How to distinguish flu from ARVI table. Treatment of influenza and ARVI in adults and children: choosing effective and inexpensive drugs. Viruses are different

Influenza is a respiratory infection, and it is separated from other acute respiratory viral infections due to its exceptional danger to humans. How to distinguish influenza virus infection from ARVI in children and adults based on symptoms, and how it differs from a cold, is described in the article.

When making a diagnosis, the doctor has to find signs that differentiate influenza from ARVI, and in adults also take into account chronic respiratory diseases, which manifest themselves with symptoms similar to the common cold.

When infected with the influenza virus, symptoms similar to the following occur:

Acute respiratory infections are acute respiratory diseases that are caused, in addition to viruses, as in acute respiratory viral infections, also by bacterial flora, protozoa, and fungi;
measles;
paratyphoid A, typhoid fever;
meningococcal infection;
serous meningitis;
influenza-like diseases - psittacosis, salmonellosis.

Influenza is characterized by:

catarrhal phenomena - inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which manifests itself as lacrimation, conjunctivitis;
intoxication – characterized by headache, nausea, muscle pain.

The leading symptoms of influenza virus infection from the first hours of illness are intoxication, which is how influenza differs primarily from a cold. Signs of intoxication are clearly expressed during the first 3-5 days of illness, then catarrhal phenomena come to the fore.

Flu or ARVI

Diseases from the ARVI group are caused only by viral infections, which is the difference between ARVI and acute respiratory infections (colds) - acute respiratory diseases that are provoked by both viruses and bacteria. In everyday life, both groups are called a cold, without specifying what caused the malaise, a viral or bacterial infection.

At the beginning of the epidemic, the disease is more severe, the symptoms appear more clearly than in the final period. By the time the outbreak begins to subside, mild forms of influenza are more common.

It becomes more difficult to detect the difference between the symptoms of influenza and ARVI towards the end of the epidemic.

Influenza and ARVI/ARI have the most typical differences, which are listed in the table; based on them, one can assume the type of virus that caused the disease.

In addition to the main differences, there are less typical symptoms of ARVI and flu that will help determine the difference between a common cold and the flu.

Read more about the symptoms of ARVI in children and adults in the articles:

Features of influenza

This disease is characterized by muscle pain, which the patient describes as “pain throughout the whole body.” Muscle pain is accompanied by chills and high fever, reaching 40 0 C.

Unlike acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, a high temperature during influenza, in the absence of complications, does not last longer than 5 days, but reaches the highest values in the first days. The disease begins with a fever exceeding 39 0 C.

Influenza can be distinguished from other types of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections in order to be treated correctly from the first day by such signs of intoxication as headache and pain in the eye sockets. The disease is typically characterized by pain in the eyeballs when light pressure is applied to closed eyelids.

Features of infection include increased sweating of the patient. The virus has tropism (the ability to come into contact) with the epithelial cells of the trachea, which is why the patient always has symptoms.

Signs of tracheitis at the initial stage of the disease do not appear clearly. In the first days, when the temperature persists, accompanied by chills, aches in the joints and muscles, the intense sensation fades into the background.

But after the temperature drops, which usually happens 3-4 days after the onset of the illness, a sore throat and dry cough appear. Coughing attacks are painful, intrusive, and accompanied by...

Catarrhal phenomena are also manifested by a runny nose, which joins the symptoms of infection on the 2nd or 3rd day. On the first day of illness, there is no runny nose with influenza, although the nose is stuffy and breathing is difficult.

Due to the tropism of the virus to the endothelium of blood vessels, characteristic signs of the disease are nosebleeds, hemorrhages in the gum mucosa, and redness of the blood vessels in the sclera of the eyes.

Differences from ARVI

Each respiratory infection manifests itself with a special set of characteristic symptoms. One of the main signs by which these infections can be distinguished, and how influenza differs greatly from acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, is the duration of the incubation period.

As can be seen from the table in the article “”, the differences in the duration of incubation of viruses are sufficient to practically see the difference between an influenza virus and a cold, and to figure out whether it is the flu or an acute respiratory infection.

To determine whether children have the flu or ARVI, you also need to focus on such a factor as the child’s age. Thus, parainfluenza, an adenovirus, affects children more often at the age of 6 months – 5 years. Children get sick with the flu equally often at any age.

Influenza or adenoviral ARVI

The main difference between adenovirus infection and influenza is inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes, which with adenovirus is initially unilateral.

The adenovirus typically affects the tonsils, pharynx, and lymphoid tissue. With this type of ARVI, the lymph nodes become enlarged, which is not observed with influenza.

MS infection

Respiratory syncytial virus most often affects children aged 1-2 years. Unlike influenza, with MS infection:

the temperature rises slightly;
the onset of the disease is gradual;
the leading symptom is respiratory failure.

MS infection is accompanied by a dry, spasmodic cough. In adults, the disease practically does not occur, and when infected, the disease is mild. The course of the disease in adults is characterized by a gradual increase in temperature to 38 0 C, accompanied by mild signs of intoxication.

