What antiviral to give the child. Antiviral drugs are inexpensive, but effective, for adults and children. What serious complications can ARVI lead to?

Content

With the onset of cold weather, every parent thinks about how to protect the child from a cold. If children have weak immunity, then hardening and taking special means will help. With an already ongoing illness, it is important to support the body in the fight against the virus and normalize health. This will help antiviral drugs for the child.

Types of antiviral drugs for children

Most viruses enter the human body through the nose and mouth, causing cold and flu symptoms. Taking special funds will help block their distribution. Antivirals for children are divided into groups according to the principle of action:

Group name	Operating principle	Example of drugs
	Anti-influenza and anti-herpetic agents. which chemically affect the replication of a wide range of viruses, contribute to the production of their own interferon	Anaferon, Arbidol
based on interferon		Grippferon, Alfaron
Antiretroviral interferon inducers	Activate the processes that cause cells to produce their own interferon	Kagocel, Lavomax
Neuraminidase inhibitors	Inhibit specific proteins of the neuraminidase virus, prevent the pathogen from progressing	Tamiflu, Relenza
M2 channel blockers	Suppress the activity of the virus	Remantadine, Amantadine
Specific hemagglutinin inhibitors	Suppress the production of hemagglutinin substance, which leads to the death of the pathogen	Umifenovir, Immustat, Arbidol
Homeopathy	Influence viruses by plant extracts and mineral components	Oscillococcinum, Aflubin, Influcid
Herbal preparations	Strengthen the immune system, prevent pathogens from growing and multiplying	Imupret, echinacea extract, Immunorm

Synthetic

Antivirals for children over 3 years of age may contain synthetic substances. They stimulate the production of interferon protein in cells, which is naturally formed on the third day of a cold. The protein itself does not interact with the virus, but activates cells to fight it. Popular antiviral drugs to combat SARS:

	Immunoflazid	Rimantadine (Remantadine)
Release form		Tablets, syrup Orvirem
Active substance	Proteflazid derived from a mixture of herbs, ethanol,halene	Rimantadine hydrochloride - a derivative of amantadine
Operating principle	Suppression of viral DNA and RNA replication	Suppresses the growth of the virus
Contraindications	Ulcer, autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity to components	Acute diseases of the liver, kidneys, thyrotoxicosis
Side effects	Gastrointestinal disorders, itching, skin burning, allergies, urticaria, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea	Insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, nervousness, headache, decreased concentration
Mode of application	Take 20-30 minutes before meals, 0.5-9 ml twice a day, depending on age. The course lasts 2 weeks, with prevention - a month at half the indicated dose, with an epidemic - 6 weeks.	Adults 300 mg per day in 1-3 doses, children 7-10 years old - 50 mg twice a day. for prophylaxis 50 mg once a day in a monthly course
Cost, rubles	250 for 100 ml	170 for 20 tablets 50 mg

Interferons

The best antivirals for children are interferons because they are similar to human proteins. Such products contain artificial substances obtained with the help of bacteria. Interferon attaches to cell walls, preventing the virus from penetrating into them. Popular antivirals:

		Nazoferon
Release form	Rectal suppositories, gel	Nasal drops
Active substance	Interferon human recombinant alpha (antioxidant)
Operating principle	Enhances the activity of natural killer T cells, phagocytosis, inhibits viral replication	Eliminates inflammation, activates the immune system, inhibits virus replication
Contraindications	Hypersensitivity to components
Side effects	Allergy, itching, skin rashes
Mode of application	1 suppository twice a day for a course of 5 days, premature babies - 1 pc. three times a day	Drip 1-2 drops into the nose 3-6 times in a course of 5 days. For prevention, repeat the dose for 6-7 days in a row, with an epidemic - once in the morning for 1-2 days.
Price	970 for 10 pcs. concentration of 3 million IU

Immunostimulants

Antiviral agents for children from 1 year old may contain immunostimulating substances. They do not attack viruses directly, but make the immune system work hard. Means differ in high efficiency and reasonable price. These include:


Release form	Drops for oral administration, tablets	Solution for injection, douching spray, microclyster, dropper, nasal drops
Active substance	Dried juice of freshly harvested Echinacea blossom herb	Sodium deoxyribonucleate
Operating principle	Stimulation of immunity, increasing the body's resistance, increasing white blood cells and inducing their phagocytic activity	Modulates immunity
Contraindications	Tuberculosis, Asteraceae allergy, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, HIV	Hypersensitivity to the components of the composition
Side effects	Skin rash, shortness of breath, decreased pressure, dizziness, bronchospasm, itching, leukopenia.	Pain at injection site, hypoglycemia
Mode of application	Drops are prescribed to patients over 12 years old, 1-2.5 ml three times a day. Tablets can be taken from 6 years old, 1 pc. 1-3 times a day. The course lasts at least 7 days, no longer than 8 weeks.	Intramuscularly administered every 12-24 hours: children under 2 years old - 7.5 mg (0.5 ml); from 2 to 10 years - at the rate of 0.5 ml per one year of life; older than 10 years - 75 mg. The course is 3-5 injections.
Price	380 for 20 tablets	2000 for 5 bottles of 5 ml solution for injection

vegetable

Antiviral drugs for children under 1 year of age often contain herbal ingredients. These include extracts of echinacea, ginseng, arnica, coltsfoot, plantain, marshmallow, eucalyptus, nettle. Known means:

	Bioaron S
Release form		Drops oral, dragee
Active substance	Aloe leaf extract, aronia fruit juice, ascorbic acid	Extracts of marshmallow, chamomile, horsetail, walnut, yarrow, oak, dandelion, sorrel, primrose
Operating principle	Stimulation of the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to viruses, improving appetite	Stimulation of immunity, increased phagocytosis, bactericidal action
Contraindications	Acute inflammation of the digestive system, age under 3 years, fructose intolerance, sucrase-isomaltase deficiency	Allergy to Compositae, period after treatment for alcoholism, liver disease, traumatic brain injury, age up to a year
Side effects	Allergy, diarrhea, nausea	Shortness of breath, fever, purulent sputum, loss of concentration, indigestion
Mode of application	Inside 35 minutes before meals, 5 ml twice a day for a course of 2 weeks.	Inside, 5-25 drops 3-6 times a day
Price	280 for 100 ml	500 for 100 ml

homeopathic

Complex homeopathic remedies cause twofold feelings in doctors. Someone considers them a placebo, while others use them in the treatment of children, because they do not see danger in drugs. The basis of these funds are plant, animal and mineral substances. Antiviral drugs of the group include:

		Viburkol	Oscillococcinum
Release form	Tablets, drops, spray	Candles rectal
Active substance	Gentian, aconite, bryony, iron phosphate, lactic acid	Chamomile, belladonna barabaria, fructose, calcium carbonate	Anas barbarium, hepatic et cordis extractum, sucrose, lactose
Operating principle	Increased activity of local immunity, normalization of mucosal functions	Sedative, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory action	unknown
Contraindications	Hypersensitivity to the components of the composition		Lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption
Side effects		Allergy	Increased salivation, allergies
Mode of application	1-10 drops (1/2-1 tablet) 3-8 times a day, for prevention - twice a day for a course of 3 weeks, emergency prevention consists in taking a dose twice a day for a course of 2 days. Drops are diluted with water or milk, taken half an hour before or one hour after a meal.	1 suppository 3-4 times per hour during exacerbations, after - 1 suppository 2-3 times a day. Children up to six months are given 1 pc. twice a day	Dissolve under the tongue 15 minutes before or one hour after meals, 1 dose per day. For prophylaxis, it is prescribed at a dose once a week. With severe disease, 1 granule in the morning and evening for 1-3 days.
Price	500 for 24 tablets	370 for 12 pcs.	1300 for 30 doses

Forms of release of antiviral drugs for children

You can use different formats of drugs to treat a child. More often these are oral agents - tablets, capsules, syrups, drops, solutions, suspensions. In acute diseases and at a younger age, it is better to use suppositories that act instantly. For eye diseases, drops are used, with the development of acute inflammation - nasal drops. For skin lesions, creams and ointments can be used.

Tablets

Antiviral tablets for a child are intended for oral administration. Most Popular:

	Anaferon
Release Format	Tablets, drops	Capsules, tablets, powder for suspension against chickenpox, SARS, herpes
Active ingredient	Affinity purified antibodies to human interferon gamma
Working mechanism	Immunomodulation, reducing the concentration of viruses in affected tissues	Induction of interferon synthesis, stimulation of immunity, phagocytosis
Contraindications	Hypersensitivity to components, age up to a month	Age under two years, mononucleosis
Side effects	Hypersensitivity	Allergy
Admission rules	Tablet to take between meals. With influenza, the first two hours are taken 1 pc. every half an hour, then on the first day 3 more doses, from the second day - three times a day.	Swallow a capsule of 50-200 mg per day for 10-14 days. In an epidemic, take twice a week for a course of 3 weeks.
	210 for 20 tablets	460 for 20 capsules 100 mg

Candles

The most popular children's antiviral agent in the format of candles is Genferon Light. His instruction:

	Genferon Light
Release Format	Rectal suppositories, drops
Active ingredient	Interferon human recombinant alpha, taurine, anestezin
Working mechanism	Enhances the activity of natural killers, inhibits the replication and transcription of viruses
Contraindications	Exacerbation of allergies, autoimmune diseases
Side effects	Itching, burning, loss of appetite, sweating, joint pain
Admission rules	Vaginally or rectally at a dosage of 125-250 thousand IU, 1 pc. twice a day for 10 days
	350 for 10 pcs.

Suspensions

For oral administration, suspensions can be used. They are quickly absorbed and act. Antiviral drugs of the group:

	Orvirem (Algirem)	Cytovir-3
Release Format		Capsules, powder for solution
Active ingredient	Rimantadine hydrochloride	Sodium alginate, thymogen, bendazol, vitamin C
Working mechanism	Increases the pH of endosomes, prevents prolonged fusion of the viral envelope with the cell	Immunomodulation, antiviral action, can be used as influenza prophylaxis
Contraindications	Age under one year, thyrotoxicosis, epilepsy	Diabetes mellitus, under one year of age
Side effects	Nausea, vomiting, flatulence, headache, asthenia, hyperbilirubinemia	Decreased blood pressure, allergies, urticaria
Admission rules	10-15 ml 1-2 times a day for a course of 10-15 days	Half an hour before meals, 2-12 ml three times a day or 1 capsule three times a day for a course of 4 days
	340 for 100 ml

Nasal drops

With a runny nose that accompanies a cold, nasal drops should be used. Antiviral drugs for a child:

	Grippferon
Release Format	Ointment, drops, spray	Lyophilisate for solution preparation
Active ingredient	Recombinant alpha-2 human interferon	Interferon gamma
Working mechanism	Prevents viruses from entering and multiplying in the cell	Immunomodulation
Contraindications	Component intolerance, severe allergy	Intolerance to components, age up to 7 years
Side effects	Allergy	Headache, weakness, joint pain Oftalmoferon
Release Format	Eye drops
Active ingredient	Interferon human recombinant alpha-2, diphenhydramine, boric acid	Para-aminobenzoic acid
Working mechanism	Regenerative effect, local anesthesia, immunomodulation	Induction of enterogenous interferon synthesis
Contraindications	Component intolerance
Side effects	Itching, burning	Allergy, conjunctival hyperemia
Admission rules	Instillation 1-2 drops 6-8 times a day for acute process, 2-3 times a day - for relief
	290 for 10 ml

Ointments and creams

For external treatment of the skin and mucous membranes when they are affected by viruses, agents in the form of ointments and creams are used. Antiviral drugs of the group:

		Acyclovir
Release Format		Ointment, tablets, cream
Active ingredient		Acyclovir
Working mechanism	Virucidal action against influenza virus	Antiherpetic action, effective against lichen
Contraindications	Hypersensitivity	Intolerance to components, age up to 3 years
Side effects	Rhinorrhea, burning, dermatitis, skin staining	Angioedema, keratopathy, mild burning, blepharitis and conjunctivitis when used on the eyes
Admission rules	For prevention, lubricate the nasal mucosa 2-3 times a day for a course of 25 days, in the treatment of rhinitis - 2-3 times a day for a course of 3-4 days, for eye lesions in ophthalmology - lay at night behind the eyelid	Lubricate the skin and mucous membranes 2-3 times a day until relief of signs
		22 for 10 g of 5% ointment

Video

Attention! The information provided in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment, based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Antiviral drugs for children from 3 years

Inexpensive but effective antivirals for children 3 years and younger

Antiviral drugs are divided into systemic and intended for topical use. Depending on the nature of the disease, the doctor prescribes the most appropriate dosage form. As a rule, rectal suppositories, oral syrups and suspensions are used for the treatment of the smallest. More adults can be given tablets and capsules.

Antiviral tablets for children

The tablet dosage form, like capsules, is the least convenient for the treatment of children. A child aged 1-2 years is not able to swallow the pill whole, so these drugs are prescribed to patients older than 3-4 years. In addition, not all of them can be taken by children: due to potential toxicity, there are age restrictions for some drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to treat a viral infection exclusively in accordance with the pediatrician's prescriptions.

Acyclovir

This drug and its numerous structural analogues are intended for the treatment of infections caused by herpes viruses (types 1 and 2 viruses, the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox). The cost of a pack of 20 tablets can vary widely, depending on the manufacturer. Domestic options are the most budgetary - from 30 rubles.

PS Acyclovir tablets 200 mg 20 pcs.

Indications are herpes, herpes zoster, infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox in children over 2 years of age and adults, but can be used at an earlier age, reducing the standard dosage by half. Aciclovir tablets, in addition to the standard contraindication - hypersensitivity - should not be used by lactating women.

Anaferon Children's

The average cost of 20 tablets is just over 200 rubles, this particular option is intended for children and adolescents. Immunomodulator based on affinity purified antibodies to interferon gamma. The manufacturer (the Russian company Materia Medica) assures that the drug is active against most known viruses, so the list of indications is quite extensive:

and , treatment and prevention;
various inflammations of herpetic origin;
infectious and inflammatory processes in the intestines (Anaferon is one of the most commonly prescribed antiviral drugs for).

Photo of the packaging of Anaferon lozenges for children 20 pcs.

The drug is recommended to be used as one of the means of complex therapy. You can not give children the first month of life. Other contraindications - lactase deficiency, individual intolerance. Of the side effects, allergies are most likely.

Arbidol

Tablets from the domestic pharmaceutical company Pharmstandard-Tomsk cost about 160 rubles. for 10 pieces and contain 50 mg of the active ingredient umifenovir each. The drug is an interferon inducer, helps to activate the immune system and reduce the symptoms of intoxication. They are prescribed as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for influenza, SARS. As part of complex treatment, they can be used for rotavirus, herpetic infections. Antiviral therapy is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age, as well as in persons with hypersensitivity.

Arbidol for children 20 film-coated tablets

Cytovir-3

Combined encapsulated antiviral agent: bendazol + thymogen + ascorbic acid. It is an interferon inducer, it is prescribed in this dosage form from the age of 6 with ARVI, infection with influenza viruses A and B. 12 capsules (full course) cost about 120 rubles. In the list of contraindications, in addition to hypersensitivity, diabetes mellitus, muscle hypertonicity, thrombophlebitis, arterial hypertension.

Photo of packaging Tsitovir 3 in capsules for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections

Cycloferon

Candles antiviral for children

Due to the ease of use, this dosage form (in the absence of age restrictions) can be prescribed from birth. The active substances are absorbed into the blood without irritating the digestive tract and without being destroyed in the acidic gastric environment.

Viferon

The most famous and popular drug in the form of rectal suppositories, prescribed from the first days of life, including for the treatment of premature babies. Domestic drugs manufactured by FERON LLC are used in children under 7 years of age in the form of suppositories of 150,000 IU. Higher dosages (300, 500 thousand, 1 and 3 million IU) are intended for adolescents and adults. The cost of a package of 10 pieces is about 270 rubles.

Viferon rectal suppositories 150000 IU

In the list of indications of Viferon candles based on interferon alfa-2b are:

influenza, SARS, pneumonia;
neonatal infections;
sepsis;
cytomegalovirus infection;
human papilloma virus;
molluscum contagiosum;
Infectious mononucleosis;
enterovirus infection;
rotavirus infection;
viral hepatitis in chronic form;
herpetic infections of mucous membranes and skin.

The only contraindication is individual intolerance; as a side effect, allergic reactions rarely develop.

Genferon Light

Russian-made suppositories (pharmaceutical enterprise "Biocad"), the active components of which are interferon alfa-2b at a dosage of 125 or 250 thousand IU and taurine. Children under seven years old are shown the first version of candles, which cost about 300 rubles. Indications for use - SARS, influenza, urogenital infections. Scheme of administration and duration of treatment: every 12 hours, 1 suppository rectally for 5 days in case of acute inflammatory processes, or 10 days in case of chronic ones. Antiviral suppositories Genferon for children are contraindicated only if its components are intolerant.

Suspensions and syrups

The most convenient dosage forms for the treatment of children, which do not cause difficulties in swallowing and, as a rule, have a pleasant taste. They can be sold ready-made or as powders for dilution.

Anaferon

An analogue of the tablets described above in the form of drops for oral use. In this dosage form, it can be used from the second month of life. The average cost per package is from 280 rubles.

Anaferon drops for oral administration

Orvirem

Antiviral syrup for children older than a year, the active ingredient of which is rimantadine. The auxiliary ingredient sodium alginate provides a gradual release and prolonged action of the active substance. A drug is prescribed as a treatment for influenza and SARS or as a prophylaxis for these infections. A 100 ml bottle with 0.2% syrup produced by Oliven Corporation (RF) costs about 300 rubles.

