Medicines for influenza and how to treat it. How to cure the flu at home? Effective and reliable ways to treat the flu at home: listen to your doctor's advice. A powerful folk remedy for colds and flu

All people are equally susceptible to various diseases. However, some groups of the population experience decreased immunity. Such persons are most prone to infection by viruses. It is always necessary to eliminate one or another viral disease. This article will talk about how to quickly cure the flu at home. You will learn what medications you can use. You can also get acquainted with traditional methods of treatment. It’s definitely worth talking about what types of illnesses occur in adults and children and how not to confuse this disease with a common cold.

Flu and its symptoms

Before you learn how to quickly cure the flu at home, you need to know something about the disease itself. Many people confuse this pathology with a common acute respiratory infection. It is not right.

Influenza has several distinctive features. At the very beginning of the disease, a person does not feel a sore throat. Also, a person with the flu does not complain of a runny nose, which usually begins with any cold. The signs of this pathology are usually the following: a person feels pain in the forehead and temples. In some cases, drooling increases and a fear of light occurs. The flu is also characterized by pain and aching in the joints and bones. Mostly the arms and legs are affected. After just a few days of such unpleasant sensations, the temperature begins to rise. With a classic cold, the thermometer level does not rise above 38 degrees. If you are sick with the flu, you can see the mark of 40-41 degrees. Already after the body, a person begins to feel a sore throat, runny nose and nasal congestion.

How many days does the flu last?

How long can a person remain ill? Doctors do not give a clear answer to this question. In many ways, the outcome of events depends on the prescribed treatment and the patient’s lifestyle. If you take all prescribed medications and don’t get nervous, the disease will go away in about 5-7 days.

When a person tries to survive the disease on his feet, he simply does not have enough strength to fight the virus. In this case, the pathology may drag on for 2-3 weeks. Complications also often occur due to improper treatment. If you are faced with this outcome, then you will have to deal with the consequences long and tediously.

How to quickly cure the flu at home?

If you are affected by this disease, you should first consult a doctor. You can visit the clinic. But it’s better to call a specialist at home. Especially if you have a high fever. It will be difficult for you to go to medical institutions. In addition, you can infect other people with the virus.

Treatment of influenza can be carried out in several ways: medication and folk remedies. Doctors prefer to prescribe proven medications that can quickly get the patient back on his feet. However, some people do not trust doctors and prescribe treatment for themselves. It is worth noting that by combining these two methods you will be able to overcome the disease much faster. Let's look at the main proven methods of how to quickly cure the flu at home.

Drug treatment

Among the wide range of medicines, there are certain groups that are aimed at combating a particular ailment. Thus, the drug can be antiviral or antibacterial, analgesic or antipyretic, immunomodulatory or regenerative. You can continue ad infinitum. What flu medications are suitable for home use?

Antipyretics and painkillers

Flu tablets can be as follows: Paracetamol, Nurofen, Nise and others. All of them are excellent at fighting fever and relieving pain. You can also give preference to suspensions and syrups. These flu medications are easy to take and do not cause any discomfort. These include: Nimulid, Calpol, Ibuprofen and so on. For the convenience of patients, doctors sometimes prescribe powder formulations. They need to be diluted with hot water and taken as tea. Among such remedies, Fervex and Theraflu solutions for influenza are very popular.

It is worth remembering that these medications should be used only when the thermometer shows more than 39 degrees. Until this moment, the body tries to fight the virus on its own and secretes human interferon. If the disease affects a child or an elderly person, then you should take antipyretic drugs after the temperature rises to 38 degrees.

Immunomodulators

Flu medications can boost immunity. Pharmaceutical companies now offer many different medications. You can choose what will be convenient for you.

Immunomodulatory agents include the following:

tablets "Arbidol" or "Cycloferon";
solutions "Interferon" or "Aflubin";
suppositories "Genferon" or "Viferon", as well as many other drugs.

Remember that these medications should be taken immediately after infection, as soon as you feel the first symptoms. Otherwise, they may simply be ineffective.

