Have you ever wondered why many people actually don't like winter? After all, this is the most fabulous and festive time of the year. New Year and the long Christmas holidays, when you can relax, be with family or friends.

At this time it’s so fun to spend time in nature, skiing or skating, or you can just play snowballs, fooling around, like in childhood. True, not everyone likes the cold, and not only because they have to warm themselves, but also because there is a high probability of getting sick.

There are two most favorable periods in the year. This is spring, when it is no longer cold, but not yet warm enough and the beginning of winter, or rather late autumn with rain, cloudy weather and chilly winds. However, as doctors say, there is no better medicine than prevention.

Therefore, maybe all ardent lovers of the cold season should prepare for the winter season in advance. We prepare the car for winter and change summer tires to winter ones. Why is our body worse? Therefore, we invite you to talk about how to protect your health in the autumn-winter season, strengthen and prevent possible colds and viral diseases.

Antiviral drugs for colds

Let's start, perhaps, with some medical terms that will help in the future answer the question of what medications to take and how to treat seasonal colds. First, let's figure out what it is cold and how this disease differs from similar symptoms of diseases classified as a broad group ARI (acute respiratory diseases) or ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections) .

In everyday life, a cold is generally called any ailment in which a person feels unwell due to a sore throat, runny nose, headache, as well as elevated body temperature, aching joints and muscles, as well as lethargy. People think they have a cold if they experience the above symptoms.

However, it is unlikely that a person without medical education can make (and for himself) the correct diagnosis. Quite often, people mistakenly believe that they just have a cold, but in fact they are suffering from more serious types of acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections, for example, other similar viruses or bacterial infections.

Education: Graduated from Vitebsk State Medical University with a degree in Surgery. At the university he headed the Council of the Student Scientific Society. Advanced training in 2010 - in the specialty "Oncology" and in 2011 - in the specialty "Mammology, visual forms of oncology".

Experience: Worked in a general medical network for 3 years as a surgeon (Vitebsk Emergency Hospital, Liozno Central District Hospital) and part-time as a district oncologist and traumatologist. Worked as a pharmaceutical representative for a year at the Rubicon company.

Presented 3 rationalization proposals on the topic “Optimization of antibiotic therapy depending on the species composition of microflora”, 2 works took prizes in the republican competition-review of student scientific works (categories 1 and 3).

Comments

Thanks for your wonderful information site!

Everything is said in the article correctly, the most reliable and proven means for the treatment of ARVI are bed rest, warm drinks, and the use of vitamins, but treatment also should not be left to chance. I would also add Meditonsin to the list of these medications; my child and I are prescribed it every time we get sick; it is a good and time-tested German drug. It helps to cope with many unpleasant symptoms of ARVI and prevents the development of complications.

My mucous membranes swell a lot when I have a cold, but I am being treated with Ergoferon, and in addition, it also relieves swelling of the mucous membrane well.

I tried to give Ergoferon to my child at the age of 4 when he was sick and it helped quickly, I advise.

Everyone knows that in the autumn and winter the risks of contracting an acute respiratory viral infection, or ARVI, increase significantly. The problem is especially pressing for children. This is due to an underdeveloped immune system and regular visits to schools, kindergartens, clubs and other places where a large number of people accumulate in closed and poorly ventilated areas. One of the treatment points for ARVI is antiviral drugs. They are prescribed for children in order to shorten recovery time, prevent bacterial complications, as well as in severe cases of the disease.

Common symptoms of ARVI affecting the tissues of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are a sharp rise in temperature, malaise, headache, muscle weakness, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

The human immune system has mechanisms to protect against viruses and in many cases is able to cope with them itself with the help of:

• interferons that prevent pathogens from entering the cell;
• macrophages and lymphocytes that capture and digest viral particles;
• cytotoxic lymphocytes that destroy virus-infected cells;
• antibodies synthesized specifically to combat a specific virus after it is recognized.

Antiviral drugs for children are aimed at inhibiting the vital activity of infectious agents and activating the immune system.

According to WHO recommendations, in general it is not recommended to give them to children with simple ARVI. Treatment should be limited to symptomatic therapy (antipyretics, nasal drops and nasal rinses, remedies for sore throat, etc.), drinking plenty of fluids, bed rest, and cool, moist air. With an uncomplicated course of the disease, improvements in the condition occur already on the 2-3rd day. If this does not happen, the symptoms do not subside on the 4th day, this indicates that the immune system is not coping and needs help.