Cytovir-3

In addition to tablets, this combined remedy is available in the form of ready-made syrup and powders with different flavors, from which the solution is made. The use of children's antiviral drugs in such dosage forms is usually allowed from the age of one. It is prescribed for the same indications as tablets, contraindications and side effects are also similar. The average cost in pharmacies is from 300 rubles.

Cytovir-3 in the form of syrup

Remedies for the common cold

This symptom of respiratory infections is treated with both vasoconstrictor and special topical antiviral drugs. There are both ready-made dosage forms of drops and sprays), and those requiring preparation.

Interferon

Leukocyte human interferon alpha is produced by domestic pharmaceutical companies in the form of a lyophilisate, from which a solution is prepared, or a ready-made preparation. It can be used from birth from (three years of age, inhalations are also shown), only individual intolerance serves as a contraindication. Ampoules with lyophilizate cost about 100 rubles per pack, which makes Interferon one of the most inexpensive but effective antiviral drugs for children.

Interferon in the form of drops

Grippferon

A popular remedy from the pharmaceutical company CJSC FIRN M in the form of drops costs 270 rubles. Can be used in the first year of a child's life, for older children there is also a spray. The active substance of the drug is recombinant interferon, which stimulates the immune system. A contraindication is intolerance to the components.

Ingaron

Another drug in the form of a lyophilisate, which must be diluted before use. However, its active ingredient is interferon gamma, which has direct antiviral activity. A bottle of funds costs 170 rubles, it can be prescribed only from the age of seven.

Eye drops

Viral infections affect not only the respiratory tract and intestines. Very often, conjunctivitis and keratitis are the result of infection with adeno- or herpes viruses. In these cases, local antiviral therapy is indicated in combination with systemic therapy.

Oftalmoferon

Combined eye drops, which can be prescribed to children of any age with infections of herpetic, adeno- and enterovirus origin. The active components of the drug are diphenhydramine and recombinant interferon alpha. The drug has no side effects, it costs about 320 rubles in pharmacies.

Appearance of the ophthalmoferon box

Actipol

These drops based on para-aminobenzoic acid have, in addition to antiviral, also a regenerating effect. The minimum cost of a bottle from a domestic manufacturer is 300 rubles. It is possible to use Aktipol for the treatment of children without age restrictions, but only according to strict indications, since its action has not yet been sufficiently studied.

Ointments, gels, creams

These dosage forms are used both for the treatment and for the prevention of viral diseases during periods of epidemic outbreaks.

Viferon

One of the best children's antivirals is also available in the dosage form of an ointment (40 thousand IU per gram) and a gel (36,000 IU). The ointment is prescribed for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as well as herpetic lesions of the mucous membrane and skin. In the first case, it is used to lubricate the nasal passages, in the second case, it is applied to the rash with a thin layer.

The gel is indicated for the treatment and prevention of laryngotracheitis, acute respiratory infections, influenza. The drug several times a day, depending on the indications, lubricates the palatine tonsils or nasal mucosa. A contraindication for both dosage forms is intolerance to the components.

Oxolinic ointment

This drug, over decades of use, has established itself as an effective and cheap antiviral agent for colds. The ointment is especially widely used for the prevention of influenza, since it has a pronounced virucidal effect against the causative agents of this disease. In addition to rhinitis, indications for the appointment of oxolinic ointment are lichen, molluscum contagiosum, ophthalmic infections. The cost of 1 tube of the drug is about 30 rubles.

Acyclovir

Ointment 5% is an external remedy for the treatment of herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The drug with an active substance content of 3% is used in ophthalmology, indications for use in this case are keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis. The average cost is 30-40 rubles.

Preparations for children up to a year

The complexity of the treatment lies in the fact that not all dosage forms can be given to infants (for example, tablets). The best options are rectal children's antiviral suppositories, drops or syrups for oral administration, as well as topical ointments:

candles Viferon, Genferon Light;
Interferon;
Anaferon for children in drops or tablets, previously dissolved in water (from the age of one month);
Grippferon, Ophthalmoferon.

You can also use Viferon gel or oxolinic ointment for prevention.

Antiviral from 1 to 3 years

As the child grows older, the list of approved drugs for the treatment and prevention of various viral infections expands. The most effective antiviral drugs for children 2 years old:

with chickenpox and herpes;
Arbidol, Anaferon, Orvirem, Tsitovir.

In addition, the same drugs are used that are used to treat infants (suppositories, nasal and ophthalmic drops).

The best antiviral drugs for children from 3 years

The list of effective drugs that can be prescribed to a child upon reaching the age of three, including tablets or capsules:

Anaferon
Arbidol
Viferon
Genferon Light
Orvirem
Cytovir-3 (syrup)
Interferon
Grippferon (including spray)
Oftalmoferon
Oxolinic ointment

Some children's antiviral drugs, such as Cycloferon, have an age limit of 4 years. However, in the instructions, the manufacturer explains that this is due precisely to the swallowing reflex, and not to a potential danger.

Medicines for older children

From the age of seven, the ban on taking Remantadin tablets and (the latter - only at a dosage of 60 mg) is removed. With a viral rhinitis, Ingaron nasal drops can be prescribed. In addition, even after adulthood, antiviral drugs are used that are approved for children under 1 year old: Genferon Light, Interferon, Grippferon and others.

syrups

Tablets

Nasal drops

Newborns and infants are practically defenseless against viruses. Immunity "learns" with age, with each new disease, the natural defense of the human body learns to identify and destroy disease-causing "invaders". In newly born babies, their own immunity still knows little and can do it, it has not met with viruses, unless, of course, the mother suffered a viral infection during pregnancy.

In the first month after the birth of a child, the mother's residual immunity partially protects. Then, if the baby is breastfeeding, he will receive some of the necessary substances for immune protection with mother's milk. If a child, for some reason, is bottle-fed or on a mixed diet, his ability to resist aggressive and ubiquitous viruses is significantly reduced.

Parents are often interested in whether it is possible to use antiviral agents for children under one year old. Let's try to figure it out together.