Treatment of a runny nose

To treat nasal congestion, you will need vasoconstrictor medications. Among such products you can choose “Vibrocil”, “Otrivin”, “Nazivin” and so on. Depending on your preference, you can purchase drops or spray.

To combat bacteria and viruses, doctors prescribe Pinosol, Isofra and others. To disinfect the nose and stop the flow of fluid, you can use Protargol or Sialor drops.

Throat treatment

Anti-flu tablets that help with sore throat can be the following: “Strepsils”, “Stopangin”, “Grammidin” and others.

To combat cough, you can take syrups “Doctor Mom”, “Gerbion”, “Ambrobene”. You should definitely take into account the nature of the cough: is it dry or wet.

Traditional treatment

If you refuse drug treatment, you can use basic folk recipes. Among them are products for oral administration, topical preparations and compositions for prophylaxis. Let's look at them in more detail.

Preparations for local treatment

Such remedies include any decoctions and infusions of herbs. You can use chamomile (to relieve inflammation), string (to remove pathological microorganisms), (to reduce pain and accelerate regeneration), and many others. All herbs are prepared as follows: one tablespoon of the crumbly composition is poured with a glass of boiling water. The solution needs to sit for half an hour. After this, cool the product and gargle with it.

You can also use sea salt and baking soda. This medicine can also be used to rinse the sinuses. Take one teaspoon of dry powder per glass of water. This product perfectly removes germs and has a healing effect.

Oral preparations

Traditional medicines for treating influenza include honey, milk, garlic, onions, potatoes and many other products used for cooking.

Warm milk with a few spoons of honey has a wonderful effect on the mucous membrane of the throat. Honey softens and warms, and also gets rid of bacteria. Regular tea with lemon fills the body with vitamin C, which perfectly fights viruses. Garlic is a natural antibiotic. By consuming it daily, you will help your body cope with the disease.

Preventive measures

To get over the flu faster, you need to follow some rules. They can be quite successfully combined with medication or alternative treatment. The most common ways to prevent this disease include the following:

wash your hands several times a day;
spread chopped onions around the house;
open windows more often, but do not be in a draft;
humidify the air (you can place several containers of water around the house);
maintain bed rest until complete recovery;
do not eat heavy foods (give preference to vegetable soups and broths).

Conclusion

Now you know the most popular methods and drugs that help cope with the flu. If you are sick, try to seek help from doctors and follow all recommendations. Especially when it comes to childhood illness. Treat yourself correctly and be healthy!

Influenza is one of those diseases whose complications can lead to death. In medical practice, after infection with the influenza virus, there have been cases of an increase in body temperature to 40-42 ° C, which provoked a disruption in the synthesis and functioning of protein - the most important component of every living system.

Infected people may also experience a filling of the lungs with mucus, which produces excessive amounts of mucus and completely impairs breathing.

Complications also affect other organs, which is why it is so important to prevent the development of this pathology. So, how to protect yourself from the flu using folk remedies?

Ways to protect yourself from the flu

A respiratory infection is usually spread through respiratory droplets. It follows that first of all it is necessary to disinfect the surrounding air, hands and personal items. Of course, in a public place it is not always possible to limit the entry of viruses into the body.

However, at home it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures, especially during an epidemic in the region of residence:

Strengthen the immune system in all ways (vitamin complexes, healthy sleep, proper nutrition, etc.).
Drink 2-3 liters of fluid per day.
Always wash your hands with soap after going outside.
Once every 1-2 days, gargle with a decoction of chamomile or sage.
Place chopped garlic around your home.
Ventilate the premises 3-4 times a day for 20 minutes.
Every other day, perform wet cleaning using a vinegar solution (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water).
Using a spray bottle, spray solutions of essential oils of pine, eucalyptus, fir, etc. (2-3 drops per 1 liter of water) throughout the home.

These points answer the question of how to protect yourself from influenza and ARVI using accessible methods. However, in some cases you need to be extremely vigilant. For example, the body of children and pregnant women requires more serious care, because their immunity does not always work at full strength.