Flu or parainfluenza

In children, the symptoms of laryngitis with parainfluenza are so pronounced that they create a danger, which is what distinguishes this type of acute respiratory viral infection from influenza. Adults get sick less often than children. The disease develops gradually over 3-4 days, and the temperature in children and adults usually does not exceed 38 0 C.

Rhinovirus

It is not difficult to distinguish influenza from a type of acute respiratory viral infection such as rhinovirus or reovirus infection. These types of ARVI are characterized by the appearance of a runny nose from the first hours of illness, and most importantly, there is no sharp rise in temperature from the first hours of illness, as happens when infected with the influenza virus.

To determine what caused the deterioration of the condition, whether the flu virus or a cold caused a runny nose, you need to resort to a procedure such as measuring temperature. With rhinovirus infection, it rarely rises to subfebrile values of 37 - 37.2 0 C.

Coronaviruses

ARVI also includes coronavirus infection. It is rare and usually proceeds easily, with the exception of its variety SARS, which can cause atypical.

Unlike influenza, coronavirus ARVI does not affect the trachea, but the throat, causing pharyngitis. The temperature during coronavirus infection does not rise above 39 0 C, and there is a severe runny nose throughout the entire illness.

Enteroviral infections

Some enterovirus (intestinal) infections are accompanied by symptoms of damage to the respiratory system. And, although they do not relate to acute respiratory viral infections, sometimes the manifestations of infection with enteroviruses are very similar to the symptoms of influenza.

This similarity lies in the symptoms of intoxication, which are characteristic of both influenza and enteroviruses. There is a headache and chills, but the temperature when infected with intestinal viruses does not rise above 38 0 C, and there are no signs of damage to the tracheal mucosa, which is necessary with the flu.

The most common off-season diseases are acute respiratory infections (ARVI), influenza, often called colds. In the autumn-spring, this trinity causes illness in 90% of the population, ranging from mild to severe clinical manifestations with complications. Since ARVI and influenza are viral infections, they have many common symptoms and signs.

ARVI is the general name for any respiratory viral infection, and influenza is only one of these representatives.
Influenza usually causes outbreaks of epidemics and pandemics, while ARVI only slightly increases the incidence.
Influenza, unlike acute respiratory infections, is more severe with frequent complications.

The following diseases are classified as ARVI:

Flu
Parainfluenza
Rhinovirus and adenovirus infection
Respiratory syncytial disease

How is the flu different from a cold? The most important difference is that after a cold, after a week a person fully recovers and begins to lead his normal rhythm of life, without remembering the recent illness.

And after the flu, the recovery period drags on for a long time; over the next month, a person may experience the consequences of the flu, the body suffers much more, the immune system requires more time for rehabilitation.

Asthenic syndrome or simply a loss of strength can manifest itself in a person who has had the flu in the form of changes in blood pressure, dizziness, decreased appetite, the person quickly gets tired and feels weak. Read our article for tips.

Differences between ARVI and influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviral infection and colds

What is called a cold in everyday life is the same viral infections or their bacterial complications that flare up against the background of hypothermia and a decline in local and general immunity. So no specialist can distinguish a cold from an acute respiratory viral infection.

Flu

In a person with good immunity, the flu is mild or moderate in severity. The flu is most severe in children and the elderly, whose immune systems are either underdeveloped or suppressed. These groups are also characterized by the erasure of the main symptoms, for example, the absence of a clear temperature reaction.

The flu is characterized by severe intoxication (ache in muscles and joints, headaches, pain in the eyeballs, sometimes nausea and vomiting, chills, weakness).
The temperature during influenza can range from low-grade (up to 37.5) to pyretic (up to 41). The average duration of fever is from 2 to 7 days.
Against the background of high fever, children may have.
Characteristic manifestations of influenza are laryngotracheitis (, hoarseness, dry strong cough, rawness when coughing behind the sternum) and a runny nose with mucous discharge.
In the future, a symptom of bronchitis may appear (wet cough with clear sputum, which can turn yellow or green when a bacterial infection is attached).
In weakened patients, influenza may be complicated by pneumonia or cardiopulmonary failure.

Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is so named because of its flu-like symptoms. Same intoxication. Increased temperature, clinical signs of laryngotracheitis and runny nose. Moreover, after a period of mucous discharge from the eyes, microbial flora may join, and conjunctivitis will become purulent.

Parainfluenza - its course is not as pronounced as with the flu, the body temperature is usually no more than 38C, and lasting 1-2 days, in patients with a strong immune system, the temperature can be subfebrile 37 -37.5C. A dry cough and sore throat are characteristic of both influenza and parainfluenza; hoarseness or lack of voice may also be observed.

Adenovirus infection

The acute onset is the same as with the flu, the temperature can be up to 39C for up to 7 days.
Intense runny nose and sore throat like flu from the very beginning of the disease.
Stinging and pain in the eyes may appear on the 4th day - this is how adenoviral conjunctivitis begins. Moreover, after a period of mucous discharge from the eyes, microbial flora may join, and conjunctivitis will become purulent.
Throughout the illness, the lymph nodes are enlarged, and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract is also possible, the most dangerous complication being pneumonia.

