Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI)- a group of acute infectious diseases caused by RNA- and DNA-containing viruses and characterized by damage to various parts of the respiratory tract, intoxication, frequent addition of bacterial complications.

SARS is the most common disease, including in children. Even in non-epidemic years, the recorded incidence of SARS is many times higher than the incidence of all major infectious diseases. During pandemics, more than 30% of the world's population is involved in the epidemic process in 9-10 months, more than half of them are children. The incidence among children of different age groups may differ depending on the properties of the virus that caused the epidemic. However, in most cases, the highest incidence rate is observed in children from 3 to 14 years. SARS often occur with complications (the addition of inflammatory processes in the bronchi, lungs, paranasal sinuses, etc.) and cause exacerbations of chronic diseases. Transferred SARS usually do not leave behind a long-term stable immunity. In addition, the lack of cross-immunity, as well as a large number of serotypes of ARVI pathogens, contribute to the development of the disease in the same child several times a year. Repeated SARS lead to a decrease in the overall resistance of the body, the development of transient immunodeficiency states, a delay in physical and psychomotor development, cause allergization, prevent preventive vaccinations, etc. The economic losses caused by ARVI are also very significant, both direct (treatment and rehabilitation of a sick child) and indirect (associated with the disability of parents). All the circumstances listed above explain the priority of this problem for the health care of any country.

Etiology

The causative agents of ARVI can be influenza viruses (types A, B, C), parainfluenza (4 types), adenovirus (more than 40 serotypes), RSV (2 serovars), rheo- and rhinoviruses (113 serovars). Most pathogens are RNA viruses, with the exception of adenovirus, the virion of which includes DNA. Reo- and adenoviruses are able to persist in the environment for a long time, the rest quickly die when dried, under the action of UV radiation, conventional disinfectants.

In addition to the ARVI pathogens listed above, some of the diseases in this group may be caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie and ECHO.

Epidemiology

Children of any age get sick. The source of infection is a sick person. Ways of transmission of infection - airborne and contact-household (less often). The natural susceptibility of children to SARS is high. Patients are most contagious during the 1st week of illness. ARVI is characterized by seasonality - the peak incidence occurs in the cold season. After the transferred disease, type-specific immunity is formed. SARS are ubiquitous. Large epidemics of influenza occur on average once every 3 years, they are usually caused by new strains of the virus, but it is possible to recirculate strains similar in antigenic composition after several years of their absence. With ARVI of a different etiology, sporadic cases and small outbreaks in children's groups are mainly recorded, there are practically no epidemics.

SARS pathogenesis

The entry gates of infection are most often the upper respiratory tract, less often the conjunctiva of the eyes and the digestive tract. All ARVI pathogens are epitheliotropic. Viruses are adsorbed (fixed) on epithelial cells, penetrate into their cytoplasm, where they undergo enzymatic disintegration. Subsequent reproduction of the pathogen leads to dystrophic changes in cells and an inflammatory reaction of the mucous membrane at the site of the entrance gate. Each disease from the ARVI group has distinctive features in accordance with the tropism of certain viruses to certain parts of the respiratory system. Influenza viruses, RSV and adenoviruses can affect the epithelium of both the upper and lower respiratory tract with the development of bronchitis, bronchiolitis and airway obstruction syndrome, with a rhinovirus infection, the epithelium of the nasal cavity is predominantly affected, and with parainfluenza - the larynx. In addition, adenoviruses have a tropism for lymphoid tissue and epithelial cells of the conjunctival mucosa.

Through damaged epithelial barriers, ARVI pathogens enter the bloodstream. The severity and duration of the viremia phase depends on the degree of dystrophic changes in the epithelium, the prevalence of the process, the state of local and humoral immunity, the premorbid background and the age of the child, as well as on the characteristics of the pathogen. Cell decay products that enter the blood along with viruses have toxic and toxic-allergic effects. The toxic effect is mainly directed to the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Due to microcirculation disorders, hemodynamic disorders occur in various organs and systems. In the presence of previous sensitization, the development of allergic and autoallergic reactions is possible.

The defeat of the epithelium of the respiratory tract leads to a violation of its barrier function and contributes to the attachment of the bacterial flora with the development of complications.

Clinical picture

Intoxication and fever are most pronounced with influenza. Parainfluenza occurs with less pronounced intoxication and short-term viremia, but is dangerous, especially for young children, due to the frequent development of false croup. Adenovirus infection is distinguished by a gradually descending lesion of the respiratory tract, the reproduction of the virus not only in the epithelium, but also in the lymphoid tissue, prolonged viremia, the possibility of virus reproduction in enterocytes with the development of diarrhea. Respiratory syncytail virus infects small bronchi and bronchioles, which leads to impaired ventilation of the lungs and contributes to the occurrence of atelectasis and pneumonia.

There is no generally accepted classification of SARS in children. According to the severity of the course, mild, moderate, severe and hypertoxic forms are distinguished (the latter is isolated from influenza). The severity of the disease is determined by the severity of symptoms of intoxication and catarrhal phenomena.