Prevention for pregnant women

The danger of this disease in the expectant mother lies not only in the deterioration of the woman’s condition, but also in causing harm to the fetus. If you get the flu during pregnancy, the child will be very vulnerable to various disorders in the future, and the risk of congenital pathologies increases significantly.

Some doctors advise getting vaccinated, but it is not certain that it will prevent the disease: the influenza virus mutates at an impressive rate. Although, with a known form of the pathogen recorded in a specific region, there will be benefit. And yet, in the first trimester, it is better for a woman to refrain from such an event so that the initial stage of fetal formation passes without a stressful situation.

Knowing how to protect yourself from the flu during pregnancy will allow the expectant mother to take the necessary steps and have a healthy baby.

First of all, you need to follow the above general rules, and they should be supplemented with the following points:

do not visit crowded places;
avoid traveling by public transport;
when leaving home, put on a protective petal mask and lubricate the inner surface of the nostrils with oxolinic ointment;
do not allow even slight hypothermia of the body;
avoid contact with sick people;
regularly drink weak tea with honey and raspberries;
increase the amount of citrus fruits in the diet (vitamin C perfectly counteracts viruses);
Rinse your nose with a solution of sea salt (Aquamaris, Aqualor, etc.) once a day.

If a pregnant woman does get sick with the flu, she should immediately consult a doctor. Self-medication, of course, will help cope with the symptoms of the disease, but the hospital usually has a register of possible pathogens against which a specific drug will be prescribed. You shouldn't joke with the flu, because the consequences can be very dire.

Prevention for children

A child is at even greater risk of contracting a respiratory viral infection than a pregnant woman. Otolaryngologists explain this fact by the developing immunity, which does not yet have the set of necessary antibodies. In addition, children are much more likely to be surrounded by their peers, because kindergarten and school have not been canceled.

In educational institutions, it is difficult to limit contact between children who, without external symptoms, can already act as a source of spread of viruses.

So how can children protect themselves from the flu under such circumstances? The same standard methods used in general cases will do. However, the child’s body should be provided with a full range of vitamins and minerals using dietary supplements sold in every pharmacy.

In addition, it is necessary to maintain a high degree of humidity in the baby’s room, and both modern technical devices and an ordinary saucepan with water near the radiator are suitable for this purpose.

Effective means for preventing influenza - regular consumption of natural phytoncides - onions and garlic - this will build effective protection against attacks of various types of influenza viruses. Honey, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, should also be included in your baby’s diet. By the way, a bee product for the prevention of ARVI is suitable for everyone, so it is better to stock up on it for future use in the summer.

Treatment of influenza with folk remedies

You can cope with the disease using standard pharmaceutical means, but some people sometimes experience side effects on the action of the drugs. The best option would be to combine antiviral therapy with time-tested recipes.

To carry out competent treatment of influenza at home with folk remedies, it is necessary, first of all, to observe bed rest. You will have to take sick leave at work, and if a child is ill, then going to school or kindergarten is out of the question.

And the patient himself is unlikely to find strength, because the flu is usually characterized by weakness in the body and high fever. In addition, patients experience cough, sore throat and nasal congestion, which develops due to damage to the mucous membrane by pathogenic microorganisms.

Treatment of this disease is aimed at destroying the source of infection, relieving symptoms and strengthening the human immune system, for which a whole range of measures is carried out:

gargling;
inhalation;
foot baths;
decoctions and infusions.

This approach allows you to cope with the flu within one week, although the patient will feel an improvement in the condition already 2-3 days after the start of therapy. Now let’s take a closer look at the recipes of traditional medicine, among which each patient will be able to choose the option that suits them.

Gargling

A sore throat usually prevents you from speaking or eating normally. Sometimes the flu is even complicated by inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis), and this can lead to temporary loss of voice. After all, many people know the feeling when any word can only be spoken in a whisper?

