Prevention of influenza and colds (ARVI)
It is no secret that new strains of the influenza virus are emerging every day. There is a lot of information in the media about influenza epidemics. They are becoming increasingly life-threatening. So what can be done to prevent this from happening? How can we protect ourselves and our loved ones from the flu virus?
How to protect against influenza and ARVI?
There are several ways to protect yourself from the flu and ARVI (Acute Respiratory Viral Infection). Of course, many people cannot tell the difference between the two diseases, and they also confuse ACE (Acute Respiratory Disease). ARVI is a disease of the respiratory tract caused only by viruses. If pathogens other than viruses cause disease in the respiratory tract, it is not included in ARVI. According to statistics, respiratory infections (respiratory diseases) are often caused by viruses. Of course, bacteria can also cause inflammation of the airways, but viruses are the main cause of local and general immunodeficiency.
The main viruses that cause ARVI are parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and enterovirus. When it comes to the flu, it can also be included in the ARVI, because the flu is also caused by viruses. However, because of the risk of influenza, the pathology is considered separately and requires a serious approach to influenza prevention.
Preventive measures are divided into two groups – specific and nonspecific. Specific prophylaxis for influenza and ARVI involves blocking influenza and ARVI viruses. In the nonspecific prevention of the disease, the most common measures are the prevention of respiratory diseases, but not the fight against the virus.
The main methods of preventive measures are:
- Taking antiviral drugs;
- Taking drugs that increase immunity;
- Vaccination;
- Wearing a mask;
- Diet;
- Hygiene;
- Avoid crowded places during an epidemic.
Let’s take a closer look at these methods, some of which are only used against the flu virus.
Drugs
The use of drugs in the prevention of influenza and SARS is less effective, relatively safe, and has significant shortcomings. Therefore, this method is not the mainstay of influenza prevention. The reasons for this are as follows.
Drugs used in the prevention of influenza and SARS can be divided into several groups:
- Etiotropic drugs (direct effect);
- Immunomodulators;
- Symptomatic drugs;
- Etiotropic drugs.
Etiotropic drugs act directly on viruses, killing or stopping the virus. It should be noted that no drug that has an etiotropic effect on ARVI has been developed (except for influenza). Arbidol can be conditionally included in this group, but all other drugs (Tamiflu, Relenza, seremivir, remantadine) only affect the influenza virus. Such drugs are less effective in protecting against influenza because they are more toxic and, in other words, have a higher risk of harm than the effects of these drugs.
Etiotropic drugs are used in the early stages of influenza to help the body fight the virus. Therefore, in the prevention of influenza, etiotropic drugs are used for prophylaxis only when there is a high risk of infection (for example, if a family member has the flu).
Immunomodulators
In recent days, the use of immunomodulators in our country has become “fashionable”, for example, Grippferon, Viferon, Kagosel, and many other drugs that increase immunity and increase the synthesis of a specific substance – interferon (antiviral effect). Such drugs are much cheaper than etiotropic agents.
Many immunologists recommend that interferon be avoided, especially in the prevention of influenza. This is because the immunity raised by these drugs is not long-lasting, but rather rapidly broken down, meaning that the immune system does not act independently when an infectious agent enters the body. Therefore, it is advisable to use immunomodulators for the prevention of influenza and SARS according to strict guidelines – if the human immune system is really weak. The immune system needs to be tested, not just based on the idea that “my child and I often get the flu, so we have a weakened immune system and we need to take an anti-influenza drug that is being advertised.”
Symptomatic drugs
The third group of drugs used to prevent influenza and SARS is fever and pain medications, which include paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin. Due to a large number of advertisements, these drugs are also considered to be the most effective in the prevention of influenza and SARS. However, it makes no sense to use such drugs for the prevention of influenza and SARS, as they have no effect on viruses or the human immune system. Paracetamol and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) have long-term adverse effects on the liver, and aspirin can also cause internal bleeding and attacks of chronic gastric ulcers. The use of aspirin in children under 12 years of age is strictly prohibited, otherwise, there is a high risk of developing irreversible complications.
Vaccination
There is no need to rely on “miracle” pills for the prevention of influenza and SARS. So how can this be prevented? Fortunately, there are other ways. One of the most effective methods in epidemic situations is vaccination. Vaccination provides the body with stable immunity against the virus that causes the disease. The only drawback of this method is that so far only vaccines have been developed to protect against influenza viruses, which do not protect the body from ARVI. However, the effectiveness of the vaccine is very high, at 80-90%.
There are other disadvantages of vaccination:
- Contraindications – severe lung, heart, kidney disease, allergy;
- Do not use in children under 6 months (some types of vaccines should not be used under 3 years of age);
- The duration of immunity acquired through vaccination is relatively short – it can last from half a year to a year.
Nonspecific preventive measures
There are other ways to prevent influenza and SARS. One of the most common methods today is to wear gauze masks, that is, to cover the nose and mouth with masks to prevent the entry of viruses through the upper respiratory tract in outbreaks. How effective are masks? There are different opinions in this situation. Some experts say that the effectiveness of gauze masks is low, even zero. Because the viruses are very small organisms, they can easily pass through masks and enter the respiratory tract.
Another common thing is that masks are worn by a person with the flu or SARS, and when they cough or sneeze, saliva and other fluids do not escape into the environment, resulting in harm to those around them. Unfortunately, there is one important factor that many are unaware of – masks are disposable items that need to be replaced after 3-4 hours of wearing, otherwise the masks themselves become a source of viruses and germs.
One of the most effective ways in a flu epidemic is to limit contact with people. For example, the busiest places are shops, markets, sports facilities, and public places. It is recommended to stay away from people who cough or sneeze on public transport. Parents are also encouraged to temporarily limit their children’s contact with relatives. If educational institutions do not quarantine the flu, they can go to their schools or kindergartens.
Influenza viruses and ARVI are mainly transmitted by airborne droplets. However, such infections can persist in the environment and in household items for several hours. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to cleanliness and personal hygiene at home and at work. Always wash your hands with soap when you get home. Rinsing the mouth and throat with baking soda is also helpful. Viruses can also be found in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth without entering the respiratory tract directly, so it is advisable to rinse the nose and throat frequently.
Exercise also plays a role in stimulating the immune system. Also, keep in mind that various viruses can be easily transmitted and multiplied by nicotine, alcohol, and other harmful substances. Diet is also important in the prevention of viruses, and the diet should be rich in minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C. It is also possible to take complex vitamin supplements in consultation with your doctor. In addition, paying attention to your daily routine stimulates the immune system, which means that getting enough sleep and getting enough rest guarantees a strong immune system.
Keep in mind that fruits and vegetables do not have a “miraculous” effect on protection against various diseases, for example, the well-known garlic, its smell, and its application to the skin around the neck, throat, and nose are ineffective in fighting viruses.
From the above, it can be concluded that there is no drug that is absolutely effective in the prevention of the influenza virus and ARVI. Anyone can get a respiratory illness at least once in their life. However, all human beings have the power to reduce the likelihood of transmission of viruses and other infections.
Attention! The medicines listed above are for reference only. If you have any symptoms, consult your doctor!