Flu

The duration of the incubation period ranges from several hours to 1-2 days. A feature of the initial period of influenza is the predominance of symptoms of intoxication over catarrhal ones. In typical cases, the disease begins acutely, without a prodromal period, with an increase in body temperature to 39-40 ° C, chills, dizziness, general weakness, and a feeling of weakness. In young children, intoxication is manifested by fever, lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite. Older children complain of headache, photophobia, pain in the eyeballs, abdomen, muscles, joints, feeling of weakness, sore throat, burning behind the sternum, sometimes vomiting and meningeal signs appear. Catarrhal phenomena at the height of the disease are usually moderately expressed and are limited to a dry cough, sneezing, scanty mucous discharge from the nose, moderate hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, and “graininess” of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Sometimes pinpoint hemorrhages are found on the soft palate. Slight flushing of the face and injection of sclera vessels are often observed, less often - nosebleeds. Tachycardia and muffled heart sounds are noted. With severe toxicosis, transient changes in the urinary system (microalbuminuria, microhematuria, decreased diuresis) are observed.

The condition of patients improves from the 3-4th day of illness: body temperature becomes lower, intoxication decreases, catarrhal phenomena can persist and even intensify, they finally disappear after 1.5-2 weeks. A characteristic feature of influenza is prolonged asthenia during convalescence, manifested by weakness, fatigue, sweating and other symptoms that persist for several days, sometimes weeks.

In severe cases, it is possible to develop hemorrhagic bronchitis and pneumonia that occur within a few hours. Sometimes within 2 days from the onset of the disease, a progressive increase in dyspnea and cyanosis, hemoptysis, and the development of pulmonary edema are observed. This is how fulminant viral or mixed viral-bacterial pneumonia manifests itself, often ending in death.

Indicators of the general blood test: from the 2-3rd day of illness - leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphocytosis with normal ESR.

parainfluenza

The duration of the incubation period is 2-7 days, on average 2-4 days. The disease begins acutely with a moderate increase in body temperature, catarrhal phenomena and minor intoxication. In the next 3-4 days, all symptoms increase. Body temperature usually does not exceed 38-38.5 ° C, rarely remaining at this level for more than 1 week.

Catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract is a constant symptom of parainfluenza from the first days of illness. They note a dry, rough "barking" cough, hoarseness and a change in the timbre of the voice, soreness and pain behind the sternum, sore throat, runny nose. Discharge from the nose are serous-mucous. When examining a patient, hyperemia and swelling of the tonsils, palatine arches, graininess of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall are revealed. Often the first manifestation of parainfluenza in children aged 2-5 years is croup syndrome. Suddenly, more often at night, there is a rough "barking" cough, hoarseness, noisy breathing, i.e. developing stenosis of the larynx. Sometimes these symptoms appear on the 2-3rd day of illness. In young children with parainfluenza, not only the upper, but also the lower respiratory tract can be affected; in this case, a picture of obstructive bronchitis develops. With an uncomplicated course of parainfluenza, the duration of the disease is 7-10 days.

ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) is a respiratory disease caused by a viral infection entering the body. The route of transmission of viruses is airborne. People with a weakened immune system are most prone to contracting an acute infection during the cold season, this happens especially often.

To provide the patient with quality care, the doctor prescribes drugs with a complex spectrum of action. Next, we will consider what kind of disease it is, what are the causes and symptoms in adults, and how to treat SARS for a quick recovery of the body.

What is SARS?

SARS are airborne infections caused by viral pathogens that mainly affect the respiratory system. Outbreaks of respiratory viral infections occur all year round, but the epidemic is more common in autumn and winter, especially in the absence of high-quality prevention and quarantine measures to detect cases of infection.

During periods of peak incidence of acute respiratory viral infections, ARVI is diagnosed in 30% of the world's population, respiratory viral infections are many times higher in frequency than other infectious diseases.

The difference between ARVI and ARI at first glance is insignificant. However, there may be a virus (influenza) or a bacterium (streptococcus), the causative agent of ARVI is only a virus.

Causes

SARS are caused by a variety of viruses belonging to different genera and families. They are united by a pronounced affinity for the cells of the epithelium lining the respiratory tract. Acute respiratory viral infections can be caused by different types of viruses:

• flu,
• parainfluenza,
• adenoviruses,
• rhinoviruses,
• 2 serovars RSV,
• reoviruses.

Entering the body through the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract or the conjunctiva of the eyes, viruses, having penetrated the epithelial cells, begin to multiply and destroy them. Inflammation occurs at the sites of introduction of viruses.

Source of infection- a sick person, especially if this person is in the initial stage of the disease: feeling unwell and weak until the moment when a person realizes that he is sick, already isolating the virus, he infects his environment - the work team, fellow travelers in public transport, family.

The main route of infection airborne, with small particles of mucus and saliva released when talking, coughing, sneezing.

For the development of ARVI, the concentration of the virus in the environment is of great importance. So, the smaller the number of viruses that enters the mucous membranes, the lower the percentage of the likelihood of developing the disease. A high saturation of viruses persists in a closed room, especially with a large crowd of people. The lowest concentration of viruses, on the contrary, is noted in the fresh air.