The decision about the need to prescribe antiviral drugs to a child is made by the doctor based on the clinical picture observed over time and test results. For preventive purposes, they can be recommended for children who get sick very often, have reduced immunity, and concomitant chronic diseases.

Video: How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one

Mechanism of action of antiviral drugs

All antiviral drugs presented on the pharmaceutical market are divided into two groups according to their mechanism:

• acting directly on the virus, inhibiting its reproduction;
• activating the functions of the immune system.

Vaccines are worth mentioning separately. They are weakened strains of viruses that are introduced into the body in minimal concentrations in order to introduce it to the pathogen and stimulate the production of antibodies.

Drugs with direct antiviral action

They are called etiotropic. These include:

1. Neuraminidase inhibitors (Oseltamivir, Tamiflu, Flustol, Nomides, Relenza). They inhibit the functions of the enzyme that is part of the protein shell of the virus and prevent the virus from entering healthy cells.
2. M-2 channel inhibitors (Midantan, Remantadine). They prevent the release of viral nucleic acids from the protein shell and integration into the cells of the macroorganism.
3. Inhibitors of the viral protein hemagglutinin (Immustat, Arbivir, Arbidol). Prevents influenza viruses from entering the cell.

Drugs with immunostimulating activity

Antiviral agents that have immunostimulating activity and enhance the nonspecific immune response include:

• recombinant human interferons (Viferon, Lokferon, Laferobion, Grippferon);
• inducers of endogenous interferon (Cycloferon, Lavomax, Amiksin, Kagocel).

The use of these antiviral drugs is effective only in the first few days after the onset of symptoms of the disease in children, while the body has not yet begun to produce antibodies to the virus.

Choosing products for children

Antiviral drugs for children available in pharmacies differ in their mechanism of action, price, dosage form and age restrictions. Many medications in this group have contraindications and can cause severe side effects. The main selection criteria are the age of the child and the characteristics of the course of ARVI.

Antiviral medications for infants

The choice of medications for newborns and children of the first year of life is especially difficult. It is important that they have a form of administration suitable for this age and be as safe as possible. In this regard, homeopathy and drugs containing interferons are most often used. For up to 1 year, the following antiviral agents are allowed for influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and other viral infections:

• Aflubin;
• Anaferon for children;
• Viferon;
• Oscillococcinum;
• Grippferon;
• Nazoferon;
• Anaferon;
• Immunoflazid;
• Leukocyte interferon;
• Laferobion;
• Viburcol.

Anaferon for children

Anaferon for children is an antiviral homeopathic drug, suitable for children from 1 month to 1.5 years, available in the form of sublingual tablets. The active substance is affinity purified antibodies to human interferon γ. Effective against parainfluenza viruses, herpes simplex, enteroviruses, rotavirus, adenoviruses, tick-borne encephalitis virus and others. Reduces the number of viral units in affected tissues, induces interferon synthesis, stimulates cellular and humoral immunity, and exhibits antimutagenic properties.

Aflubin

Aflubin is a homeopathic remedy in the form of oral drops. Contains gentian, bryonia dioica, aconite, iron phosphate and lactic acid. Has a complex effect on the body:

• reduces inflammatory processes;
• reduces temperature;
• increases the activity of the immune system;
• relieves pain;
• normalizes the protective functions of affected mucous membranes;
• reduces intoxication.

For children under 1 year of age, it is used pure or diluted in a small amount of water or breast milk.

Viburkol

Viburkol – antiviral homeopathic rectal suppositories. Their active ingredients are belladonna, pulsatilla, plantago, dulcamara, chamomilla, calcium carbonicum. Used to treat children from birth. They have analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic effects. Prescribed for acute respiratory viral infections, fever, teething, nervous overexcitation, convulsive syndrome, diseases of the ENT organs, and the genitourinary system.

Viferon

Viferon is an antiviral drug based on human recombinant interferon alpha-2, vitamins C and E. It is available in the form of ointments and rectal suppositories with various dosages of interferon. It is used for the complex treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases in babies up to one year old, including newborns and premature babies.

It has an indirect antiviral effect, causing changes in virus-affected cells that prevent the proliferation of the infectious agent, and promotes the rapid neutralization of viral particles. The vitamins present in the composition have antioxidant properties, stabilize cell membranes, reducing their permeability and destruction under the influence of viruses.