For this reason, you should gargle with 1 glass of solution every 2 hours in order to neutralize viral activity with a loading dose and relieve pain. Various means are used for this, but there is no need to heat them above 40-50 ° C, otherwise there is a risk of burning the already damaged mucous membrane.

Soda and salt

This solution is perhaps the most popular and known to many people since childhood. Baking soda and salt effectively suppress inflammation, and you can find the ingredients in every store. The medicine is prepared according to this scheme:

Take 1 glass of boiled water.
Dissolve 1 tsp. salt and soda.
If desired, you can add 2-3 drops of iodine.

Soda and iodine

A very effective gargle for sore throats.

You need to take a glass of boiled water, cooled to a warm temperature.
Dissolve one teaspoon of soda in water and add three drops of iodine.

You should gargle your sore throat with this solution twice a day until the condition improves.

Lemon juice

Lemon is recommended to be consumed in unlimited quantities for respiratory infections, because the vitamin C it contains not only strengthens the immune system, but also disrupts the vital activity of microbes. To prepare the solution, you need to squeeze half of one lemon into a glass of water and stir, and the second half can be left for the next procedure or consumed with tea.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe juice is usually used for instillation into the nose, but traditional healers also recommend gargling with it:

Take 2 fleshy leaves from the bottom of the plant.
Wash them and peel them.
Squeeze out 2 tablespoons of juice.
Dilute it in 1 glass of water or milk.

Sage and thyme

The anti-inflammatory effect of these plants is used in complex preparations. Sage and thyme cope well with pain and swelling in the throat, and you can buy herbs at grandmothers’ markets and at the pharmacy:

Mix sage and thyme in equal proportions.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of raw materials.
Leave for half an hour and strain.

Exposure of the affected throat to garlic phytoncides will help cope with viruses in a natural way:

Chop 2 cloves of garlic.
Stir them in 1 glass of warm milk.
Leave for half an hour and filter.

Inhalations

If we fully answer the question: How to protect yourself from flu and colds?, then steam inhalations are an integral part of both prevention and therapy. Similar procedures are prescribed twice a day for any acute respiratory viral infection, and they are based on the effect of air with medicinal components on the respiratory system.

As a result, the patient has a cough, runny nose, and even a sore throat, but inhalation is prohibited when the body temperature is high: first you need to bring down the fever, and only then start inhaling the steam.

The procedure can be carried out in various ways, among which special devices (nebulizers of all types) have proven themselves. However, it is not at all necessary to purchase an expensive device, because, in fact, there is not much difference in the way the medicinal steam enters the human body.

The inhalation solution itself is much more important, the healing properties of which will lead to recovery.

Pine buds

Not every person has the opportunity to collect pine buds on their own, but pharmacies still sell this raw material, although it is not so easy to find. The kidneys contain natural antiviral substances that destroy the causative agents of influenza and many other respiratory infections. They are treated with a solution according to the following scheme:

3 tablespoons of raw materials are poured with 1 liter of water.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
Cool for 10 minutes.
Bow your head over the saucepan and cover yourself with a towel.
Breathe medicinal steam for 15-20 minutes.

Essential oils

The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus, chamomile and juniper have been known since ancient times. But if previously these plants were brewed, now there is a replacement - essential oils produced in bottles with a concentrated content of healing compounds. To prepare the medicine, you just need to dissolve 10 drops of the potion you like in 1 liter of boiling water and breathe over the steam, covered with a towel.

Potato

Ordinary potatoes, which are used both for external warming of the bronchi and for inhalation, are an excellent remedy for a stuffy nose and dry cough. This steam dilutes pulmonary phlegm and facilitates expectoration, which helps improve breathing. For medicinal purposes, potatoes are boiled only in their skins, after which the tubers are slightly crushed and one bends over them, still covering one’s head with a towel.

Onion

Peel 1 medium onion.
Grate it.
Place the pulp into a glass.
Open your mouth wide and breathe over the onion.