Interesting fact: the influenza virus lives in the air for 2-9 hours, on glass for 10 days, on fabrics for 10 hours, on paper products for 12 hours, on human skin for 15 minutes, on plastic and metal objects for 1-2 days, in sputum (if the virus flu was in it) persists for 7-14 days.

What is the difference between influenza and ARVI?

Many of us don't know how to distinguish the flu from a cold. The table shows a list of symptoms that manifest themselves in these diseases to varying degrees, so everyone can try to independently distinguish the flu from an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold.

	FLU	ARVI
Onset of the disease	A very abrupt, acute onset, literally within an hour a person loses strength, he becomes ill from a sharp rise in temperature	Gradually, symptoms appear within 1-2 days
Body temperature	Within 1-2 hours the temperature rises to 39C and 40C, it lasts for at least 3 days and is difficult to reduce	During acute respiratory viral infection, the temperature does not exceed 38 -38.5 C; within 2-3 days it decreases (see)
Other general symptoms	Severe headache, especially in the temples, muscle pain, aches throughout the body, increased sweating, chills, sensitivity to light, pain when moving the eyes	Weakness, weakness, but without pronounced pain
Nasal congestion, runny nose	Nasal congestion does not happen, only in people with chronic diseases of the nasopharynx, sinusitis, sinusitis, their exacerbation is possible. In other cases, as a rule, a runny nose goes away after 2 days. There may also be sneezing (less commonly) and viral conjunctivitis	The nose is often stuffy, the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx is swollen, lacrimation is very increased, severe runny nose and intense sneezing.
Throat condition	The back wall of the throat and soft palate turn red and swell.	Red and soggy throat all the time of illness.
Condition of mucous membranes - plaque	Can not be	May be
Cough, chest pain	After 2 days, a dry cough appears, which then becomes wet (see). With swine flu, a dry, severe cough may begin in the first hours of the disease.	Dry, hacking cough from the very beginning of the disease, may be weak, or may be pronounced (see)
Enlarged lymph nodes	Usually doesn't happen	May be
Redness of the eyes	Happens often	Rarely, with concomitant bacterial infection
Gastrointestinal disorders	In children, the flu is often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea; in adults, there may also be nausea and, less commonly, diarrhea.	Vomiting and bowel dysfunction are rare
Duration of illness	The high temperature lasts up to 4-5 days. Usually, the flu goes away within 7-10 days; even after the temperature drops, a person experiences illness, headaches, and weakness for a long time, for 14-21 days after suffering from the flu.	Typically, ARVI does not last more than a week, and after an illness a person usually does not experience fatigue, weakness, or weakness.

How to help yourself cope with the flu, ARVI or cold

Now it becomes clear how the flu differs from acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections or a common cold. But this doesn’t make it any easier, ARVI, flu and 90% of colds are viral diseases and the severity of the disease directly depends on the body’s defenses and the immune response to a specific pathogen. To alleviate the inevitable disease, you should adhere to the basic rules of therapy for viruses and colds:

The pharmaceutical industry is saturated with all kinds of immunomodulators, which today can be dummies or drugs that have significant side effects that taking them is not only ineffective, but also not safe.
Rimantadine and Tamiflu - the effectiveness of these drugs against influenza is considered proven. Therefore, during an epidemic, at the first symptoms of influenza (including swine flu), adults should take: Rimantadine (influenza A) or Tamiflu (influenza A and B), children: Orvirem (rimantadine), Tamiflu (over 8 years).
If the temperature is up to 38C, and it can be tolerated, then it is better not to bring it down, since at this time the body produces antibodies against the pathogens of the virus, and this is very important so that the virus cannot lead to complications in the future.
To relieve symptoms of intoxication, you should drink as much warm liquid as possible. This sounds trivial, but it is the abundant hot drink during a virus that can quickly remove toxins from the body and recovery occurs faster. You can drink lightly brewed tea with raspberries, honey, herbal teas, etc.
and influenza are no different, so you should gargle as often as possible with various decoctions and ready-made medicinal compositions, and various inhalations are also useful, which help prevent the development of complications in the lower respiratory tract -
It is advisable to strengthen the body's defenses with natural vitamin therapy - black currants, raspberries, lemon, cranberries, etc.
Taking antibiotics for viral infections is, of course, not advisable (see 11 rules). However, if within 3-4 days a person does not experience relief, or the temperature after a drop rises again to high levels, you should call a doctor, as this may indicate the development of complications and the addition of a bacterial infection, etc.
Read about that and also in our articles.
What to eat and drink if you are sick? There are no “antiviral” drinks or foods, but the following can help boost your immune system:
- fruit drinks (cranberries, currants, raspberries, lingonberries), but not sweet ones, since excess sugar interferes with the removal of the virus
- natural fermented milk products (preferably homemade yoghurts, curdled milk)
- citrus fruits (oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit), as well as kiwi. Vitamin C and pectins, which they are rich in, reduce the risk of congestion and help remove phlegm from the lungs.
- easily digestible proteins - fish, rabbit, turkey, chicken breast, eggs.
It is not necessary to observe strict bed rest during the flu; “house arrest” is enough. Moreover, prolonged lying can be harmful, since ventilation of the bronchi and lungs is reduced and congestion is possible. Of course, if you feel weak or dizzy, it is better to lie down. The infection tends to descend from top to bottom along the respiratory tract, so the risk of pneumonia and bronchitis is higher for those who “sit out” the flu without getting out of bed.