Immunoflazid

Immunoflazide is produced in the form of a sweet solution with a yellow-green color. Contains flavonoid-rich extracts of turf pike and ground reed grass. The antiviral effect is realized through inhibition of viral enzymes. Immunoflazid enhances the synthesis of endogenous interferon in response to a viral infection, normalizes local immunity of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, exhibits antioxidant properties, reduces intoxication, and accelerates the body's recovery after illness.

For children from 1 year to 2 years

To combat a viral infection, children from 1 to 2 years old can be given all the drugs for infants listed above, as well as additional antiviral agents based on Echinacea purpurea, plant extracts, thymogen, oseltamivir and rimantadine.

Immunal

Immunal for children is used in the form of a clear or cloudy brown solution. This is a herbal immunostimulating drug, the active component of which is Echinacea purpurea juice. It is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of uncomplicated forms of ARVI. Immunal stimulates a nonspecific immune response, increases the phagocytic activity of macrophages and natural killer cells. Effective against influenza and herpes viruses.

Orvirem

The product is available in syrup form and has a narrow spectrum of antiviral action. Active only against influenza virus type A. The mechanism of action is to stop the transmission of genetic material of the virus. Orvirem is indicated for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections during seasonal epidemics. The active ingredient is remantadine in combination with sodium alginate. The use of sodium alginate reduces the risk of toxic effects of rimantadine and provides detoxification and sorption properties.

Tsitovir-3

For the treatment of influenza and ARVI, the antiviral drug Cytovir-3 is prescribed to children in the form of syrup. The active components are sodium thymogen, bendazole and ascorbic acid, which complement and enhance each other’s effects. Thymogen affects the T-cell component of immunity, bendazole has an immunostimulating effect. Ascorbic acid activates humoral immunity, reduces the severity of the inflammatory process, and exhibits vascular strengthening and antioxidant effects.

Tamiflu

The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of influenza types A and B. According to the mechanism of action, the drug is a neuraminidase inhibitor, inhibits replication and reduces the pathogenic effect of the virus on the body. Tamiflu gives the best results when taken within the first 40 hours after the onset of symptoms; it helps prevent the development of complications and shorten recovery time.

For children from 3 years old

Antiviral drugs for children 3 years old include all of the above drugs and drugs based on inosine, umifenovir, gossypol and others.

Arbidol

Arbidol for children is available in powder form for the preparation of a suspension. The resulting mixture has a sweet taste and a pleasant smell. The drug can be used to treat acute respiratory viral infections and intestinal infections caused by rotavirus. The active substance, umifenovir, interacts with proteins on the surface of the viral shell and prevents its fusion with the cell membrane. Arbidol also has interferon-inducing activity and stimulates the functions of T cells. Taking it reduces the duration and severity of the disease and reduces the risk of bacterial complications in patients with chronic pathologies.

Groprinosin

Groprinosin is an effective antiviral agent with immunomodulatory activity in tablet form. To make it easier for small children to take, the tablet is dissolved in a small amount of water immediately before taking. Groprinosin contains a complex compound of inosine (inosine pranobex). It is used for ARVI, influenza, herpes, measles, lichen, mononucleosis, cytomegaly and other viral infections. The drug restores cellular immunity disorders and increases interferon production.

Kagocel

Kagocel is a tablet whose active component is a copolymer of gossypol with carboxymethylcellulose. The drug increases the production of interferons of all types (α, β, γ), which provides it with high antiviral activity. Kagocel is a non-toxic medicine and has no mutagenic or carcinogenic properties. For the most effective therapy, it is necessary to start taking it no later than the 4th day from the appearance of signs of a viral infection in the child.

Influcid

Influcid – complex homeopathic lozenges. Contains Bryonia dioica, aconite, phosphorus, evergreen gelsemium, pierced-leaved sapling, and ipecac. The drug promotes rapid cessation of the characteristic symptoms of ARVI, increases resistance, accelerates recovery, and reduces exhaustion that develops as a result of the infection. Can be used for preventive purposes immediately after contact with carriers of the infection.

For children from 7 years old

The list of drugs that can be prescribed to children over 7 years old is quite extensive. In most cases, from this age all drugs for adults are allowed, only in smaller dosages.