Master - tonic - flu remedy

Ingredients for cooking:

Fresh finely chopped garlic;
fresh finely chopped onions;
finely chopped ginger root;
fresh, finely crushed hot red pepper.

All ingredients for cooking must be taken in equal quantities and everything must be fresh. Replace with dry ingredients in a recipe only as a last resort.

Preparation:

Take chopped onion, ginger, red pepper and garlic in equal proportions and put them in a glass jar, filling it ¾ full.
Then we mix our anti-flu drug and fill it with unpasteurized (raw) apple cider vinegar.
We close the jar with a lid and shake everything well - shake.
Place the master tonic in a dry and dark place to let it steep for two weeks. At this time, it is very advisable to shake the tincture periodically, at least once a day.

Application:

Taken for the purpose of prevention, as well as for the treatment of flu and colds, 30 - 60 milliliters per day, divided into small portions - doses throughout the day. It is advisable not to dilute the tincture with water when taking it. But if it's too spicy for you, you can dilute it a little.

Foot baths

When describing folk remedies for treating flu and colds, one cannot ignore foot baths. Many people carry out similar procedures to relieve fatigue after a hard day, but baths will also be effective against respiratory infections.

As you know, hypothermia of the feet is a common cause of such diseases, so it is worth taking note of simple recipes and applying them at the first signs of illness and for preventive purposes.

The rules for performing baths are quite simple, but for a positive result you must follow them strictly:

the water temperature should be no more than 50 °C;
the procedure lasts about half an hour, with constant addition of warm water;
After warming up, wipe your feet dry, massage with your hands and put on warm socks.

However, when the body temperature is above 38 ° C, doctors do not recommend doing foot baths, otherwise the situation may worsen. In addition, the procedure is performed with the addition of special healing components that will help eliminate the symptoms of ARVI.

Mustard

The warming properties of mustard are known to many people from cooking, but this product is also suitable for feet:

5 tablespoons of dry mustard are dissolved in 10 liters of hot water.
Pour a little healing solution into a basin and place your feet in it.
Add a ladle every 2-3 minutes, while massaging your feet with your hands.

Essential oils

Among plant extracts with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, essential oils of lemon, lavender, pine and eucalyptus have proven themselves. You can use them for foot baths both in combination and separately. For 1 procedure, 5-7 drops of the potion per 1 liter of hot water is enough.

Medicinal herbs

A recipe based on medicinal herbs will help eliminate a runny nose and headache, and prepare a decoction as follows:

Mix sage, nettle, chamomile and mint in equal quantities.
5 tablespoons of the mixture are poured into 1 liter of boiling water.
Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Filter and pour into 5 liters of water prepared for the bath.

Medicinal decoctions and infusions

In combination with the above methods, traditional healers recommend using infusions, decoctions and teas. For any respiratory infection, you should drink 2-3 liters of fluid per day, but it is not necessary to use water for this. There are many recipes that will strengthen the immune system and help neutralize pathogenic microorganisms.

Rose hip

Rose hips contain many vitamins, so a drink based on it will be an excellent preventive and therapeutic remedy against influenza, colds and other acute respiratory viral infections. The raw materials should be collected in the summer immediately after ripening, and the infusion should be prepared according to the following scheme:

Pour 3 tablespoons of dried and crushed fruits into a thermos (0.5 liters).
Fill with hot water (90 °C).
Leave for 2-2.5 hours and filter.
Drink half a glass three times a day, half an hour before meals.
In case of illness, drink until healing, and for prevention - all year round, but with 2-week breaks.

Linden

Linden flowers collected in mid-July have an impressive healing effect. The plant contains flavonoids and tannins, which act as an excellent anti-inflammatory, soothing and digestive stimulant. The scope of application of linden is very wide, but the recipe for tea for ARVI is as follows:

Take 2 tablespoons of dried and crushed linden blossom.
Pour in 1 cup of boiling water.
Leave for 15-20 minutes.
Drink instead of tea three times a day.