The influenza virus is contagious for about 7 days after infection, so even if you are not coughing or sneezing, you should not show up at work; children who have the flu should also stay home for at least a week until they have fully recovered.

You should call an ambulance immediately if:

Body temperature above 40C
Fever lasts more than 3 days
There is no improvement after 7-10 days of illness, especially if there was slight relief, a drop in temperature, and then a new wave of fever, cough, etc.
If you experience shortness of breath and severe chest pain when breathing
Disorientation or disturbance of consciousness
Convulsions that developed for the first time or convulsions due to fever.
in the form of fresh purple bruises (meningococcus under the mask of ARVI)
Constant vomiting and diarrhea, this is especially dangerous in children (see all)
Intense pain in the face and severe headaches (see)
Persons over 60 years of age, people with chronic kidney, liver, heart diseases, diabetes mellitus, blood diseases, autoimmune or immunodeficiency conditions.

Prevention of influenza and ARVI

During the epidemic, avoid places with large crowds of people in enclosed spaces (children's parties, cinemas, theaters, concerts, etc.).
After going outside or traveling on public transport, wash your hands thoroughly with soap, wash your face, and rinse your nose (you can use sprays with sea water and salts). When working, wash your hands or use antibacterial wet wipes as often as possible.
Don't forget to disinfect mobile phones and other wearable devices and gadgets. Many people forget about this or don’t even think about it, but a cell phone is often in their hands during the day.
Before going outside, lubricate the nasal mucosa with leukinferon or oxolinic ointment, which creates an additional barrier to viruses.
Flu (any flu, not just swine flu) is one of the 5 most contagious diseases in the world. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, as well as colleagues - reschedule meetings, do not go to work or visit if you feel that you are getting sick.
Gauze dressings do not protect 100%; viruses are so small that they can penetrate through the smallest pores. But masks are suitable as an additional means if you have to communicate and move around a lot. Since the risk of infection in the open air is minimal, do not torture yourself by walking in the park wearing a mask; wear it only in crowded places or in transport.
Ventilate the room (apartment, office) for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day, despite the frost. The flu does not like the cold; the optimal conditions for it are dry air, warmth, and lack of ventilation.

Has your child returned home from school with a sore throat, cough and high fever? What is this - the flu that everyone is talking about, or just an ordinary ARVI?

Although influenza typically causes more severe symptoms and is more severe than other colds, it is not always easy to tell them apart.

What is the flu?

The influenza virus causes serious illness that can result in hospitalization or even death. As a rule, the respiratory system is affected, but in general the entire body suffers to one degree or another from the influenza virus.

Flu season usually begins in the fall or winter and ends in the spring. Discuss the topic of vaccination with your doctor in late summer or early autumn - this way you will be protected throughout the epidemic season.

You can even get the flu several times a season and many times in your life, because the flu virus is constantly changing and mutating from year to year. This season, as many as 4 viruses can cause the flu.

Signs of the flu

The influenza virus causes respiratory illness that can last a week or even longer. Flu symptoms include:

sudden increase in temperature (usually above 38.3 °C);
chills;
headache, body aches and weakness;
a sore throat;
dry cough;
nasal congestion, runny nose.

Some children may also have vomiting and diarrhea with the flu. Take your child to the doctor if he or she develops ear pain, cough, or fever that does not go away despite treatment. This may indicate serious damage to the body.

Below are questions whose answers will help determine whether a child is struggling with the flu or just a common ARVI.


Question	Flu	ARVI, cold
The onset of the illness was...	sudden?	gradual?
Does your child have...	heat?	low temperature (no fever)?
Your child's general condition...	Is it severely damaged?	almost intact?
Does your child have...	headache?	no headache?
Your baby's appetite...		in order?
The child has muscle pain...	present?	absent?
Your child...	are there any chills?	no chills?

If most of your answers match the options in the first column, there is a good chance that your child has the flu. If your answers more often correspond to the answers from the second column, this is most likely an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold.

But don't rush to conclusions! It's important to remember that flu symptoms in children can be different and change as the illness progresses, so if you suspect you have the flu, be sure to call your doctor. Even doctors often use special tests to confirm that a person has the flu, as the symptoms of different diseases can be so similar!

Some bacterial infections, such as a sore throat or pneumonia, can also be similar to the flu or a common cold. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor immediately if your child's condition worsens, has trouble breathing, continues to have a high fever, has a severe headache, sore throat, or has problems with consciousness.

Even healthy children can develop complications from the flu, and children with chronic illnesses are at high risk of complications.

How to protect yourself from the flu?

Get a flu vaccine annually. Vaccines are safe and updated every year, so you should get vaccinated as soon as the drug is available in your area.