We also offer you to watch a video release by Dr. Komarovsky about children's antiviral agents.

Medicines for viruses

The pharmaceutical market today offers a huge number of antiviral drugs, but not all of them are approved for use in newborns and infants. The choice is great, but this is an illusion. In fact, the choice for the parents of the baby is limited to a few medicinal names.

According to the method of exposure, all drugs in this group are conditionally divided into several types:

Interferons. Preparations containing artificially prepared in the laboratory protein-interferon, which, in case of illness, is produced in the human body independently as a necessary substance for the correct and rapid functioning of antibodies.
Immunostimulants. These drugs act on the child's immune system, causing it to quickly give an adequate response to the penetration of the virus.
Direct antiviral drugs. Such products contain substances that prevent the replication of the virus and its further spread.
Homeopathic preparations. They do not contain active active substances, but there are a large number of diluted to negligible doses of various drugs, including molecules that are similar in structure to the virus itself.

Interferons can cause many side effects.
Immunostimulants and immunomodulators with frequent use, they cause immunodeficiency, when the child's own natural defense system begins to fail, "lazy". It turns out that the baby is regularly treated with expensive good means, and he gets sick more and more often.
Medicines that act directly on viruses equally affect all other systems and organs. As you understand, this impact is not soft.
But only about homeopathic medicines it is impossible to say bad things, because they have no side effects, they are harmless, but, unfortunately, useless. Their effectiveness and efficiency have not been proven, traditional medicine treats them, to put it mildly, with skepticism.

In general, there are many problems with the evidence base for antiviral drugs. The laboratory was able to confirm only the effectiveness of some drugs, mainly related to drugs with direct antiviral action. 99% of other drugs exist and their existence raises a lot of questions. Many doctors tend to believe that they are completely useless. Manufacturers think differently, because their well-known brands bring in trillions of profits every cold season.

Should I give?

Antiviral agents, according to established practice in pediatrics, are prescribed for two purposes. This is the prevention of influenza and SARS and, directly, the treatment of viral infections, which, in addition to influenza, include chickenpox, measles, scarlet fever, herpes, enterovirus infection along with rotavirus, and many others.

Remember that their immunity has yet to undergo a major development, he needs to recognize viruses “by sight”, so that later, when infected, they can quickly recognize and destroy them. Without the use of medicines, this process of “educating” immunity will go more correctly and quickly. Therefore, it is better to refuse treatment with such means, if possible.

Judge for yourself, drug manufacturers claim that their medicine "effectively relieves the symptoms of influenza and SARS in 5 days." You cannot convict them of deceit, but, alas, it is impossible to prove the correctness of such statements.

After all, the immunity of a somatically healthy person and independently, without pills, copes with viruses in about the same period of time.

In some cases, antiviral drugs are still recommended for the child. First of all, this concerns children with congenital immunodeficiency (HIV), premature babies, whose immunity is very weak. Such drugs are justified with a very severe course of a viral infection, accompanied by high fever, symptoms of intoxication, which is extremely dangerous for infants.

In any case, the decision to take an antiviral drug should be made by a doctor.

So, what can be assigned to a child from 0 to 12 months?

Drug List 0+

Anaferon for children

Russian homeopathic preparation, which is produced in a single dosage form - lozenges. Since our crumbs cannot dissolve pills for up to a year, they are recommended to dilute Anaferon in a small amount of chilled boiled water. Dose for children from 1 month to a year - no more than one tablet per day for the prevention of influenza.

If the baby is already sick, then in the first couple of hours after the onset of ARVI symptoms, they give a tablet every half hour, and then a tablet three times a day. Be careful, the pills contain sugar. If the baby is prone to diathesis, inform the doctor about this fact, perhaps he will select another drug for your child.

Aflubin

Homeopathic medicine, which is available in tablets "under the tongue" and in the form of drops. It is logical that for a child under the age of one year, we will choose drops, since a crumb can choke on a sublingual pill. Dosage - 1 drop per day.

If, nevertheless, you bought the drug in tablet form, dilute one fourth of the tablet for 1 dose. "Aflubin" is recommended for the prevention of influenza, if there is someone sick in the family, as well as for the treatment of an infection that has already begun.

Viferon

This is a drug that belongs to the group containing interferon. It is produced in the form of rectal suppositories, this is a fairly convenient form for newborns and infants. Dosage in the first year of life should not exceed three suppositories per day. Most often, doctors recommend 1 suppository to be injected into the child's rectum three times a day.

This is no longer a homeopathic remedy, and therefore the list of side effects of the drug is quite impressive: the development of severe systemic allergies, the appearance of local allergic itching, the likelihood of autoimmune diseases, etc.

Interferon

As the name suggests, this is a medicine that contains interferon. He has a great variety of options for release forms, but for children under one year old, the drug is used exclusively in the form of nasal drops. There are two ways to use it - instill 1 drop into the nostrils 5-6 times a day or inject small cotton flagella soaked in an Interferon solution into the nose.

Viral diseases require immediate treatment, especially in children, as they greatly deplete the body of babies. Immunity to viruses is minimal, since viruses are constantly mutating and it is simply impossible to get protection for a long time. In this regard, the question arises of the advisability of using antiviral drugs in children, the effectiveness of specific medications in relation to a particular pathogen.

How do they work

Such unique abilities of the virus are provided by its natural feature. Namely, the presence of genetic material in the form of ribonucleic or deoxyribonucleic acids, protected by a special shell - capsid. The mechanism of infection occurs in several stages.

Penetrating into the body, the virus sheds the shell and integrates into the gene material of the host cell, subordinating the work of the cell to its needs.
Copying (replication) of the genetic material of the virus begins.
The accumulation of replication products ultimately leads to the exhaustion of the vital resources of the cell and its death.
From the dead cell, the virus escapes and infects neighboring healthy cells.

All this time there is an active struggle of the immune system with uninvited guests.

