The season of viruses and colds that came with the spring in 2018 already makes it possible to assess the situation of infection with the flu as an average epedimic one. At the same time, experts say that the peak of virus activity has already been significantly exceeded. This year is dominated by such particularly infectious strains:
- Brisbane;
- Michigan;
- Hong Kong.
They can provoke a real pandemic and cause a high mortality rate among the diseased.
Classification and forms of the virus
The most dangerous for many years are the influenza viruses type A and B. Of the previously mentioned type A include Michigan and Hong Kong. Their heightened danger is that they also spread to animals, causing an increase in the number of cases. Brisbane - type B - affects only people. Its main lines are called Victoria and Yamagata. In this case, the course of the disease is milder, and the symptoms are more easily tolerated.
The following symptoms will help identify the disease:
- critically high body temperature;
- pains (head, joint, muscle);
- dizziness;
- general malaise;
- photosensitivity of the eyes;
- their redness;
- nasal congestion;
- cough, hoarseness.
Flu can affect even a young healthy person. But there is a risk group - these are people who are especially sensitive to the virus and are hard on it:
- children;
- pregnant women;
- people with severe chronic diseases;
- medical workers;
- elderly people.
Drug prophylaxis can be carried out with the help of antiviral and immunostimulating drugs, interferons and vitamin complexes.
Specific features of the seasonal flu
The incubation period is only 1-2 days. The mild and moderate form of the disease can be stopped within a week. Provided competent therapy and its compliance with the patient.
Severe form with the wrong or untimely treatment can turn into hypertoxic, which is accompanied by temperatures above 40 degrees and general intoxication of the body. Severe consequences of such a course of the disease are respiratory failure, swelling of the brain, and infectious toxic shock. Lightning form - the most dangerous. Its consequences are rapidly developing complications and death.
It is possible to catch the flu through airborne droplets, as well as through everyday contact. Often the flu does not manifest itself immediately as a high fever. Therefore, the above symptoms and a temperature of about 37.5 should already be a reason for going to a doctor.
The situation on the incidence in Russia in 2018
As mentioned earlier, the epidemic in Russia has already entered into force. Last week showed that the number of cases increased by 8%. The epidemic threshold has already been exceeded by more than 50% in the Penza Region and in the Komi Republic. The situation in Moscow looks somewhat better and is controlled by specialized bodies.
This year, the Yamagata virus (type B) was detected in Russia, which does not represent a critical hazard. More concern is spreading Michigan (type A). This highly pathogenic virus is especially dangerous for patients with pulmonary, bronchial and cardiovascular pathologies.
In St. Petersburg, according to statistics, the threshold is currently exceeded by 28%. 30 people have already died from the virus. Almost all of them had respiratory tract infections as a result of severe illness. Patients died as a result of viral pneumonia and acute respiratory failure.
Causes of increased incidence
At the Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases in Berlin, it was hypothesized that the outbreak of activation of the flu virus around the world in 2018 is related to its unpredictability. WHO recommended that a different strain of the pathogen be made into the flu vaccine. Therefore, the full protection of the vaccinated failed. The Yamagata virus mutates and mutates regularly, so most vaccines do not work on it. However, regular flu vaccination cannot be ignored. Since there are several no less dangerous types of antigens in its composition, from which the vaccine will be able to protect.
Benefits of vaccination, as the main type of flu prevention
Experts believe that vaccination is the only method for the prevention of influenza virus today. In the process, an immunobiological preparation is introduced into the human body. Especially this measure is important for people at risk.
The most effective, of course, will be those vaccines that contain antigens of viruses circulating in each individual territory. To improve the effectiveness of WHO twice a year makes recommendations on the introduction of a component into the vaccine. A new generation of the drug contain proteins of the virus, which interact with the pathogen cells and receptors of vaccinated human cells. After a short time, special antibodies appear in the body, forming the so-called immunological memory. You can take the vaccine as an injection or as a nasal spray. The validity of such a vaccination is from 6 to 12 months.
You can also resort to non-specific prevention. In addition to special preparations, this includes sanitary and hygiene measures and general health measures.Benefit will bring a varied and healthy food, including all sorts of vegetables and fruits. Also useful is regular hardening and a healthy lifestyle in general.
During epidemics, it is important to wash your hands with soap and air the rooms more often. Benefit will bring antiseptic wipes and liquids. In public places, touching the eyes, nose and mouth should be reduced to a minimum.
Patients with any of the flu viruses must be isolated from other people living in the apartment. During this period, abundant hydration is important, as well as symptomatic treatment. It is important to provide the patient with complete rest, and the variant with the transfer of the disease on the legs is completely excluded.