Raspberries

Raspberries help cope with high temperatures. However, you should not use jam for this purpose, because it does not have even 10% of the medicinal properties of fresh berries. Naturally, a logical question arises: “Then how to preserve raspberries until winter?” The answer is very simple: you need to freeze or dry the berries.

This approach allows you to preserve the healing power of raspberries for a long time and use a natural antipyretic as needed.

For 1 serving of tea you will need only 3-4 berries, and prepare and drink the drug in the same way as the recipe based on linden blossom. After taking the medicine, you should immediately crawl under a warm blanket and sweat thoroughly, which will lead to a decrease in temperature and a general improvement in the patient’s condition.

Recuperation after the flu

Any respiratory infection takes away a person's strength and makes him feel very tired. In addition, there is a risk of relapse of the disease, which often occurs if treatment is neglected. So how to protect yourself from the influenza virus effectively and for a long time? First of all, you need to take steps to increase vitality, and such a folk remedy as:

Echinacea tea

1 tablespoon of dry plant is placed in a half-liter thermos.
Pour boiling water over and leave overnight (8-9 hours).
Strain, warm slightly and drink ¼ cup on an empty stomach.
During the day, they finish the drug and prepare the next portion.
The course of treatment lasts 2 weeks.

In addition, healers recommend using viburnum berries, which, when frozen, are a real delicacy. However, some people may be put off by the bitter taste, and therefore it is better to mix the fruits with honey in equal proportions. Take the medicine ½ glass three times a day immediately after meals, and if you combine the recovery course with echinacea tea, a person who has recently had the flu will quickly recover.

To strengthen your body and avoid getting flu and colds, it is recommended to include healthy foods in your diet.

Petrozavodsk State University Faculty of Medicine

Specialty: general practitioner

How to treat the flu? One of the most common viral infections that affect the respiratory tract, influenza develops after contact with the virus. There are many different types of influenza virus, some of them cause a severe reaction of the body to an attack by an infectious agent, especially when the immune system is weakened and a bacterial infection is attached, and then the patient requires hospitalization. But in most cases, flu treatment is done at home. How to treat flu at home?

Types of influenza viruses

In order to correctly implement therapeutic measures in the treatment of influenza, it is necessary to at least superficially understand what types of viruses exist. As a rule, a common virus is reported when anticipating an epidemic, when predicting the level of incidence in the current season, when selecting a vaccine for prevention, and also when the epidemiological threshold is exceeded.

There are three common groups of influenza viruses:

A is a group that can affect not only people, but also animals and birds. Cases of infection from animals are extremely rare, as is the reverse method of infection. Viruses of this group are highly contagious, reproduce quickly, and are the cause of rapidly growing epidemics: in 6 weeks, up to half the population in a particular area can become ill.
B is the “slower and weaker” group. As a rule, during an epidemic of viruses from group B, about a quarter of the population falls ill, and the infection mainly affects people with weakened immune systems: children, the elderly, those with chronic or somatic diseases at the time the virus appeared;
C is the group that most rarely affects humans, with isolated cases of the disease.

Why is it important to pay attention to the type of virus? Scientists' forecasts make it possible to prepare in advance, understand when it is necessary to get vaccinated or take other preventive measures, and also understand which family members will be most at risk from contact with a sick person and during what period.

How to distinguish the flu?

The symptoms of influenza are quite pronounced and reflect damage to the body by a viral infection. Influenza is characterized by a sharp, sudden onset of illness without illness for several days, a gradual rise in temperature, and an increase in the severity of respiratory symptoms. The clinical picture of influenza is characterized by manifestations that quickly arise within the first 24 hours. These include:

increase in body temperature: thermometer readings range from 38 to 40°C. Hyperthermia may be accompanied by slight chills and fever;
along with the temperature, general malaise increases: headaches begin, in most cases in the forehead and eyebrows; pain and “aches” in joints and muscles, most often in the limbs, but possibly in the lumbar region and shoulder girdle;
photophobia, pain in the eyes, pain when changing the position of the eyeballs occurs;
the development of the disease is accompanied by a feeling of nausea and/or vomiting after 24-36 hours, in most cases after eating, drinking, or taking medications;
on the second or third day after the manifestation of the disease, respiratory symptoms begin to appear: cough, runny nose, inflammation of the nasopharynx, pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc.