Amiksin

Amiksin is produced in the form of orange tablets, the active ingredient is tilorone. According to the mechanism of action, it is an interferon inducer, enhances the formation of antibodies, reduces the degree of immunosuppression, and restores the ratio of T cells. The drug helps against a wide range of viruses. Antiviral activity is achieved by inhibiting viral proteins in infected cells and inhibiting the reproduction of viral particles.

Ingavirin

Ingavirin is produced in the form of capsules in various dosages. The active substance is vitaglutam. At a dosage of 60 mg it is approved for use in pediatric practice. Has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Effective against influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviral and respiratory syncytial infections. Ingavirin suppresses viral reproduction and delays the transition of viral copies from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, increases the concentration of interferon in the blood. The drug reduces the duration of fever, intoxication, and reduces inflammation of the mucous membranes. It is characterized by low toxicity and a high safety profile.

Cycloferon

Cycloferon is an interferon inducer based on acridoneacetic acid. Available in the form of tablets, ointment and solution for injection. The drug has a wide spectrum of biological activity, has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, and antitumor effects. While taking Cycloferon, there is a rapid decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms of herpes, influenza, hepatitis, enterovirus, papillomatous and cytomegalovirus infections.

Precautions

Antiviral drugs for children are serious medications, and their self-prescription is unacceptable. Due to the lack of knowledge and experience, parents are not able to determine for themselves whether the child needs them or not and which ones.

Particular caution should be exercised in relation to drugs that have a stimulating effect on the functioning of the immune system. For example, if you have autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis), then such treatment will lead to their progression. In addition, even in an absolutely healthy child, the use of interferons and their inducers can cause disruptions in the functioning of the immune system in the future.

Video: Doctor Komarovsky E. O. on the use of antiviral drugs for the treatment of children

The right antiviral drug will help shorten the duration of the disease by several days. You need to buy safe medications for children - there is a whole list of necessary products on sale.

Antiviral drugs - types, principles of therapy

Not a single known antiviral agent for children or adults can completely kill the virus - the body copes with this task on its own. Therefore, with good immunity in children from 7 years of age, the main symptoms of the disease begin to subside within 3-5 days, and after that the child recovers. But in a huge number of children, the immune system fails, and flu, colds and acute respiratory viral infections end in complications:

Taking tablets or syrups with an antiviral effect will reduce the rate of infection propagation. This will lead to a reduction in symptoms, a faster recovery, and prevent complications.

The most important rule of treatment is to start taking antiviral tablets in the first 2 days.

The drugs will also help as a prophylactic agent - they can be taken during the epidemic season or when in contact with a sick person. The main types of antiviral drugs are:

Only a doctor can prescribe medications of this type to children, who will determine the type of disease and select the appropriate pharmaceutical. For infants under 1 year of age, the list is very limited - most often, interferon preparations in suppositories are prescribed at 1-12 months. Homeopathic pills are also suitable for babies. From one to 2-3 years of age, modern medicines based on direct antiviral substances (rimantadine, oseltamivir) can be used against influenza; Cytovir-3 and Isoprinosine are used for ARVI. Children aged 4-5 years and older are advised to take stronger tablets - Arbidol, Cycloferon and many others.

Medicines based on ready-made antibodies and homeopathy

One of the most popular drugs prescribed by pediatricians is Ergoferon. This antiviral drug for children is inexpensive and effective - the price per course is about 350 rubles, and is used against many viral infections. It contains ready-made antibodies to human interferon gamma, histamine and others, so it begins to work immediately after entering the body. His actions are as follows:

Ergoferon is a broad-spectrum medicine; it works against influenza A and B, parainfluenza, coronavirus, adenovirus, various types of herpes viruses, rotavirus, enterovirus and many others. Ergoferon is given to children from 6 months, dissolved in water; from 1.5 years old they are asked to dissolve tablets. The course of treatment is usually 5-7 days. A more inexpensive analogue is Anaferon (250 rubles), but it includes only antibodies to interferon gamma. Anaferon is available in tablets and nasal drops.

Homeopathy can also be used for viruses. Aflubin (spray, drops, tablets) contains extracts of gentian, aconite, bryonia, removes viruses, improves immunity. The medicine Engistol (tablets) is indicated for any type of viral infection as an auxiliary treatment.

Interferon preparations

Interferon is a protein that is produced in the body during a viral attack. Interferon-alpha changes the structure of viral cells, interfering with their reproduction, and activates the immune response. The drug Viferon in suppositories is prescribed even to newborns; it is the only approved antiviral for children of this age.