The influenza virus is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets such as coughing and sneezing, and through hands passing objects (doorknobs or toys) if you then touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Here are some tips to help protect your family from infection.

You should wash your hands frequently, always using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (about the same time as singing "Happy Birthday" twice). Ethyl alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be used. Apply enough product to your hands to wet them. Then rub until your hands are dry.
Teach your children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Show them how to cough into their elbow or into their sleeve (not their hand), or use tissues.
Throw used wipes in the trash immediately.
Wash dishes and cutlery in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.
Items such as toothbrushes, pacifiers, cups, spoons, forks, washcloths, and towels must be individual.
Teach your children not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands.
Clean doorknobs, faucets, countertops and toys regularly. Use disinfectant wipes or wipes with soap and hot water to minimize germs and viruses.

What to do if your child has the flu?

Call the doctor if your child has flu-like symptoms and if:

You should also consult a doctor if your child has flu-like symptoms and a chronic illness such as:

asthma, diabetes, or heart problems;
sickle cell anemia, cancer, HIV or any other disease that makes it difficult for the body to fight infections;
cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders that make it difficult to cough up mucus and breathe;
morbid obesity (excessive or overweight).

Let's go to the emergency room immediately if your child has:

there are obvious flu symptoms and the condition continues to worsen;
bluish skin tone;
I don’t even have the strength to get out of bed.

Drugs for treating influenza

It is now possible to treat influenza with special antiviral drugs. But these remedies work better if the child receives them during the first 1-2 days of illness.

Call the doctor within 24 hours to discuss the need for these medications if your child is at high risk for flu complications because he:

has serious health problems such as asthma, diabetes, sickle cell disease, or cerebral palsy;
<6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not licensed for this age group);
<2 years of age (young children have an increased risk of influenza infection, hospitalization, and complications).

What else can you do to help your child with the flu?

Letting your child rest and drink plenty of fluids will help your child feel better. You can also give him medicine to reduce his fever.

Give acetaminophen (paracetamol) to a child 6 months and younger. For a child over 6 months old - acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Never give children aspirin! This can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious disease that affects the liver and brain.

It's better to get sick at home!

You should not take your child to kindergarten or school if he has a fever or other flu symptoms. The patient needs rest. In addition, it can infect other children.

When can my child return to school or kindergarten?

The child should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has passed. Start counting from the moment you stop giving antipyretics for fever (38°C or higher). But it’s better to check with the child care center about their internal rules for admitting children after illness.

Every year, approximately 40 million cases of people falling ill with influenza or other types of acute respiratory viral infections are registered in the country. Respiratory or cold diseases most often occur during the demi-season periods, when the human body adjusts to weather changes: be it cold or thaw. ARI is observed in almost 90% of the population. In some people the inflammation is mild, in others it can cause serious complications.

Many people ask: “What are the differences between ARVI and influenza?” Let's try to understand this issue.

The difference between influenza and ARVI and acute respiratory infections

If an infectious pathogen is transmitted by airborne droplets and primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and throat, then, in general, the disease is called acute respiratory disease. Accordingly, all inflammations of the upper respiratory tract will be classified as acute respiratory infections. It is important to note that the causative agents of the disease can be various microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, anaerobes, etc.

Sometimes respiratory infections occur against a background of weakened immunity after hypothermia, and in some cases develop after the addition of bacterial flora.

The term ARVI refers only to all viral diseases that are acute and affect the respiratory system. If a bacterium has entered the human body, then it will no longer belong to this group of colds. There are different types of ARVI, but let’s look at the most common ones:

Rhinovirus - refers to a common runny nose, which is caused by a viral infection that affects only the nasopharynx area (patients experience dry nose, liquid discharge, swelling of the passages);
Parainfluenza - affects the larynx, causing laryngitis (the main symptoms will be hoarseness, dry cough, difficulty breathing);
MS infection usually provokes the development of bronchitis, since it affects the walls of the bronchial tree (a person begins to have a painful cough, over time it turns into a form that ends with the release of sputum).

Despite the fact that influenza is classified as an acute respiratory viral infection, the disease is distinguished as a separate respiratory inflammation, since most often it causes serious complications. A viral infection can quickly mutate and, as a result, mass epidemics begin.

The causative agent of influenza is orthomyxovirus, which is divided into three types: A, B, C. Microorganisms develop very quickly, so the first symptoms after infection appear already on the first or second day. The clinical signs of the disease are quite varied. But the main differences between ARVI and influenza are that the patient necessarily has a high fever and body aches.

Every person infected with orthomyxovirus should take care to prevent complications. Often, patients who do not comply with bed rest are admitted to the hospital with acute pneumonia.

To summarize, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections and influenza are colds that occur with similar symptoms. Only viruses of types A, B and C affect the patient’s body so severely that he needs several weeks to fully restore his strength and immunity. Often after the flu, a person may feel fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and pressure changes for another month. But ordinary acute respiratory diseases disappear within a week and do not leave any negative traces behind.