Characteristic symptoms of influenza also include pain in the sternum, tracheitis, a rash may appear in the area of the nasolabial triangle, and inflamed lymph nodes, especially in the cervical-occipital part.

The form of influenza depends on the virus, its type, characteristics, rate of reproduction and release of toxins into the bloodstream, and the degree of resistance of the body. In the early stages, taking certain antiviral drugs helps prevent the flu from going from mild to severe.
Depending on the severity of the clinical picture, three forms of the disease are distinguished:

the mild form is characterized by a rise in temperature to subfebrile levels, mild malaise, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract;
the moderate form occurs with a temperature of 38.1-40°C. There are headaches, weakness, sweating, muscle pain, but the general symptoms are quite moderate. Catarrhal manifestations are expressed by a painful cough with chest pain, shortness of breath, rhinitis, hoarseness, etc.;
the severe form is accompanied by hyperthermia with readings of 40°C, chills, severe headache, aches, nausea and vomiting. Respiratory symptoms are severe, and complications often occur.

Treatment of moderate and severe influenza should occur under the supervision of a physician, since possible complications that change the functions of the cardiovascular system, urinary organs and tract, as well as the addition of a bacterial infection may be perceived by the patient as part of the current viral disease. And such manifestations require separate therapy.

Children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, as well as those who do not withstand the required period of rehabilitation and immediately return to active life, physical activity, etc. are especially prone to complications after an influenza infection. The average period of treatment for influenza is 5-8 days , while at least 2 weeks after recovery it is necessary to avoid unnecessary stress on the body (sports, visiting a bathhouse, sauna, eating “heavy” food, alcohol, etc.).

Treatment of influenza at home: nutrition and regimen

As a rule, when patients get the flu, their appetite sharply decreases; nausea, headache, and fever do not contribute to the desire to eat. However, it is during this period that the body actively processes nutrients and needs support. Unfortunately, often patients, wondering how to treat the flu, forget about the need to follow the principles of dietary nutrition.

The first principle for this disease is to drink plenty of fluids. An increase in body temperature can lead to the development of dehydration, the symptoms of which are often mistaken for part of the clinical picture of the flu. When dehydrated, the body spends additional reserves to fight the infection, the virus develops more actively, which leads to the development of severe complications.

What can and should you drink?

Fresh fruit and vegetable juices (carrots, mixed juices), diluted with water.
Table mineral water, mostly without gas.
Dried fruit compotes.
Fruit drinks from cranberries, lingonberries.
Herbal teas: mint, etc.

You should avoid coffee, strong tea, and drinks with high sugar content. Weak natural broths can also be included in the category of liquids used in the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory diseases: they combine both drink and nutrients.

If taking any liquid provokes nausea and vomiting, you should drink small portions (a teaspoon) every 5 minutes. You can add a little orange, lemon juice, sugar or honey to warm water, or use dehydration preparations (Regidron). It is especially important to restore the water-salt balance if the course of the disease is complicated by repeated vomiting.

The optimal diet during illness is fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, cabbage, etc.), protein products (meat, poultry, low-fat fish) boiled, baked, steamed, eggs, and nuts and dairy products (sour cream, cottage cheese). During the day, you need to consume at least 50 g of protein.
Foods and drinks that are strictly not recommended during illness include:

coffee, strong tea, cocoa;
sweets (sweets, chocolate), fresh baked goods;
fried foods, fatty, spicy foods;
any alcohol;
A negative reaction is often observed when consuming cow's milk and butter.

During acute illnesses, the daily routine is always bedtime: the maximum amount of rest during the day and night, including during the recovery period. The patient must be provided with peace, an influx of fresh air (frequent ventilation of the room), as well as separate dishes, a towel, and frequently change underwear and bed linen.

