make it difficult to accurately diagnose. The severity of the symptoms is variable - from transient pain in the head to a serious complication - encephalopathic manifestations

Symptoms of influenza 2014 may differ somewhat from standard ones, however, from year to year manifestations of all types of viral diseases fit into standard schemes in the same way as typical incubation periods: 

• The onset of clinical symptoms is within 24 hours.
• The development of symptoms is 2-2, 5 days from the onset of the disease.
• Residual effects of influenza within 2-3 weeks after a person is considered healthy.

What is the difference between a cold and flu?

Influenza and acute respiratory infections may be similar in symptomatology, but only for those who are not particularly versed in the signs of disease. Indeed, ARVI is a pathological condition caused by a virus, more precisely by different types of viruses, however, the list does not include influenza.

What is the difference between a cold and flu?

Symptoms	Influenza virus	ARVI
The debut of the disease	Sudden, sudden development of symptoms	The disease develops gradually, often unnoticeably, in the clinical sense manifests itself already in the stage of exacerbation
Pain and discomfort in the throat	It can appear after 2-4 days, but is not typical	As a rule, with SARS, sore throat is one of the main symptoms, the pain is irritating, sometimes intense, it lasts until the disease subsides completely
Temperature increase	The temperature rises rapidly to critical levels - 39-40 degrees. The temperature can last for several days and is very difficult to cope with antipyretic drugs	The temperature is rarely very high, it rises and falls, is often subfebrile
Runny nose	It happens very rarely	Mucous discharge from the nose - this is one of the typical signs of ARVI
Cough	May appear after a few days, but not typical	Cough is permanent, can be complicated by tracheobronchitis
Signs of intoxication	When influenza symptoms of intoxication are typical - severe headache, eye pain (photophobia), increased sweating, fever, myalgia	Signs of intoxication can be with purulent inflammation of the tonsils, but are not characteristic
General state	Severe weakness, disturbed sleep, with hyperthermia, delusions are possible. Weakness can remain even after the flu symptoms subsided	Weakness is present, but not clearly expressed and transient. As soon as the main symptomatology subsides (temperature) the forces are quickly restored

How to treat the flu in 2014?

To treat the flu is best before it develops, that is, the main method of treatment is still prevention. Even if a person falls ill, despite all the measures taken, the flu is lighter and is not accompanied by complications.

How to treat the flu in 2014? What is the difference between the treatment of new types of influenza?

There are no fundamental differences in the treatment of viral diseases, the flu is treated according to standard schemes, only vaccines depending on the specificity of the strain can be different.

Because the flu is a virus, the use of antibiotics will not only be useless, but at times harmful.

Drug therapy of influenza: 

• Symptomatic drugs.
• Antiviral drugs.

Read also: Proper treatment of influenza

Unfortunately, there is no universal antiviral drug for today, a panacea for influenza, obviously, will not be found soon, and if it were invented, it is likely to be called a vaccine. Of the well-proven funds can be named the following: 

• Arbidol.
• Amizon.
• Rimantadine.
• Zanamivir.
• Ingavirin.
• Tamiflu.
• Kagocel.

In addition, there are nonspecific drugs that help neutralize the virus:

• Interferon and its inducers.
• Immunoglobulins.

Symptomatic treatment of influenza involves the use of antipyretic agents (mefenamic acid, paracetamol), anti-inflammatory drugs in myalgia, joint ache - ibuprofen. But one of the most important means in treating flu is abundant drinking and bed rest.

How to prevent the flu this season 2013-2014?

The first rule of prevention against the flu 2013-2014 is vaccination. Mass preventive measures, taking into account atypical weather conditions and expected outbreaks of influenza by November, must begin at least in October. To date, there are many options for vaccination - from free vaccines purchased at the expense of the state, to visiting paid medical offices, where you can consult and pick up the drug and afford, and in accordance with your health parameters. Every year new means are created to prevent complications of influenza, the doctor will tell you about the method of their application. Note that constantly mutating influenza viruses neutralize all so-called "folk" methods of treatment, diagnose and prescribe treatment for influenza should only be a specialist.

How to prevent the flu of 2014 without the use of medication? If we take as a basis the pathway of transmission of the virus - airborne, then we can reduce the risk of infection in the following ways: 

• Eliminate or minimize contact with people who show signs of a cold. Visually and from words it is difficult to determine without having medical education, what a person is sick with - ARVI or influenza. In any case, both diseases are very contagious, that is, there is a high probability of getting infected.
• It should minimize the occurrence of crowded events, places of congestion of a large number of people.
• You need to wash your hands more often and bring them less to the nose or mouth.
• Required mode of airing the room, both at home and in the office.
• An indisputable assistant in the prevention of influenza is a gauze or a mask made of a different material. Pay attention, the mask should be changed every 1.5-2 hours, in order to avoid self-infection.
• Strengthen the immune system in advance. Summer vegetables and fruits that have been eaten throughout the season are not a storehouse of vitamins in the body, vitamin supplies are constantly consumed and need to be replenished regularly.

In general, the 2014 flu is predicted by doctors not to be threatening in the epidemiological sense, with well-conducted preventive measures, immune system activity and observance of healthy lifestyle rules, the human body is able to cope with any kind of influenza virus.