Risk factors

Provoking factors contributing to the development of infection:

• hypothermia;
• stress;
• poor nutrition;
• unfavorable ecological situation;
• chronic infections.

It is best to determine how a doctor can treat SARS. Therefore, in the event of the appearance of the first symptoms, it is necessary to call a local therapist or pediatrician.

Incubation period

The incubation period of SARS in adults can last from 1 to 10 days, but mostly it is 3-5 days.

The disease is highly contagious. Viruses enter the mucous membranes by airborne droplets. You can get sick through the touch of hands, dishes, towels, so communication with the patient should be strictly limited.

In order not to infect other family members, the patient must:

• wear a special gauze bandage;
• use only your personal hygiene items;
• process them systematically.

After an illness, immunity does not develop resistance to SARS, which is due to a large number of different viruses and their strains. Moreover, viruses are subject to mutation. This leads to the fact that an adult can get ARVI up to 4 times a year.

If a patient is diagnosed with a disease, he is prescribed antiviral drugs and bed rest until complete recovery.

The first signs of an acute respiratory viral infection

Usually begins with a slight malaise and sore throat. In some people, at this time, an exacerbation of chronic herpes occurs, accompanied by the appearance of characteristic blisters with liquid in the lips.

The first signs of an acute respiratory viral infection will be:

• pain in the eyes;
• increase in general body temperature;
• a situation in which watery eyes and a runny nose;
• sore throat, dryness, irritation, sneezing;
• an increase in the size of the lymph nodes;
• sleep disorders;
• coughing fits;
• voice changes (if the mucous membranes of the larynx are inflamed).

How contagious is SARS for an adult? Experts have found that a person who catches the virus becomes contagious 24 hours before the very first symptoms of the disease are detected.

Thus, if signs of a respiratory infection appeared 2.5 days after the introduction of the pathogen into the body, then a sick person could infect others starting from 1.5 days after communicating with the previous carrier of the virus.

SARS symptoms in adults

Common features of SARS: a relatively short (about a week) incubation period, acute onset, fever, intoxication and catarrhal symptoms. Symptoms of SARS in adults develop rapidly, and the sooner responses to the invasion of the infection are taken and treatment is started, the easier the immune system will cope with the disease.

The main symptoms of SARS in adults and children:

• Malaise - weakness in the muscles and aching joints, I want to lie down all the time;
• drowsiness - constantly sleepy, no matter how long a person sleeps;
• runny nose - at first not strong, just like a clear liquid from the nose. Most attribute this to a sharp change in temperature (I went from the cold into a warm room, and condensation appeared in my nose);
• chills - discomfort when touching the skin;
• sore throat - it can be expressed as a tickle, and a tingling sensation or even pain in the neck.

Depending on the state of the immune system, the symptoms of SARS may increase or decrease. If the protective functions of the respiratory organs are at a high level, it will be very easy to get rid of the virus and the disease will not cause complications.

In addition, if the usual symptoms of SARS do not go away after 7-10 days, then this will also be a reason to consult a specialist (more often an ENT doctor becomes one).

If the patient has chronic diseases, then this can lead to an exacerbation. During the period of exacerbation, diseases develop: bronchial asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis,. They worsen a person's condition and make it difficult to treat.

Symptoms of SARS requiring emergency medical attention:

• temperature above 40 degrees, almost or not responding to taking antipyretic drugs;
• impaired consciousness (confused consciousness, fainting);
• intense headache with inability to bend the neck, bringing the chin to the chest
  the appearance of a rash on the body (asterisks, hemorrhages);
• chest pain when breathing, difficulty inhaling or exhaling, feeling short of breath, coughing up phlegm (pink is more serious);
• prolonged, more than five days of fever;
• the appearance of secretions from the respiratory tract green, brown, mixed with fresh blood;
• pain behind the sternum, not dependent on breathing, swelling.

Complications

If the necessary measures for its treatment are not taken with ARVI, complications may develop, which are expressed in the development of the following diseases and conditions:

• acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses with the addition of a purulent infection),
• lowering the infection down the respiratory tract with the formation and,
• spread of infection to the auditory tube with the formation,
• accession of a secondary bacterial infection (for example,),
• exacerbation of foci of chronic infection both in the broncho-pulmonary system and in other organs.

Particularly susceptible to this are the so-called "adult" teenagers who cannot sit at home for a minute. It is necessary to have a conversation with them, because complications after SARS can not only spoil life, there have been cases with a fatal outcome.

Diagnostics

Which doctor will help? If you have or suspect the development of ARVI, you should immediately seek advice from such doctors as a general practitioner, an infectious disease specialist.

For the diagnosis of ARVI, the following examination methods are usually used:

• Examination of the patient;
• Immunofluorescence express diagnostics;
• bacteriological research.

If the patient has developed bacterial complications, then he is referred for a consultation with other specialists - a pulmonologist, an otolaryngologist. If pneumonia is suspected, an X-ray of the lungs is performed. If there are pathological changes in the ENT organs, then the patient is prescribed pharyngoscopy, rhinoscopy, otoscopy.

