The incubation period is the time interval between the moment of infection and the first manifestations of the symptoms of the disease. Its duration for each pathology is different. However, the incubation period of one disease may be different. This depends mainly on the number of harmful microbes that have entered the body, their pathogenicity, the site of infection, and also, of course, on the general physical condition of the body. The incubation period may be prolonged due to vaccination, chemotherapy and seroprophylaxis.
In some diseases, this period of time is a rather conventional concept. Such illnesses, for example, include the flu. The incubation period (latent, latent) is very difficult to determine in this case. This is due to the fact that at this time the disease is not manifested by any symptoms. In addition, the length of the period depends on the type of virus. Thus, it is recommended to listen to your own premonitions and apply preventive measures.
In general, the incubation period of influenza is from three to five days. In this case, the state of immunity of the infected body is of great importance. The number of infested microbes is also important.
As a rule, the incubation period does not cause patient discomfort. An infected person for several days absolutely does not feel the harm caused by bacteria at this time. This is mainly due to the fact that they have not yet managed to multiply. This process occurs in the respiratory tract. The disease begins to manifest itself when the number of microbes increases so that the immune system can not cope with them.
In the process of reproduction of the virus, no signs of the disease appear: there is no runny nose, aching joints, sore throat. It should be noted that during the incubation period, a person is not able to infect anyone. This is due to the fact that microbes have not yet spread sufficiently throughout the body.
When the cells captured by the microbe begin to die, the infection comes to the surface. It is during this period that the symptoms of the disease begin to develop. Head, throat, aching joints begin to hurt, runny nose appears. It should be noted that some symptoms are caused directly by the virus, while others, for example, fever, fatigue, are provoked by the person’s own immune system.
In the process of liberation from dead cells, the virus begins to infect a large number of other body cells. In this case, the immune system, detecting a malfunction in the state, begins to take protective measures. This is expressed precisely in a rise in temperature, for example. This period may take several days.
At this time, a person becomes dangerous to others, as it can infect them. In this case, it is recommended to limit the patient’s contact with other people. Also, during a period of illness , a person should have individual items (plate, spoon, cup, towel, etc.).
People around the patient should take preventative measures. It is believed that the greatest danger to them is the infected one day before the onset of the first signs. In other words, as a rule, the most dangerous period is the fourth day after infection.
Be sure to call a doctor at home. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary medications. Running the flu or carrying it on your feet is highly discouraged. This disease can cause serious consequences. Therefore, during the treatment period, rest and bed rest are indicated. In addition, it is recommended to take more fluids.