Colds, which occur as a result of a viral infection or the addition of bacterial microflora, usually develop in people with weakened or suppressed immunity. Accordingly, it is most difficult for young patients with a weak immune system and the elderly who have many chronic diseases that suppress the functioning of leukocytes to tolerate influenza or ARVI.

Let's look at the main symptoms of influenza, parainfluenza and adenovirus to understand the difference between these types of respiratory diseases. Since the differences between acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections are quite difficult to recognize, it is necessary to become familiar with their prevalence and manifestations.

Flu symptoms;

Depending on the strength of the immune system, patients may experience either very pronounced or subtle signs of a viral disease. The main symptom of the lesion is aching in the muscles, joints, and bones. Usually a person has a severe headache, nausea and even vomiting may occur. Pain sensations are transmitted to the eyeballs, jaws, and teeth.

Increase in temperature (37.5-41 0 C) causes chills, a feeling of cold. Fever can last up to a week, but in people with increased immunity it lasts only a couple of days. Young children have febrile seizures.

A characteristic symptom of influenza is damage to the nasopharynx and throat, so patients develop laryngotracheitis, which is accompanied by a runny nose and dry cough. The voice becomes hoarse, an itching appears in the throat, forcing the person to constantly cough and swallow saliva to remove the unpleasant sensation.

After a long course of influenza, patients may develop bronchitis with moist wheezing and cough. If a bacterial infection occurs during this period, the sputum acquires a greenish or yellowish tint, which indicates the beginning of a purulent process in the bronchial tree.

People with weakened immune systems or those who are not treated correctly may develop pneumonia and pulmonary failure.

Symptoms of parainfluenza;

Since influenza is very similar to this type of viral disease, it was given a similar name. The first sign of parainfluenza is intoxication of the body. A person’s temperature rises and he is worried about laryngotracheitis and rhinitis. Conjunctivitis may develop.

But unlike the flu, parainfluenza does not cause serious complications and is much milder. The temperature usually does not exceed 38 0 C and lasts only a couple of days. If the patient has a strong immune system, then there may be no fever at all. Symptoms of parainfluenza include hoarseness of voice, dry cough, and sore throat.

Signs of adenovirus;

The viral infection causes acute inflammation in the patient's nasopharynx and throat. First the temperature rises, which can reach 39 0 C. Usually the fever lasts a long time - up to a week. Conjunctivitis develops around the fourth day.

Throughout the disease, a person's lymph nodes are enlarged. Adenovirus infection is characterized by damage to the gastrointestinal tract. The disease can cause complications, the most dangerous being pneumonia.

Table of differences between influenza and ARVI

In order to clearly see the difference between the symptoms of common acute respiratory infections and damage to orthomyxoviruses, you can combine the signs of diseases into cells. Thus, every person will understand the differences between influenza, ARVI and acute respiratory infections.

	FLU	ARVI
How does the disease begin?	Sharply, quickly, within a few hours after infection. A person develops severe weakness, chills, and fever.	Smoothly, slowly, over several days after infection or hypothermia.
Temperature readings	In just one hour, the fever can rise to 40 0 C. This indicator lasts for several days and is difficult to lose.	Doesn't usually go up to 39 0 C. The temperature level lasts for a couple of days, then gradually returns to normal.
General manifestations	Aches, headaches, photophobia, increased sweating, chills.	Weakness, but not accompanied by severe pain.
Nasopharynx lesion	Usually does not cause severe swelling of the mucous membrane, with the exception of patients with chronic sinusitis. A runny nose goes away after two days.	The nose is stuffy, breathing is difficult. A runny nose is accompanied by frequent sneezing and copious discharge.
Throat lesion	There is redness and swelling. There are no plaques on the back wall.	Looseness of the mucous membrane of the throat, a red tint remains until recovery. A whitish coating may appear.
Damage to the lower respiratory tract	On the second day, a dry cough appears, which turns into a wet cough with sputum production.	A dry cough develops immediately after infection.
Lymph nodes	They don't increase.	They may become inflamed.
Mucous membranes of the eye	Conjunctivitis and photophobia often develop.	There are rednesses, but very rarely.
Effect on the gastrointestinal tract	Causes nausea and vomiting. In young children it usually causes diarrhea.	Gastrointestinal disturbances are rare.
Duration of the disease	It goes away in 7-10 days, but the ailments remain for up to three weeks after recovery.	Does not last longer than a week, after recovery the person feels good.

During the off-season, most people experience ailments associated with hypothermia and the spread of various viral infections. According to statistics, from the beginning of the slushy autumn until the establishment of warm, sunny weather in the spring, influenza and ARVI account for about 95% of all diagnosed diseases.

A significant part of the population does not know how to distinguish a cold from a virus. And timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can timely and significantly stabilize the patient’s condition, which will also prevent severe complications from developing.

Almost always, colds and flu begin to attack the body when it is weakened. Immunity during this period is reduced, so bacteria and viruses easily penetrate the blood and quickly spread through all organs and systems.