How to treat SARS in adults?

At the first symptoms of the disease, bed rest is necessary. You need to call a doctor to make a diagnosis, determine the severity of the disease. In the mild and moderate form of ARVI, they are treated at home, the severe form is treated in an infectious diseases hospital.

1. Mode.
2. Decrease in toxicity.
3. Impact on the pathogen - the use of antiviral agents for ARVI.
4. Elimination of the main manifestations - runny nose, sore throat, cough.

Drugs for the treatment of SARS

It is necessary to treat SARS with the help of antiviral drugs, because the main cause of the disease is a virus. From the first hours of the onset of symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections, no later than 48 hours later, they begin to take one of the drugs 2 times a day:

• Amiksin;
• rimantadine or amantadine - 0.1 g each;
• oseltamivir (Tamiflu) - 0.075 - 0.15 g;
• zanamivir (Relenza).

You need to take antiviral drugs for 5 days.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This category includes:

• ibuprofen,
• Paracetamol
• Diclofenac.

These drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce temperature, and relieve pain.

Can be taken combination drugs containing paracetamol - for example:

• Fervex,
• Theraflu

Their effectiveness is the same as that of conventional paracetamol, but they are more convenient to use and reduce the intensity of other symptoms of SARS due to the presence of phenylephrine and chlorphenamine in the composition.

Antihistamine medicines needed to reduce signs of inflammation: nasal congestion, swelling of mucous membranes. Reception "", "Fenistila", "Zirtek" is recommended. Unlike first-generation drugs, they do not cause drowsiness.

Against nasal congestion and runny nose with ARVI in adults, vasoconstrictor nasal drops Vibrocil, Nazivin, Otrivin, Sanorin are used.

Are antibiotics needed?

The prognosis for SARS is generally favorable. The worsening of the prognosis occurs when complications occur, a more severe course often develops when the body is weakened, in children of the first year of life, in senile people. Some complications (pulmonary edema, encephalopathy, false croup) can be fatal.

The main indications for taking antibiotics for colds are the following:

• chronic inflammation of the middle ear;
• purulent otitis;
• purulent;
• quinsy;
• abscess;
• phlegmon.

1. An important action is isolation of the patient from society because the infection will then spread. Being in crowded places, the infected will endanger them.
2. It is required to observe a number of rules regarding the room where the patient is located. This includes its wet cleaning, mandatory ventilation (every 1.5 hours), temperature conditions (20-22 °), it is good if the indoor humidity is 60-70%.
3. Need to drink plenty of water, it should only be warm. In fact, this is any drink: tea, decoctions, compote, just warm water, etc.
4. Taking a shock dose of vitamin C. In the early days of SARS, you need to take ascorbic acid up to 1000 milligrams per day.
5. Warming up feet and hands with hot baths. Warming procedure can be carried out if the patient does not have a temperature.
6. Gargling. The throat must be gargled so that the infection does not spread. Gargling helps relieve coughs. Soda-salt solution, decoctions of chamomile, calendula, sage are suitable for gargling.
7. Rinse your nose regularly with saline solutions. The cheapest option is physiological saline, you can also use modern drugs Dolphin or - their effectiveness in comparison with conventional saline is absolutely identical.
8. Inhalations. This procedure is aimed at relieving coughing. From folk remedies, for inhalation, you can use steam from potatoes "in uniform", as well as decoctions of chamomile, calendula, mint and other medicinal herbs. From modern means, a nibulizer can be used for inhalation.

In the acute stage of the disease, a person has a fever, a serious condition, apathy, loss of appetite, pain in the joints, muscles, etc. As soon as the virus begins to “give over”, the temperature balance normalizes - perspiration occurs, the pallor of the skin turns into a blush, the patient wants to eat, is drawn to sweets.

Nutrition

Food during the treatment of ARVI should be light, quickly digestible. It is important to maintain a balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. For a speedy recovery, it is worth limiting the amount of fat consumed. But it is not necessary to give up easily digestible carbohydrates. They will replenish energy reserves.

Depending on the stage of recovery, the nutrition of a patient with ARVI can be built as follows:

• On the first day of illness - baked apples, low-fat yogurt, fermented baked milk.
• On the second or third day - boiled meat or fish, porridge with milk, dairy products.
• On the days of complications of the disease - boiled or stewed vegetables, low-fat sour-milk products.

Folk remedies for SARS

ARVI can be treated with the following folk remedies:

1. Brew in a glass of boiling water for 1 tsp. ginger powder, ground cinnamon, add ground black pepper on the tip of a knife. Insist under the lid for 5 minutes, add 1 tsp. honey. Take a glass every 3-4 hours.
2. Modern healers recommend treating colds with a special mixture of juices. You will need: juice from 2 lemons, 1 crushed garlic clove, 5 mm fresh ginger root, 1 apple with skin, 1 pear with skin, 300 gr. water, 1 tablespoon honey. If the juice is intended for adults, you can add a slice of radish 2 cm thick to it. Drink the resulting mixture 2 times a day until complete recovery.
3. You can do inhalation over a container of hot water. To increase efficiency, a clove of garlic, an extract of needles, fir oil, and eucalyptus are added to the liquid. Also, on the basis of these oils, nasal drops are made.
4. To disinfect the air in the room, it is worth putting a container with onions or garlic in the room. They are rich in useful phytoncides that destroy viruses.
5. Loss of smell is one of the most frustrating symptoms of a cold (especially for an aromatherapist!) Chervil, geranium and basil oils can help. Use them when taking baths and during inhalations.

