The flu got its name from the French word “grab”, which characterizes its effect well.
This disease is developing rapidly. In the morning, a healthy person at noon begins to complain about his health, and by midnight in some cases, he may no longer have a chance of recovery.
Historical facts
Influenza epidemics periodically cover the entire space of the globe and become a historical fact. For example, from a variety of influenza such as Spanish, more people died in 1918 and 1919 than during the entire period of the First World War.
The causative agent, which is considered to be the cause of influenza, was discovered in 1933 and subsequently received the name of virus A.
The year 1944 was marked by the discovery of virus B, the next - virus C - was discovered in 1949. Over time, it was determined that the viruses that cause influenza A and B are heterogeneous, constantly changing, and as a result of these transformations, the flu of a new modification can appear.
What is flu
It is interesting that they are influenza A or B. This is an acute infectious disease that begins almost immediately. Viruses immediately infect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Because of this, a runny nose appears, the sinuses are inflamed, the larynx is affected, breathing is disturbed and a cough develops.
With blood, the virus moves through the body and, poisoning it, disrupts vital functions:
- fever rises, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting;
- headaches and muscle aches occur;
- and in some cases hallucinations can begin.
The most difficult situations are characterized by intoxication, which leads to damage to small vessels and multiple hemorrhages. The consequences of influenza can be pneumonia and heart muscle disease.
Influenza A and B are varieties of acute respiratory infections. With the disease, a violation of the protective mechanism of a person occurs. Under the action of microbes located in the upper respiratory tract, the cells die on the trachea and bronchi, the pathway for infection to the deeper tissues opens, and the process of cleansing the bronchi is difficult. At the same time, the function of the immune system is suppressed. Because of this short time, it is enough to start pneumonia or to awaken other respiratory viruses.
How is transmitted
A person is susceptible to a disease such as influenza A and B. This means that there is a high probability of getting sick both in the second and third times, especially with a new subspecies. The disease is transmitted as follows:
- during communication with a sick person, through his drops of saliva, mucus, sputum;
- together with food that has not been thermally processed;
- with direct contact with the hands of the patient;
- through the air, through the dust.
A patient, like a ball, is enveloped in a zone consisting of infected particles, its dimensions are from two to three meters. Through any objects that were in his hands (for example, a phone, an armrest of a chair, a door handle), you can catch the flu A.
Everyone should know what this contagious disease is - a person poses a danger to others even during the incubation period, even before he feels unwell. True, on the sixth day from the onset of the disease, he practically does not pose a threat to the health of others.
Influenza A virus
So, type A flu - what is it? This is one of the worst forms of this disease. The immunity that a person who has had type A flu gains is valid for two years. Then it becomes dangerous again.
Interestingly, between human and animal viruses , an exchange of hereditary materials can occur, and upon contact, viral hybrids can occur. As a result, flu can affect not only humans, but also animals.
About once every 35 years, the virus that causes type A flu undergoes significant changes. What is it, it is better not to know. After all, humanity does not have immunity to this serotype, as a result of which the disease covers most of the world's population. It flows in a very severe form. And in this case they are talking not about an epidemic, but about a pandemic.
Symptoms and features of the course
It should be mentioned when talking about type A flu that this is a disease that is characterized by a rapid spread. From two to five days the incubation stage lasts, and the period begins, which is characterized by acute clinical manifestations.
For mild flu, it lasts from three to five days. And after 5-10 days a person recovers. But another 20 days a person may feel tired, weak, experience a headache, be irritable and suffer from insomnia.
We list what causes influenza A symptoms in children:
- temperature rises to 40 ° C;
- chills the child;
- the baby stops playing, whimpers, becomes very weak;
- complains of headache and muscle pain;
- he has a sore throat;
- possible abdominal pain and the appearance of vomiting;
- dry cough begins.
Treatment
Treatment includes recommendations not only for taking medications, but also for adhering to the regimen. Since influenza A and B have the same symptoms and treatment, our tips are suitable for each of them.
During a period of elevated temperature, a person loses a lot of fluid, which must be replenished. The first thing to do during the illness is to drink plenty of tea, drinks, decoctions of herbs. A good effect on the course of the disease has chicken stock. By increasing the rate of mucus secretion, it reduces swelling of the nose.
The use of coffee and alcohol causes dehydration of the body, which has already lost a lot of fluid, so it is better not to drink them during illness.
What is the danger of influenza A
What is flu - almost everyone knows. But the opinion that this is a common disease, which everyone has been ill many times and without consequences, is erroneous. Its main danger is in the consequences that it can cause: pneumonia, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis. It can aggravate chronic diseases, provoke complications of the cardiovascular apparatus, create problems on the part of the muscular system.
By the way, type A flu, in contrast to a disease caused by virus B, is more dangerous. As a result of this disease, intoxication, hemorrhages in important organs, pulmonary complications, cardiac and cardiopulmonary insufficiency can lead to death .
Prevention
In order not to be among the infected, each of us needs to follow preventive measures that can prevent the flu. And what is it? First of all, you must follow the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle, such as proper nutrition and uniform physical activity. Quenching is also important.
Vaccination helps the body build immunity to the most anticipated strain of the virus. The drug is administered 1-3 months before the expected start of the epidemic.
A cotton-gauze dressing reduces the chance of infection through the respiratory tract. The dressing is changed several times a day to avoid infection from the dressing itself.
Here are some other prevention tips:
- Taking vitamin preparations increases the protective functions of the body.
- Garlic reduces the number of microorganisms in the oral cavity.
- Avoiding visits to crowded places during an epidemic reduces the likelihood of infection.
- During an epidemic, it is advisable to carry out daily wet cleaning.
- Treatment of the nasal cavity with oxolinic ointment helps protect against microbes .
- The use of antiviral agents prevents the disease.
If the patient is in the house
Despite some differences, doctors still combine influenza A and B (symptoms and treatment). First of all, it is recommended to give the body the opportunity to relax. Due to this, you will help the immune system. A necessary requirement is compliance with bed rest. And the most important thing is to call a doctor at home, because it can turn out to be not flu, but what it is - it is impossible to say without a specialist examination.
In order to reduce the possibility of infection of family members, the patient is placed in a separate room or fenced off from the main room. The patient is allocated separate dishes and hygiene items.
Wet cleaning with disinfectants is also necessary, since thanks to it, the concentration of viruses more than doubles. A good healing effect gives ventilation at least 3 times a day.