The body is trying to build a barrier to invaders - there is an active production of a special protein - interferon, which prevents viruses from infecting new cells. At the same time, body temperature rises.
It throws its universal defenders into battle - special immune cells (macrophages and lymphocytes) that destroy the virus.
Having studied the virus, the body destroys the rear of the enemy with the help of cytotoxic lymphocytes, capable of eliminating the infected cell entirely.
Simultaneously with the fight at the cellular level, super-killers are created, the so-called B-lymphocytes, which know the virus well and are equipped with weapons specially developed against it - immunoglobulin proteins.

The principle of action of most antiviral drugs is based on mechanisms similar to those used by the body's immune system.

There are preparations containing specially isolated interferon, or its inducers (interferonogens), which can help the body quickly increase the concentration of interferon with minimal expenditure of its own resources, or which stimulate cells to produce it. These drugs can help if only their intake coincided with a natural increase in the level of interferon in the body, that is, in the first 24-72 hours from the onset of the disease. In the future, their reception is useless, since other defense mechanisms begin to operate.

Another group includes artificially created drugs. Some of them prevent the virus from entering the cell, others block the release of the viral genome or replication, and still others prevent new viruses from being formed and coming out to infect other healthy cells. The drugs act in cells already affected by the virus, and they do not interfere with the work of healthy cells. Infected cells in most cases die because their metabolism is already disrupted by the virus.

Classification

There are many classifications of antiviral drugs, but in practice, both doctors and patients are increasingly accustomed to using the classification according to the purpose of the drug, i.e. what specific causative agent is affected by this medicine.

Antiherpetic and anticytomegalovirus drugs- the most effective group of antiviral agents, active against the herpes virus and cytomegalovirus. These drugs include Acyclovir, Amiksin, Foscarnet.
Smallpox drugs— Metizason.
Medicines to fight HIV- Zidovudine, Ritonavir.
Anti-influenza drugs- are used to treat the flu virus. These drugs include Arbidol, Hyporamine, Rimantadine.
Broad-spectrum drugs - Ribavirin, Lamivudine, Zidovudine, Ritonavir. This group includes most interferons and interferonogens.

Of course, not all of these drugs can be taken by children, so the doctor must select the treatment. Unreasonable intervention in children's immunity can lead to serious health problems in a child. In addition, despite all the successes of the pharmaceutical industry, not all drugs are now able to minimize their harmful effects on the body, although they undoubtedly have a great benefit. In addition, antiviral drugs affect replication, i.e. reproduction of the virus, but drugs cannot yet resist the integration of the virus into the genome of the host cell.

Important! The disadvantage of anti-influenza drugs is that they act only in the active period of replication, which is the first 2-3 days from the entry of the virus into the body. Later, it makes no sense to drink antiviral drugs for influenza.

How to choose an inexpensive but effective drug

Most often, parents are interested in anti-influenza drugs for children, especially during the seasonal increase in the incidence of influenza and SARS. For children of primary school and kindergarten age, it is advised to use interferon preparations for prophylactic purposes, and for older students, Rimantadine. Both of these remedies are affordable and relatively safe. However, if the child is already sick, the first thing to do is to see a doctor. Pediatricians advise taking antiviral drugs as responsibly as possible, so they do not advise parents to self-medicate. Means must be given only in the recommended doses and not exceeding the duration of the course of treatment. When choosing, doctors take into account the age of the child, the type of virus that is detected, the stage of development of the disease.

If we talk about the cost of drugs, then doctors recommend both the cheapest drugs - domestic production, and more expensive drugs from foreign companies. For some diseases, it makes sense to purchase generics - identical analogues that are manufactured in other countries on certified equipment approved by the drug manufacturer. Simply put, firms buy a license for the production of antiviral agents, but the quality is promised no lower than that of the original manufacturer. Such acquisition difficulties usually arise for the treatment of specific diseases, such as hepatitis or HIV infection, since not all drugs are certified in Russia and it is simply impossible to purchase them in domestic pharmacies.

For children from 3 years old

Drug type	Purpose		Indications for use	Efficiency
Synthetic.	Against SARS and influenza.	Arbidol, capsules, (Russia).	Influenza A and B, SARS, in the complex therapy of recurrent herpes, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, rotavirus infection.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, it is included in the WHO classifier.
	Antiherpetic.
	Broad spectrum of action.	Groprinosin, tablets, (Hungary).	Viral infections, herpes types 1 and 2, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, prevention of SARS, influenza.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, it is accepted for use in the UK.
Interferonogens based on modified plant materials.	Broad spectrum of action.	Kagocel, tablets, (Russia).	Prevention and treatment of influenza and SARS.
Interferonogens of plant origin.		Alpizarin, tablets, (Russia).	Herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, shingles, chickenpox, stomatitis.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, not in the WHO classifier.
		Hyporamine, tablets (Russia).	Influenza A and B, parainfluenza, SARS, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, herpes zoster, chickenpox, in the complex therapy of angina.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, not in the WHO classifier.
		Flacoside, tablets, (Russia).	Herpes, hepatitis A and B, shingles, measles, chicken pox, liver damage.	Opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, not in the WHO classifier, radar handbook.

For children from 1 to 3 years old

Drug type	Purpose	Name and form of release, country of origin	Indications for use	Efficiency
Synthetic	Against SARS and influenza.	Algirem (Orvirem), syrup, (Russia).	Prevention and treatment in the early days of influenza A.	Efficiency has recently declined, included in the WHO classifier.
	Against SARS and influenza.	Tamiflu, capsules, powder, (Germany, Switzerland, France).	Treatment and prevention of influenza.	Effective, included in the WHO classifier.
	Antiherpetic.	Acyclovir, ointment, tablets, capsules (Russia, China, Switzerland).	Herpes types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, varicella and zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus.	Effective, included in the WHO classifier.
Interferonogens of synthetic origin	Against SARS and influenza.	Tsitovir 3, syrup, (Russia).	Prevention of influenza and SARS, as part of complex therapy.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, not in the WHO classifier.