Prevention

ARVI preventive methods include:

• limiting contact with a sick person;
• use of a protective gauze mask;
• humidification of the air to prevent drying of the mucous membranes;
• quartzization of premises;
• ventilation of premises;
• good food;
• sports;
• the use of vitamins and restorative drugs in the offseason;
• personal hygiene.

You will get the maximum result if you carry out complex treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, take all the drugs prescribed by your doctor and remember about bed rest.

This is all about SARS in adults: what are the main symptoms, treatment features, is it possible to treat at home. Do not be ill!

They probably take first place. After all, these problems bother almost every person several times a year. In this article I want to tell the main thing about SARS.

What it is

At the very beginning, you need to find out how this abbreviation stands for SARS. So, this is an acute respiratory viral infection. With this disease, the epithelium of the respiratory tract is affected by RNA and DNA-containing viruses. It should also be said that the incidence of this disease increases in the cold season. Most often and most easily, the disease affects children aged 3 to 14 years. ARVI has no gender and territorial differences (it affects both men and women equally, regardless of place of residence).

Kinds

SARS is a group of viral diseases. So, under this abbreviation we can mean the following diseases:

1. Flu.
2. Parainfluenza.
3. Adenoviruses.
4. Reoviruses.
5. Respiratory syncytial viruses.
6. Parapertussis.

Incubation period

What you need to know when it comes to SARS? The incubation period is what you need to understand. At the very beginning, you need to understand what this term means. So, the incubation period is the time when the microbe has already entered the human body. But the first symptoms of the disease have not yet appeared.

1. Beginning of the incubation period: the time when the person was in contact with the sick person.
2. The end of the incubation period: when the person has the first symptoms of the disease.

Its duration is different for all diseases. What can be said about SARS? The incubation period for these diseases ranges from a few hours to 14 days on average. The duration of the course of the disease will also be different.

Adenoviruses

If a person has an adenovirus infection (a subspecies of SARS), the incubation period for this particular disease is from 2 to 12 days. Further, the development of the disease is quite rapidly. The first symptomatology: fever, cough, runny nose. This disease is long-term, often undulating (the virus has the ability to form new foci). A person can remain a carrier of adenovirus for quite a long time (it remains in a latent form for a long time in the tonsils).

Respiratory syncytial infection

If we talk specifically about this subspecies of SARS, the incubation period in this case is from two to seven days. Main symptoms: runny nose, pain when swallowing. An increase in temperature is recorded very rarely, and there are no intoxications. In young children, the disease is more severe, ARVI penetrates deeper (bronchiolitis). The disease itself lasts an average of 10-12 days. However, a longer course is also possible, relapses are not uncommon.

Rhinovirus infection

When a person has a rhinovirus infection (ARVI), how many days does the incubation period last in this case? So, it is about 2-3 days. Main symptoms: runny nose, lacrimation. Fever and intoxication are uncharacteristic symptoms. There may also be a dry cough.

The incubation period of SARS in children is the same as in adults. Only the time and nature of the course of the disease can vary. Treatment will also be excellent, because those drugs that adults take are often contraindicated for children.

Characteristics of SARS

Now let's look at another vital topic. Be sure to consider the main signs of SARS, so as not to miss the moment of its onset. How does the disease manifest itself?

1. The disease comes on slowly. The first symptomatology is not expressed sharply. Most often it is a runny nose.
2. The course of the disease has a different time. So, you can deal with the problem within 5-7 days. However, complications and relapses often occur.
3. After ARVI for three weeks, a person runs the risk of easily catching another disease.
4. Mortality is very low, worldwide only 0.2% of patients die from SARS (and only those who have not received timely adequate treatment).

Main symptoms

Having considered the signs of SARS, I also want to talk about the main symptoms that are characteristic of this group of diseases. So what can be observed in a patient when it comes to intoxication:

1. Chills, fever. The temperature can rise even up to 40 °C.
2. Pain: headache, muscle.
3. At the very beginning of the disease and during its course, a person will feel tired, lethargic. The performance is greatly reduced.
4. Often, the patient may have enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and lower jaw.
5. Rash on the skin or mucous membranes (typical for some diseases).

If we are talking about a respiratory syndrome (a feature of SARS), the symptoms in this case may be different, depending on the type of virus and the patient's body. However, there are some typical signs:

1. Nasal congestion, runny nose (whitish thick discharge).
2. Dryness in the throat, perspiration, pain (including during swallowing).
3. Lachrymation, photophobia, pain in the eyes.
4. Cough. May be wet, dry, barking.