Children from birth to 7 years old are given 1 suppository twice a day for 5 days.

Viferon acts on all RNA and DNA-containing viruses, so it will be effective against influenza, ARVI, intrauterine infections in the fetus, and intestinal infections. Even with sore throat and pneumonia, suppositories are prescribed to strengthen the immune system, even though these diseases are not caused by viruses. Genferon-light has a similar composition and effect; it is also given in 2 suppositories per day.

Leukocyte Interferon in powders is less convenient to use. It is packaged in ampoules that must be diluted in water. Afterwards, the solution is administered into the nose, 5 drops twice a day. The solution can also be used for inhalation in children over one year of age.

Local antiviral pharmaceuticals

Almost all products for topical application (ointments, nasal drops) are based on the same alpha-interferon, which is part of the described drugs. It should be borne in mind that such medications are more likely to have an auxiliary effect or are used to prevent infection. They are most often used to protect against viruses during the season of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in schoolchildren and children attending kindergarten.

Viferon ointment is popular. In addition to alpha interferon, it contains peach oil and vitamin E, which enhances antiviral protection, relieves inflammation and softens the mucous membrane. The features of the drug are as follows:

An analogue is Grippferon drops and spray - depending on age, it is administered into the nose 1-3 drops (doses) up to 6 times a day. The medicine serves as a good antiviral agent for mild ARVI, but for influenza it is worth choosing a stronger one with proven anti-influenza activity.

Among the local medicines, Derinat is also worth noting. These drops are quite cheap (220 rubles), and contain sodium deoxyribonucleate. They increase general and local immunity, activate phagocytes, and accelerate metabolism. You should start using Derinat from the first day of illness; it is indicated for children from the first day of life.

Tamiflu and other flu medications

New developments have made it possible to create very strong drugs for influenza, which are indicated specifically for this severe viral disease. One of the best is Tamiflu, it is indicated for children from one year old. In some cases, reduced dosages are prescribed even to babies 8-9 months old, but only in a hospital.

Tamiflu has a number of structural analogues - Oseltamivir, Nomides.

After entering the body, the active substance oseltamivir inhibits the influenza virus enzyme neuraminidase, as a result, the process of spreading the virus is disrupted. Tamiflu and analogues do not act on ARVI viruses, which do not contain such an enzyme, so you should not take it with any increase in temperature. Side effects include vomiting and nausea in some children, and abdominal pain is less common. Usually all symptoms go away on their own.

The medicine Relenza, based on zanamivir, is used in children from 5 years of age and acts similarly to Tamiflu. It is available in a convenient aerosol form - for treatment, 2 injections twice a day for a course of 5 days are enough. Among the drugs of previous generations, the following have not lost popularity:

Both medications contain rimantadine, but the first in tablet form is allowed from 7 years of age, and the second in the form of syrup - from 1 year. Rimantadine acts primarily on the influenza virus, but also helps fight the herpes virus, and in complex therapy - against tick-borne encephalitis.

Immunomodulators and interferon inducers

This group of drugs is the most extensive; it includes a large number of drugs that increase immune defense and speed up the production of interferons. When you start taking it on the first day, the course of the disease is reduced by 1.5-2 days from the usual 5-7. List of the best drugs:

The drugs Isoprinosine and Amizon, which are allowed for children from 3 years of age, also help well against ARVI.

What other antiviral drugs are there?

From 2 years of age, Arbidol is often prescribed for acute respiratory viral infections. It is effective, directly affects viruses, inhibiting their reproduction. The drug is safe, non-toxic, and has minimal side effects. It is allowed to combine it with taking interferon inducers, for example, Cycloferon, which will only strengthen the immune defense.

In addition to those listed, pediatricians may prescribe other medications:

A course of treatment with Ingavirin will cost 450 rubles, and with Giporamine - 220 rubles.

Antiviral drugs for herpes

Herpes in children is no less common infection than ARVI. Once infected, the baby experiences exacerbations during any decrease in immunity, and manifestations of herpes “come out” on the lips and nose.

Treatment of herpes with local antiviral ointments and gels is usually sufficient.

Most often, inexpensive Acyclovir is used in the form of an ointment; it is applied to the affected area three times a day for 3-5 days. Afterwards, the skin area can be lubricated with interferon-based ointments. To prevent relapse, children are prescribed Acyclovir, Famvir, Alpizarin tablets, and in parallel, they must take interferon inducers or put Viferon suppositories, and give vitamin complexes. This will avoid recurrence of the disease and strengthen children's immunity.