For children under 1 year old

Drug type	Purpose	Name and form of release, country of origin	Indications for use	From what month can a child	Efficiency
Synthetic	Against SARS and influenza.	Oksolin, ointment, (Russia).	Prevention of influenza, treatment of viral rhinitis and viral skin diseases.	Since birth.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, not in the WHO classifier.
		Thymogen, solution for injections.	As part of complex therapy for viral and bacterial infections.	From 6 months.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, not in the WHO classifier.
		Poludan, nose drops, (Russia).	Treatment of influenza and SARS.	Since birth.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, not in the WHO classifier.
Interferons	Broad spectrum of action.	Interferon, ampoules, (Russia).	Internally for SARS and influenza.	Since birth.	The opinion on the effectiveness of internal use is ambiguous, it is included in the WHO classifier as a drug against hepatitis.
Interferons	Broad spectrum of action.	Viferon, candles, (Russia).	Viral diseases of various nature.	Since birth.	The opinion on effectiveness is ambiguous, it is recommended for use in the USA.

Children's homeopathic antiviral drugs: is there any benefit?

Homeopathic antiviral agents are produced both in Russia and abroad. Among them there are many rather “high-profile” popular names - the Austrian Aflubin, the French Oscillococccinum, the Russian Anaferon and Ergoferon.

A distinctive feature of these drugs is the low content of active ingredients, so doctors recommend giving them repeatedly to get the required concentration in the body. That is why these drugs are recommended even to the smallest patients, because, in fact, their composition contains lactose, sucrose and other fillers. But the active substance here contains extremely little.

Like all drugs, they have a regimen that is signed by the doctor individually for each child, depending on age, the nature of the disease and other features. Such antiviral drugs help, but it is still not possible to accurately identify the mechanism of their action. In addition, they are unable to cope with more severe diseases such as hepatitis and HIV infection. That is why doctors prescribe drugs of this kind with ease, because they have no contraindications and side effects.

As for the benefits of homeopathic antiviral agents, one can argue here, but even in the medical environment, not all drugs are perceived unambiguously. Many doctors put antiviral homeopathy on a par with placebo. They are prescribed for a mild course of the disease, however, in severe cases, homeopathic remedies cannot be used, otherwise the virus will infect the body more and more, and the fight against it will not be enough.

List of antiviral homeopathic medicines for children:

Anaferon;
Ergoferon;
Influcid;
Engystol;
Aflubin;
Viburkol;
Oscillococcinum.

Drugs that should not be given to children

Like any group of drugs, antiviral drugs have medications that children should not take categorically. The reason for such a cautious attitude to medicines is either the incomplete study of the effect of the drug on the child's body, or the presence of serious side effects. These drugs include:

Adapromin;
Amantadine;
Yodantipyrin;
Neovir;
Ribavirin;
Triazavirin.

Why do doctors often diagnose ARVI in infants? Treatment and symptoms, prevention are the main issues that parents are interested in.

Carrying a child inside herself for 9 months, the mother protects him from various infectious and viral diseases thanks to her immune system. As soon as the baby is born, his body must defend itself, adapt to those viruses and infections that affect it.

Since the baby's immune system is not yet fully formed, parents are faced with a problem: the baby has a cold. What to do? How to help the baby? What effective antiviral drug to choose? Let's consider these questions.

What diseases are included in the SARS group?

Having diagnosed SARS in infants, the doctor in each case selects an individual treatment. This situation is easily explained. SARS is the name of a group of diseases caused by viruses in the respiratory tract.

As medical reference books show, the SARS group includes the following diseases:

adenovirus infection. It affects the eyes, upper respiratory tract and intestines of the child.
Influenza and parainfluenza. There is a general intoxication of the body, inflammatory processes in the larynx.
inflammatory processes in
A respiratory syncytial infection that causes inflammation in the lower airways.

As medical statistics show, babies get SARS from 1 to 7 times a day. And here it is very important to get qualified help, proper treatment, since the consequences of SARS in infants can be serious. It has also been proven that excessive use of drugs can cause blocking of the production of one's own antibodies to the virus.

Features of the course of acute respiratory viral infections in children under six months

In the first six months of life, it is important to think about how a mother does not infect a baby with a cold. Basically, contact with viruses occurs precisely through the mother or the guests who come to the house.

SARS in infants, symptoms and treatment have their own characteristics. First, the disease manifests itself gradually. The child becomes lethargic, may be capricious, the body temperature rises slightly. Symptoms of SARS are not pronounced, and many parents associate such manifestations with teething, weather changes, and slight hypothermia.

If you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner and do not start treatment, then the clinical picture appears brighter. The baby refuses to eat, stops breastfeeding, rapidly loses weight. A weak cough may begin, nasal congestion, which is manifested by sniffing in a dream. Vomiting is also a common symptom.

Features of treatment

Having established the development of SARS in infants, treatment should be started as soon as possible, since serious inflammatory processes in the ear or lungs, bronchi can begin. Inflammatory processes in the larynx are also not uncommon. This is caused by the anatomical features of children under one year old, when the cough is strong and paroxysmal does not allow the child to fully breathe.

The presence in the first 6 months of life of SARS in infants Komarovsky regards as a positive, natural stress that helps the immune system to fight viruses and bacteria in the future.

What should young mothers pay attention to in the first 6 months of a baby's life with SARS?

When treating SARS in infants, Komarovsky draws the attention of parents to the following:

What drugs can be used for the baby in the first 6 months of life?

An effective antiviral drug for a baby in the first 6 months has not yet been found. Doctors advise not to use drugs at all, especially antibiotics, as they can cause allergic reactions and intestinal disorders.

Medications are used only when the baby's condition is critical, and it will not be possible to cure it in another way.

Doctors say that drugs for ARVI for children of the first year are not needed, it is enough to create optimal conditions and seek qualified help in time.