Complications

If the patient has a complication of SARS, the symptoms in this case will be alarming:

1. Fever, body temperature may exceed the index of 40 ° C. Antipyretics often do not have the desired effect on the body.
2. The person may lose consciousness, it may become confused.
3. The patient has severe headaches. It is often almost impossible to press the head to the chest.
4. Skin rashes may appear in the form of hemorrhages or asterisks.
5. There may be chest pain, shortness of breath, shortness of breath.
6. Cough with sputum of an unusual color: brown, green, red.
7. Edema.
8. The course of the disease is long, the infection can rage for more than two weeks.

Attention: such symptoms are alarming. In this case, you should immediately seek medical help.

Consequences

What are the consequences after SARS? Most often, these diseases pass without a trace for the body. The exception is complications that can affect a particular organ. Especially dangerous are the consequences of SARS for infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Prevention

Prevention of SARS - that's what also needs to be mentioned. After all, it is much easier to prevent the disease than to cope with it in the future.

1. The first point of prevention is influenza vaccination.
2. You can support the body during the widespread spread of the disease with the help of immunostimulating or antiviral drugs. These can be such medications as Aflubin, Anaferon, Arbidol.
3. It is very important to saturate the body daily with the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals.
4. You also need to properly think over the diet, food should be protein, balanced.
5. Prevention of ARVI is also a rejection of all bad habits, a healthy lifestyle.
6. Good uninterrupted sleep is very important (duration: at least 7 hours a day).
7. During the cold season, you need to wear a protective mask. You should also try to avoid contact with sick people.

Infectious diseases >>>> How to treat respiratory viral diseases

How to treat respiratory viral diseases.

Respiratory viral diseases (ARVI, Influenza, Rhinovirus infection, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Reovirus, respiratory syncytial virus infection) belong to the group of infectious diseases transmitted by airborne droplets.

Viral infections are caused by viruses. They have a very simple composition: nucleic acid, protein, and a few substances such as fats and sugars. Viruses reproduce thanks to the cell into which they are introduced. They seem to change the cell development program, customizing it to fit their needs. In fact, contracting a virus infection is like taking over a ship by pirates and changing its course.

Typically, respiratory viral infections are seasonal, as viruses survive better at moderate low temperatures and high humidity. Although there are a number of respiratory viral infections that can be contracted at any time and under any weather conditions (herpes virus, adenovirus).

Usually seasonal respiratory diseases people are exposed as a result of hypothermia, stress, physical overload, chronic dysbacteriosis and other factors that reduce and weaken the immune system, which cannot properly reflect the attack of viruses.

Before you start viral infection treatment, it is necessary to understand the differential diagnosis of viral infections, that is, to understand how they differ from bacterial infections. Viruses are inherently very different from bacteria. Therefore, the methods of influencing viruses and bacteria are different. If antibacterial drugs (antibiotics, bacteriophages) are suitable for the treatment of a bacterial infection, then antiviral drugs have not been developed for all types of viral infections (there are such drugs for the treatment of herpes, AIDS, viral hepatitis).

How to distinguish a viral infection?

The gradual development of the disease is a distinctive feature of viral infections (as, indeed, of all infectious diseases), that is, there are four stages - four periods of development and course of a viral disease:

The incubation period is the time when the virus enters the body, but has not yet made itself felt, since it did not have time to multiply to a shock amount. For a person, this stage of the disease proceeds imperceptibly, without symptoms. For respiratory viral diseases, it can last from 1 to 5 days. The duration of the incubation period depends on the virulence (degree of toxicity) of the virus, and since there are about 300 varieties of respiratory viruses (they all fit into groups: ARVI viruses, Influenza viruses, Parainfluenza viruses, Reoviruses, Adenoviruses, Rhinoviruses), the incubation periods may differ in duration .

The prodromal period (translated from Greek as “harbinger”) is a stage in the development of the disease, when non-specific (atypical for a particular disease) signs of a violation of the general condition of the body (general weakness or weakness; poor sleep or, conversely, arousal; headache, neuralgic pain) ). According to the symptoms of this period in the development of a viral disease, it can be judged that a person has a disease, but which one is not yet clear.

The peak of the disease is the stage at which the disease "gains strength". During this period, symptoms characteristic of certain diseases appear, which makes it possible to clarify the diagnosis.

The symptoms of a viral illness are:

• Runny nose (sneezing)
• Sore throat
• Edema of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and nasopharynx
• Subfebrile temperature (37 - 37.5 C o)

Minor violations of the general condition of the body (influenza differs from other respiratory diseases in a sharp violation of the general condition and high temperature)

Such an indicator as an increase in temperature indicates that the immune system has already begun to counteract a viral attack, since, as mentioned above, viruses do not like high temperatures. It follows that the temperature below 39.5 C o should not be brought down, since this is one of the body's immune responses to the introduction of a viral infection.

Neuralgic pains of a different nature, caused by neurotropic the action of the virus (for example, toothache (sometimes several adjacent teeth hurt at the same time), headache, pain in the limbs).

Why is it about neurotropic action? Because there are strains of viruses that can move along the nerve trunks of the central nervous system and infect neurons. Such viruses are called neurotropic viruses and they are beyond the reach of leukocytes and macrophages, which act only within the blood vessel system (in other words, they are beyond the reach of the immune system).