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Children's immunity is several times weaker than an adult's, and therefore is most susceptible to diseases of various types. In turn, many parents want to find the most effective antiviral agent for their child. Antiviral medicine is a drug that affects a viral infection, destroys and prevents its reproduction. The tasks of antiviral drugs include activating the body’s production of protective antibody proteins – interferons. Safe antiviral drugs for children 2 years old can be used as effective preventive measures against influenza or in the treatment of acute viral infections.

Antiviral drugs are used to treat a variety of viral diseases. The peculiarity of the choice is the following: they must be absolutely safe for the child’s health and effective in fighting viruses.

Despite the lengthy list for children, parents should be aware of which medications are safe and for which age group they are suitable. It is important to take into account the fact that children are especially sensitive to medications, so you should not prescribe any medication to a child yourself.

Add to list antiviral drugs for children under 3 years of age include the following:

• Groprinosin. This drug is used for infections in children with weakened immune systems. The product blocks the reproduction of the virus, reduces its attack on the body and increases resistance to infections.
• Vitaferon. The immunomodulatory agent has a broad spectrum of action without side effects. The product contains substances that stimulate the child’s immunity. The drug overcomes diseases that are accompanied by high fever, nasal congestion and cough.
• Kagocel. Very effective if started within the first week of illness. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of influenza viruses and acute respiratory infections.
• Oscillococcinum. A homeopathic remedy that is used for mild versions of the influenza and cold viruses.
• Remantadine. A drug with a strong antiviral effect. Rematadine is suitable for both therapy and preventive measures.
• Tamiflu. The antiviral agent actively suppresses influenza viruses, reduces the manifestation of symptoms of influenza, but is not effective for children with acute viral infections.

Listed medications for children 2 years old actively fight viral infection, without having a harmful effect on the child’s health and immune system.

Main categories of antivirus products

The action of antiviral agents is aimed at destroying viruses and preventing their spread throughout the cells of the body. This is a large group of medicines, among which several categories can be distinguished:

All of the above groups of drugs have a common feature - the earlier you start taking the drugs, the better the result will be. In the event of the onset of allergic reactions, the pediatrician prescribes an alternative preparation from a different category.

List of antiviral drugs for children (list for prevention)

These drugs are for children from 2 years of age serve not only for the treatment of diseases caused by infections, but also as preventive measures. The set of preventive measures includes: increasing the body's immunity, restoring the functioning of the immune system with the help of vitamin complexes and drugs aimed at stimulating the defenses.

The following are used as a preventative measure: antiviral drugs for children under 3 years of age:

• Remantadine– one of the effective means that suppresses the disease in the initial stages and prevents viral infection from entering cells.
• Arbidol– an effective medicine that weakens influenza viruses (groups A and B), copes with ailments and is suitable for use for preventive purposes.
• Anaferon, Agri, Oscillococcinum, Aflubin- These are homeopathic remedies with a complex spectrum of effects that help strengthen the immune system.
• Grippferon- the most reliable and safe synthetic interferon, which is instilled into the nasal passages for prophylaxis for the time when the child is surrounded by sick people.

Conducting moderate preventive courses using children's drugs will significantly reduce the possible risk of contracting a viral infection.

It is strictly forbidden to use medications excessively without a prescription from the attending physician, as the child may experience unpleasant allergic reactions, addiction to the medicine, or other side effects. Also, regular use of antiviral drugs is very dangerous for the formation of a child’s immune system. The best option is adequate parental action and proper child care: plenty of drinking, clean, moist air in the room and balanced nutrition.

For the health of the baby, parents should try to prevent the occurrence of any ARVI or colds. If it was not possible to avoid such an illness, then parents are faced with a choice of which one is best to use for treatment.

The Russian pharmaceutical market covers a huge number of drugs and preparations, but the question is whether they have proven effectiveness and whether they are really worth taking for viral diseases. Domestic list of antiviral drugs for children contains the following effective remedies:

1. Arbidol,
2. Anaferon,
3. Oscillococcinum,
4. Viferon,
5. Cytovir 3,
6. Kagocel,
7. Theraflu,
8. Antigrippin,
9. Grippferon.

All of the above domestic developments effectively reduce the symptoms of diseases and can successfully resist colds, but do not have antiviral activity at all.