Only newborns have strong immune protection received from their mother at birth. Later, when the lifestyle becomes less isolated, the child begins to attend kindergarten and school, and the immune system weakens. Some children are able to get sick several times during the season; those who are prone to acute respiratory diseases constantly wipe their nose with a handkerchief and cough all winter.

Viruses can penetrate even a strong body. But in this case, the course of the disease is not so severe, more short-term, without complications. The risk group also includes people of retirement age.

ARVI and influenza primarily affect those who reduce the strength of their immunity with bad habits, sleep little, eat poorly, dress inappropriately for the weather, and neglect precautions during epidemics.

Nervous stress at school and at work, hypothermia, plus someone sneezing in a crowded transport have very unpleasant consequences.

The most common diagnosis that a doctor makes during an examination is acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections or influenza. In terms of symptoms, they have a lot in common, which is why the sick person simply believes that he has a cold. Only a doctor knows how to distinguish a cold from the flu and accurately classify the disease.

He will determine what the necessary treatment will be and will be able to monitor the functioning of the respiratory system and heart. Therefore, if you notice the first signs of illness, you should consult a specialist.

ARVI group

ARVI includes a whole list of infectious diseases that primarily harm the respiratory system:

Flu. The influenza virus is also a representative of this group, one of the most common. It often occurs in a severe form and often causes complications.
Parainfluenza. Affects the upper respiratory tract. The larynx is most often affected. Its symptoms are similar to the flu, which is why it is called that. Difference in severity of symptoms.
Rhinovirus infection. It also penetrates through the upper respiratory tract, causing acute forms of respiratory diseases. Contains RNA and multiplies in the nasopharynx. In children, it is sometimes accompanied by a feverish state; advanced cases often develop into otitis media, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Adults tolerate the disease much easier, sometimes even without fever.
Adenovirus. It also harms the respiratory system. Contains DNA. Penetrates into the blood through the respiratory or digestive system. The disease begins acutely, is accompanied by high fever, and after a few days the development of adenoviral conjunctivitis is possible. The virus negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract, provokes inflammatory processes in weakened organs and lymph nodes.
Respiratory syncytial infection. It is most common in newborns and slightly older children. It can occur in a mild form with mildly expressed symptoms, especially in adults. In children, it can provoke the development of pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

Infection with ARVI occurs from an already sick person, most often through airborne droplets. Infectious agents can be found on various surfaces in public places, common areas, on household items at home, and transmitted through food.

More than 200 types of different viruses have now been identified. By what characteristics they differ is very difficult for the majority of the population to understand. Flu is a viral infection (ARVI), like many hundreds of others. But it goes on a separate line, because... The influenza virus can mutate and become the cause of an epidemic.

How dangerous is the flu?

When someone tries to delve deeper into the topic, many questions immediately arise: why is a clear diagnosis so necessary, what is the difference between influenza and a cold or ARVI from influenza?

Anyone can become infected with the flu. A healthy and strong body, with timely and proper treatment, will survive the attack of the virus relatively easily. Young and elderly patients suffer the most from such infections, because... their immune system is not yet strong or suppressed.

You can remember the period at the beginning of the 20th century when the so-called “Spanish flu” claimed the lives of almost a third of the world’s population. This influenza epidemic was as bad as the plague several centuries earlier.

ARVI and colds pass after a certain period of time without any special consequences. After suffering from the flu, a person continues to experience weakness and fatigue for a long time; pressure drops and loss of appetite may be observed. The immune system will take longer to fully recover.

It is important to diagnose influenza on time. If the differences in symptoms are unclear, then a specialist can use smear examination to accurately determine whether the patient has the flu or a cold. The virus leads to severe forms of the disease and to severe complications subsequently, even death if treatment is ignored.

Characteristic manifestations of the disease:

a pronounced picture of intoxication: the patient has aching muscles and joints, severe weakness, severe headache and pain in the eyes, chills, possible nausea and vomiting;
the temperature can be relatively low (up to 38°C), or it can rise sharply to 40°C and above;
Children with high heat may experience febrile convulsions;
the most typical complaints for influenza are a sore throat, a constant hacking dry cough, slight soreness behind the sternum, headache (no runny nose);
then signs of bronchitis may develop: cough with clear discharge, and if a bacterial infection is attached, with thick yellowish or greenish sputum;
weakened patients may develop complications such as pneumonia or develop cardiopulmonary failure.

How to distinguish influenza from ARVI

In order to take timely measures to treat the disease and use the right medications, you need to know how the flu differs from ARVI. Incorrect treatment and failure to timely seek qualified help can lead to serious complications.