• Fever
• Crushing pains in muscles and joints

Recovery is a stage in the course of the disease, when the signs of the disease decrease and gradually disappear. The duration of this period depends on the severity of the course of the disease, the quality of treatment, concomitant diseases and the associated infection. During this period, it is necessary to distinguish between the residual effects of the disease and the complications that arose during the course of the disease and / or due to the associated infection. Often, the addition of a bacterial infection to a viral one complicates the treatment of viral diseases and prolongs the recovery period. For example, a sore throat that occurs at the time of a viral infection can turn into a cough, which in turn is a sign of bronchitis or pneumonia, and these are already complications, and they are treated differently (if necessary, with antibacterial agents).

One of the main evidence signs of a viral infection is a blood test that tells the doctor about the presence of an increased number of leukocytes (monocytes and lymphocytes) in the blood. Lymphocytes and monocytes are an indicator of the immune response to a viral infection. Monocytes will subsequently turn into macrophages. With a viral infection, the number of lymphocytes is greater than monocytes (macrophages). With a bacterial infection, there are more monocytes than lymphocytes. So the immune system selects the tools to influence the appropriate microorganism (virus or bacterium).

What can help the immune system in the fight against a viral infection?

Recognition of the beginning and end of each of the periods of the flow viral disease necessary for the correct distribution of therapeutic actions - the use of drugs.

There are two groups of drugs that can counteract a viral infection:

Immunostimulants - make the immune system produce white blood cells (as if they “shake up” the immune system and stimulate the production of interferon).

Immunocorrectors- they themselves contain human leukocyte or recombinant interferon and add it to the already existing amount of interferon produced by a sick person.

Immunostimulants are better and more effective to use in the prodromal period, and immunocorrectors - at the height of the disease.

When a bacterial infection is attached or suspected, antibacterial agents are taken.

In addition to the above, it is necessary to take into account the development of allergic reactions during the illness. To improve the condition, antiallergic drugs are taken.

Further treatment of the disease is carried out in accordance with the symptoms of the course of the disease, that is, for headaches, they take analgesics, for coughing - drugs corresponding to the nature of the cough (mucolytic and expectorant), for nasal congestion - decongestant drops, at high temperature, requiring lowering - antipyretics.

Drinking plenty of water and vitamins is a necessary addition to all diseases associated with the work of the immune system and the state of intoxication. It is a large amount of liquid drunk in different versions (tea, milk, warm water, juices at room temperature, fruit drinks, infusions) that will allow the body to quickly remove toxic substances produced by the aggressor microorganism.

SARS- various acute infectious diseases resulting from damage to the epithelium of the respiratory tract by RNA- and DNA-containing viruses. Usually accompanied by fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, lacrimation, symptoms of intoxication; may be complicated by tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. Diagnosis of SARS is based on clinical and epidemiological data, confirmed by the results of virological and serological tests. Etiotropic treatment of acute respiratory viral infections includes taking antiviral drugs, symptomatic - the use of antipyretics, expectorants, gargling, instillation of vasoconstrictor drops into the nose, etc.

General information

SARS - airborne infections caused by viral pathogens that affect mainly the respiratory system. SARS are the most common diseases, especially in children. During periods of peak incidence of acute respiratory viral infections, ARVI is diagnosed in 30% of the world's population, respiratory viral infections are many times higher in frequency than other infectious diseases. The highest incidence is typical for children aged 3 to 14 years. An increase in the incidence is noted in the cold season. The prevalence of infection is ubiquitous.

SARS are classified according to the severity of the course: there are mild, moderate and severe forms. The severity of the course is determined based on the severity of catarrhal symptoms, temperature reaction and intoxication.

Causes of SARS

SARS are caused by a variety of viruses belonging to different genera and families. They are united by a pronounced affinity for the cells of the epithelium lining the respiratory tract. SARS can cause various types of influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, RSV 2 serovars, reoviruses. The vast majority (with the exception of adenoviruses) pathogens are RNA-containing viruses. Almost all pathogens (except for reo- and adenoviruses) are unstable in the environment, they quickly die when dried, exposed to ultraviolet light, and disinfectants. Sometimes SARS can cause Coxsackie and ECHO viruses.

The source of ARVI is a sick person. The greatest danger is presented by patients in the first week of clinical manifestations. Viruses are transmitted by the aerosol mechanism in most cases by airborne droplets, in rare cases it is possible to implement a contact-household route of infection. The natural susceptibility of humans to respiratory viruses is high, especially in childhood. Immunity after infection is unstable, short-term and type-specific.

Due to the multiplicity and diversity of types and serovars of the pathogen, multiple incidence of acute respiratory viral infections in one person per season is possible. Approximately every 2-3 years influenza pandemics associated with the emergence of a new strain of the virus are recorded. SARS of non-influenza etiology often provoke outbreaks in children's groups. Pathological changes in the epithelium of the respiratory system affected by viruses contribute to a decrease in its protective properties, which can lead to the occurrence of a bacterial infection and the development of complications.