Optimum air temperature and humidity in the room. This helps protect the baby from overheating, sore throat and dry cough.
Do not force feed your baby.
Use as much liquid as possible. If the baby refuses water, then it is better to apply
Cleanse your nose regularly. Salt solution can be used for this. By removing regularly accumulated mucus, you can not only reduce the concentration of viruses, but also improve the breathing, sleep and nutrition of the baby.
Do not use vasoconstrictor drugs for the nose, they can be quickly addictive.
The temperature in the baby is always accompanied by ARVI, but it is necessary to fight it with the help of drugs only with indicators from 38.5 degrees. All means to reduce the temperature should be based on paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Features of the treatment of children from 6 months to a year

In the period from 6 months to a year, the chances of ARVI in infants increase. Treatment in this case will already include certain drugs prescribed by the doctor. But each of these drugs gives high efficiency if it is used in the first 2 days after infection.

The incubation period of SARS in infants can vary from 1 to 3 days, while the symptoms will gradually appear.

High temperature is always an indication for hospitalization of a child whose age does not exceed 1 year. Delay is dangerous to his life.

What parents need to know!

At this age, it is already necessary to bring down the temperature from 38 degrees, since many children have a high convulsive threshold. In the case when a child has a history of severe diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular or respiratory systems, then an increase in temperature above 37.5 is very dangerous.

To reduce the temperature, it is better to use candles based on paracetamol. Medicines containing these components are strictly prohibited and can cause serious and severe side effects. The most dangerous is Reye's syndrome or agranulocytosis.

Doctors for children of this age group can prescribe nasal drops, but not more than 2-3 days. They will be effective only if the baby is washed with a soda or saline nose.

With a strong cough, drugs may already be prescribed to thin the sputum and expectorate it. To speed up recovery, kids are recommended juices and fruit drinks from such plants: viburnum, black radish (with honey), lemon (with honey), raspberries.

The stage of natural stimulation of the immune system will be important. Doctors recommend the use of multivitamin complexes, ascorbic acid, echinacea tinctures, ginseng.

Any treatment should be prescribed only by a doctor! It is strictly forbidden to use drugs at your own discretion; you cannot treat ARVI with drugs that were used in previous times of the disease. Their effectiveness will be low, because the body is always addictive and adapting the virus to certain drugs.

In what cases it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance

A baby under the age of one year cannot talk about his feelings during SARS. Parents can only see the symptoms, whims, apathy of the baby. But there are cases when it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance, otherwise the child may develop serious complications. We list the most common cases:

Severe chills, high temperature, which has not been knocked down by drugs for more than 45 minutes. This condition can lead to seizures.
Sudden loss of consciousness.
Rapid breathing, accompanied by wheezing, the impossibility of inhaling to the full chest.
Diarrhea and vomiting that does not stop. Many parents associate such symptoms with poisoning, but they can also be a sign of intoxication during SARS.
Severe inflammation of the throat, which is accompanied by swelling of the larynx.
Purulent discharge that appeared with sputum.
Increased cough, its paroxysmal character.

What serious complications can SARS lead to?

Unfortunately, not all parents understand how serious the consequences of ignoring medical care for ARVI can be. Self-treatment, the use of medications at your own discretion or on the advice of a pharmacist, traditional medicine can cause the development of such complications:

False croup. At the age of up to a year, such a complication can pose a threat to the life of the baby. Due to the fact that the lumen in the larynx narrows, the normal passage of air is blocked. The baby may develop asphyxia.
The most dangerous has always been allergic stenosis. It develops rapidly after the use of a certain medication. The most important task of parents is to cope with their own panic. The child must be taken out to fresh air and an ambulance should be called immediately.
bronchiolitis. Such a reaction is a common occurrence in infants with ARVI. Children in the first 5 days of illness may experience severe respiratory failure. A viscous discharge comes from the nose, which does not go well. The cough is dry and paroxysmal. The child cannot inhale fully, and the exhalation is long and intermittent. In its course, bronchiolitis resembles an attack of bronchial asthma in an adult. Treatment of such children is carried out only in the hospital, as the baby may urgently need oxygen therapy.
If the baby has an infection, then the condition worsens sharply, and the inflammatory process descends into the lungs. Treatment is carried out only in a hospital.
Otitis and sinusitis. This complication mainly occurs after the treatment of ARVI. A healthy child has anxiety, a cry, he shakes his head, the temperature rises again. Treatment will also be carried out only in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor.
Sinusitis. It manifests itself on the 6-7th day after SARS. The child begins to cry, turn his head, his sleep is disturbed. Discharge with an unpleasant odor and impurities of pus begins to come out of the nose. The face clearly shows signs of puffiness. With light pressure on the sinuses and cheeks, the baby begins to cry. Sinusitis always requires emergency treatment, since the anatomical structure of the newborn is the minimum distance from the nasal, ear sinuses to the brain membrane. With a strong inflammatory process, the likelihood of inflammation of the meninges is always high.

Prevention of SARS in infants, how to protect a child from infection

You don't have to wait until your child gets sick. Prevention of SARS in infants always helps to solve several problems. Firstly, the risk of infection is minimized, and secondly, the body becomes resistant to re-infection. By choosing an integrated approach, you can protect the baby not only in infancy, but also in subsequent years of being in kindergarten and school.

Minimize the number of contacts the baby has with sick people. You need to understand that infection of the baby is possible not only at home, but also when traveling in public transport, in the queues of a hospital or a store. It is also worth protecting the child in the event that one of the relatives is ill. In this case, the sick person should wear a bandage that will reduce the amount of viruses spread by coughing and sneezing.
Regular ventilation of the room. At any age, fresh air from the street is useful for a person. It will help to humidify the air in the room, reduce the temperature to optimal levels, and avoid stagnation.
Viruses have the peculiarity to persist for a long time indoors, not only in the air, but also in things and interior items. The key to health will be daily wet cleaning. Every day, items of frequent use should be wiped: handles on doors, switches.
Before contact with the baby, wash your hands with soap and water.
If the family has a baby, it is recommended that all other family members undergo preventive vaccination. Many doctors recommend that parents get vaccinated even before pregnancy is planned. This will help develop a strong child's immunity against SARS viruses.

SARS in infants, symptoms and treatment, preventive measures - these are the basic concepts that all parents should know. Awareness, the ability to identify the symptoms of the disease in time and qualified medical care are the basis for a quick recovery and good health later on.