comparison table

Symptoms	Flu	ARVI
Initial period	The start is fast. Rapid loss of strength Temperature rises	Symptoms appear gradually. The picture of the disease develops within a couple of days.
Temperature indicators	The temperature rises sharply, approaching 40°C	As a rule, does not exceed 38.5°C. After 2-3 days it goes down
The most characteristic symptoms	Severe temporal pain, eye socket pain, bone aches, sweating, insomnia, chills, chest pain, photosensitivity	There is weakness and apathy. There are no severe pains characteristic of a flu-like state
Condition of the nose	There is no congestion. The only exception is for those who have chronic sinusitis or sinusitis. They may get worse. Possible sneezing and development of viral conjunctivitis	Severe swelling and nasal congestion, copious secretions. The mucus is colorless. Repeated sneezing
Throat condition	Inflammation and hyperemia are observed. The soft palate, as well as the posterior wall with swelling	Redness and looseness are observed throughout the disease
Type of mucous membranes	There is no raid. It can form during exacerbation of chronic diseases.	Sometimes there is a plaque
Inflammation of the lymph nodes	No inflammation observed	Sometimes they become inflamed
Changes in eye condition	Redness is common	If a bacterial infection occurs, redness may occur.
Presence or absence of cough	A dry cough occurs on the second day. With swine flu, it appears immediately	Dry and hacking cough. Worries from the very beginning, sometimes mild, sometimes strong
Work of the gastrointestinal tract	In children, the condition is more severe: nausea, vomiting, and often diarrhea. Adults also experience nausea and, less commonly, diarrhea.	Nausea or vomiting is rare
Duration diseases	Lasts from 14 days or more. Weakness and headaches may occur.	All symptoms last for about a week. After treatment, the patient feels well, asthenic syndrome does not bother him

If a child gets sick

From the table we can conclude what are the main differences between influenza and ARVI. However, this is general information; in each case, the analysis of the situation must be approached individually.

In children, the disease is often more severe. A complicated form of influenza develops due to the addition of a bacterial infection to the virus. Based on the set of symptoms in each patient, it is important to choose the right treatment.

How to distinguish influenza from ARVI in a child? A child definitely has the flu if:

with all the measures taken, no improvement is observed;
There is no way to bring down the high temperature; it lasts for several days;
improvement of the condition is again followed by deterioration;
pallor, thirst and shortness of breath, symptoms of intoxication, various types of pain, and convulsions are observed.

To avoid serious complications, parents should not fight the disease on their own; the influenza virus is dangerous for all organs and systems.

Even if there are no threatening symptoms, the child definitely needs a doctor!

Treatment

When treating all types of respiratory diseases, similar methods are applicable. A cold or flu always requires drinking plenty of fluids, using various types of inhalations, drops and sprays to alleviate the condition of the respiratory tract. Antibiotics are prescribed only if there is confidence that it is not a cold or ARVI, but an infection of a bacterial nature.

Antibiotics will not have any effect on the influenza virus. Symptomatic treatment is used along with antiviral drugs and immunomodulators.

If the body temperature is kept within 38 °C, then you should not resort to medications at all. The body itself fights the disease; it only needs to create the appropriate conditions under which it will spend all its strength on fighting the disease. A sharp rise in temperature serves as a signal that a person’s internal strength is not enough and he needs help.

Before taking any medications, seek medical advice

A doctor can more accurately distinguish a cold from an acute respiratory viral infection. Differences between treatment options will depend on the diagnosis.

There are basic treatment principles common to all types of acute respiratory infections:

Drink plenty of warm liquids. The body loses moisture, which threatens dehydration. Compotes and fruit drinks are suitable; decoctions of dried fruits; herbal infusions; fresh juices; ready-made solutions intended for oral rehydration from the pharmacy.
Rinse the nose with warm saline solutions. This will put a barrier to the runny nose and make breathing easier. Gargling with herbal decoctions and soda solution.
Warm clothes.
Frequent ventilation and humidification of the indoor air. It's better if it's cool than hot.
The food is light and liquid. Violence in this matter is unacceptable! Vegetables and fruits should be on the patient’s table every day.
Strict bed rest. The disease suffered “on your feet” is difficult and often causes complications. In addition, the patient is contagious to others and contributes to the spread of infection exponentially.

Prevention

If you know how to distinguish the flu from a cold, then surviving the difficult times of the epidemic is much easier. It is important not to miss the onset of the disease; the first actions after its detection are very important. By paying some attention to prevention, you may not have to fight the disease itself at all.

Basic rules for flu prevention:

Try not to be in crowded places. Avoid visiting cinemas and clinics; instead of taking a trolleybus, walk to your place of work.
After visiting a store, transport, or other public places, be sure to wash your hands and rinse your nose with a weak salt solution. At work or at school, it’s good to have a supply of antibacterial wipes.
Periodically disinfect all personal items. You need to pay special attention to your mobile phone.
Before leaving home, use prophylactic ointments for the nasal cavity. Using a gauze bandage makes sense only if it is fresh each time, otherwise it itself can become a source of infection. In open space it is not needed at all.
Do wet cleaning of the room more often, you can add vinegar or laundry soap to the water. Ventilate the room more often during the day, and always before going to bed.
At the first signs of infection, stay home and begin treatment as soon as possible. Contact your doctor.

For your information:

the influenza virus can survive in the air for up to 9 hours;
remains on the glass surface for up to 10 days;
lives on fabrics for about 9 hours;
on paper – up to 12 hours;
mucous secretions keep it alive for a week to two.

Having this information and knowing the differences between a cold and an acute respiratory viral infection, it is much easier to choose the right methods of prevention and treatment, avoiding complications.