SARS symptoms

Common features of SARS: a relatively short (about a week) incubation period, acute onset, fever, intoxication and catarrhal symptoms.

adenovirus infection

The incubation period for adenovirus infection can range from two to twelve days. Like any respiratory infection, it begins acutely, with a rise in temperature, runny nose and cough. The fever can last up to 6 days, sometimes it runs into two oxen. Symptoms of intoxication are moderate. For adenoviruses, the severity of catarrhal symptoms is characteristic: abundant rhinorrhea, swelling of the nasal mucosa, pharynx, tonsils (often moderately hyperemic, with a fibrinous coating). The cough is wet, sputum is clear, liquid.

There may be an increase and soreness of the lymph nodes of the head and neck, in rare cases - lienal syndrome. The height of the disease is characterized by clinical symptoms of bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis. A common symptom of adenovirus infection is catarrhal, follicular, or membranous conjunctivitis, initially, usually unilateral, predominantly of the lower eyelid. In a day or two, the conjunctiva of the second eye may become inflamed. In children under two years of age, abdominal symptoms may occur: diarrhea, abdominal pain (mesenteric lymphopathy).

The course is long, often undulating, due to the spread of the virus and the formation of new foci. Sometimes (especially when serovars 1,2 and 5 are affected by adenoviruses), a long-term carriage is formed (adenoviruses are latently stored in the tonsils).

Respiratory syncytial infection

The incubation period, as a rule, takes from 2 to 7 days; adults and children of the older age group are characterized by a mild course of the type of catarrh or acute bronchitis. Runny nose, pain when swallowing (pharyngitis) may be noted. Fever and intoxication are not typical for a respiratory syncytile infection; subfebrile condition may be noted.

The disease in young children (especially infants) is characterized by a more severe course and deep penetration of the virus (bronchiolitis with a tendency to obstruction). The onset of the disease is gradual, the first manifestation is usually rhinitis with scanty viscous secretions, hyperemia of the pharynx and palatine arches, pharyngitis. The temperature either does not rise, or does not exceed subfebrile numbers. Soon there is a dry obsessive cough like that of whooping cough. At the end of the coughing fit, thick, clear or whitish, viscous sputum is noted.

With the progression of the disease, the infection penetrates into smaller bronchi, bronchioles, the respiratory volume decreases, respiratory failure gradually increases. Dyspnea is mainly expiratory (difficulty exhaling), breathing is noisy, there may be short-term episodes of apnea. On examination, increasing cyanosis is noted, auscultation reveals scattered fine and medium bubbling rales. The disease usually lasts about 10-12 days, in severe cases, an increase in duration, recurrence is possible.

Rhinovirus infection

SARS treatment

ARVI is treated at home, patients are sent to the hospital only in cases of severe course or the development of dangerous complications. The complex of therapeutic measures depends on the course, severity of symptoms. Bed rest is recommended for patients with fever up to the normalization of body temperature. It is advisable to follow a complete, protein-rich and vitamin-rich diet, drink plenty of fluids.

Medicines are mainly prescribed depending on the prevalence of one or another symptomatology: antipyretics (paracetamol and complex preparations containing it), expectorants (bromhexine, ambroxol, marshmallow root extract, etc.), antihistamines for desensitization of the body (chloropyramine). Currently, there are a lot of complex preparations that include in their composition the active substances of all these groups, as well as vitamin C, which helps to increase the body's natural defenses.

Locally with rhinitis, vasoconstrictors are prescribed: naphazoline, xylometazoline, etc. With conjunctivitis, ointments with bromnaphthoquinone, fluorenonylglyoxal are applied to the affected eye. Antibiotic therapy is prescribed only if an associated bacterial infection is detected. Etiotropic treatment of SARS can be effective only in the early stages of the disease. It involves the introduction of human interferon, anti-influenza gamma globulin, as well as synthetic drugs: rimantadine, oxolinic ointment, ribavirin.

Of the physiotherapeutic methods of treating ARVI, mustard bath, can massage and inhalation are widespread. Supportive vitamin therapy, herbal immunostimulants, and adaptogens are recommended for people who have had ARVI.

Forecast and prevention of SARS

The prognosis for SARS is generally favorable. The worsening of the prognosis occurs when complications occur, a more severe course often develops when the body is weakened, in children of the first year of life, in senile people. Some complications (pulmonary edema, encephalopathy, false croup) can be fatal.

Specific prophylaxis consists in the use of interferons in the epidemic focus, vaccination with the most common strains of influenza during seasonal pandemics. For personal protection, it is desirable to use gauze bandages covering the nose and mouth when in contact with patients. Individually, it is also recommended to increase the protective properties of the body as a prevention of viral infections (rational nutrition, hardening, vitamin therapy and the use of adaptogens).

Currently, specific prevention of SARS is not sufficiently effective. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to general measures for the prevention of respiratory infectious diseases, especially in children's groups and medical institutions. As general prevention measures, the following are distinguished: measures aimed at monitoring compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards, timely identification and isolation of patients, limiting population crowding during epidemics and quarantine measures in outbreaks.