Foreign-made antiviral drugs can easily be classified as new generation drugs. But in turn, foreign doctors believe that acute respiratory viral infections are absolutely untreatable antiviral drugs. For children 2 years old preventive measures and treatment can be carried out using conventional antipyretics and antiseptics, which can relieve symptoms: paracetamol, saline and chlorhexidine.

Today in pharmacies you can find many imported medicines, the instructions for which promise the consumer effective prevention and relief from viral diseases. To foreign list for children include the following medications:

• Laferobion,
• Linkas,
• Ribomunil,
• Isoprinosine,
• Aflubin,
• Sinupret,
• Groprinosin.

What kind of disease a child has: influenza or an acute viral infection can only be determined by a specialist who can assess the baby’s condition and, after laboratory tests, select the correct therapy. It is for these reasons that it is not recommended to give your baby antiviral drugs before the pediatrician diagnoses the disease.

When choosing a drug for the flu or cold, you should follow the advice of your doctor. You should not get too carried away with taking auxiliary medications in the hope of a quick recovery for the child. Consult your doctor regularly, use medications that are safe for the body and will help cure your baby without negatively affecting other systems of the body.

Should I give my child antiviral drugs (to avoid getting sick)

During the cold season, children in every family get sick with viral diseases several times. Parents need to give their baby a good antiviral drug. Should I give my child antiviral drugs to avoid getting sick? and are there any effective drugs among them?

Every year the number of harmful viruses increases, causing diseases of various types. For this reason, parents must have reliable information . This knowledge will help you use effective means during prevention.

If a child has a weak immune system and is prone to viral infections, then this is a reason to think about it. . To avoid getting sick viral infectious diseases, the child needs to be provided with a balanced diet (meat, dairy products, vegetables and fruits). Give your child vitamin complexes prescribed by a doctor. If possible, avoid visiting crowded places with your child, especially during cold periods.

Before giving, you need to consider the following points:

• Drug dosage regimen. It is necessary to follow the instructions, study all the compiled doses and recommendations;
• Doctor's advice. The attending physician must select the medicine;
• If your child has a bacterial infection, treatment with antiviral drugs will not help;
• To avoid infection of a child’s body with viruses, a child can be given an antiviral medicine for preventive purposes, but only after consulting a doctor.

It is necessary to strengthen and maintain the health of the baby from childhood, since no one is immune from viral diseases and illnesses. Responsibility for the medications used in treatment lies entirely with the parents. So before you think is it worth giving? You should definitely consult your pediatrician.

According to global practice, children attending kindergartens can suffer from viral diseases from 6 to 12 times a year. Most parents think that it is impossible to cure colds and infectious diseases without medications and pills, but in reality, the child’s body is able to cope with the disease on its own.

Talking about drugs Komarovsky claims that among the large number of drugs there are no most effective ones. In particular, there are no drugs with proven preventive properties. Treating colds with antibiotics, according to Komarovsky, is not the best solution, since these medications do not have antiviral effects. The cold itself is best treated by a pediatrician, but in no case should you use medications without a prescription from a specialist.

As recommendations Komarovsky recommends only 2 antipyretics that can be given to children if they are sick with influenza or ARVI - these are Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. And the use of aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid, according to a famous pediatrician, can significantly harm the baby’s liver.

It has long been established that treating colds using the Komarovsky method is the most effective way than using antiviral drugs. Komarovsky calls on all parents to protect their children from infections, ARVI and influenza not with medications, but with completely different actions that will help get rid of viral infections with minimal loss to the child’s body. Therefore, treatment of ARVI and influenza is not about swallowing pills, but about creating certain conditions so that the child’s body can easily cope with the virus:

• Give the child plenty of liquid (fruit drinks, tea, compotes, decoctions of dried apricots or raisins);
• Wet cleaning and regular ventilation of the room;
• It is advisable to observe strict bed rest in case of a severe stage of the disease;
• If it is possible to vaccinate your child, get vaccinated with vaccines that will protect against all current variants of the influenza virus;

Treat mucous membranes with saline solution.

Of course, it’s up to you to decide whether you need antiviral drug for children or not, every parent has the right. From the point of view of Evgeniy Komarovsky, under proper conditions and proper care, the child’s body can cope with the virus on its own. But if medications are necessary, then the choice of drug should be based on the advice of a pediatrician.

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