Antiviral drugs

Antiviral drugs used for influenza include medications with proven effectiveness against certain strains, general medications, and drugs with unproven effectiveness that are popular due to advertising.
When choosing a medicine, you must consult a doctor: all antiviral drugs (Rimantadine, Ribavirin, Virazol, Tamiflu, Relenza, Amiksin, etc.) have contraindications, as well as the optimal period for starting treatment, dosage and course of therapy. If the course of the disease and the patient’s well-being allows, without the results of an analysis to determine the strain, it is better to treat mild influenza with symptomatic means.

How to treat the flu: symptomatic therapy

In most cases, treatment for influenza is based on helping the body cope with the virus on its own. How to treat flu with fever, headache and other unpleasant symptoms?

For headaches, medications such as Ibuprofen (Nurofen) and Paracetamol are indicated.
A runny nose and congestion in the respiratory tract are eliminated by actively and frequently washing the nasopharynx with a water-salt solution, after which local vasoconstrictor drugs (Nazivin, Naphthyzin, etc.) are used according to indications.
Reducing the temperature to 38.2°C is not recommended if the patient tolerates hyperthermia well and there is no danger of seizures or other complications. Higher – based on well-being. To reduce it, use Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
To facilitate coughing and improve the removal of sputum, mucolytic drugs are used (Lazolvan and analogues, Ambrobexal, Bromhexine, etc.). The choice of drug is made by the doctor based on symptoms.
Pain and inflammation in the throat can be relieved by gargling, using a solution of baking soda, a decoction of chamomile, calendula, furacillin and other topical preparations with a softening and antiseptic effect.

Combined drugs (Antigrippin, Terraflu, Coldrex, etc.) are classified as medications. In most cases, the effect is achieved by exposure to an antipyretic and analgesic (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen), an antihistamine (reducing swelling of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract) and vitamin C in combination with a hot drink.

How to treat flu complications?

For moderate and severe forms of influenza, the main treatment is aimed not only at fighting the infection, but also at preventing complications.
The most common complications include:

viral pneumonia;
bacterial pneumonia due to a viral infection;
complications of other respiratory organs: sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis;
inflammatory processes in the biliary system.

How to treat flu complications? The selection of therapy is carried out exclusively by the doctor after diagnosis. The basic principles are a combination of drugs aimed at combating the main infection and secondary disease, as well as taking into account the condition, age and individual reactions of the patient.

Flu and ARVI are diseases that affect most of the population in the autumn-winter period. Their symptoms and manifestations are different, but the treatment methods are very similar, since the causative agents are viruses. Effective treatment of influenza and ARVI allows the patient to avoid consequences and quickly return to their normal lifestyle.

Flu and ARVI, what are the differences?

destruction of the pathogen;
relief of the patient's condition;
prevention of complications.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic preparations for the treatment of influenza and ARVI, created entirely from natural ingredients. Such drugs have less negative effects on the body, rarely cause side effects and have a positive effect on the human immune system.

List of homeopathic remedies for influenza:

Antigrippin Agri - granules divided into two formulations, which must be taken alternately. Composition No. 1 – aconite, arsenic iodide, oakleaf toxicodendron. Composition No. 2 – bryonia, pulsatilla, meadow lumbago, hepar sulfur. Antigrippin Agri has a complex effect - relieves fever and inflammation, removes toxins, reduces the feeling of weakness, strengthens the immune system.
Oscillococcinum is a granular preparation containing anas barbarielium and hepatic et cordis extractum. Intended for the treatment of influenza, colds and mild to moderate acute respiratory viral infections. Manufacturers do not describe the properties of Oscillococcinum, but it is believed that it strengthens the body and makes the patient feel better if treatment is started from the first hours of the disease.
Edas 103 – drops that provide symptomatic properties. Contains: aconite, phosphorus D5, sundew, bryonia, toxicodendron oakleaf, gelsemium evergreen. Edas 103 relieves inflammation of the throat, reduces cough, lowers temperature, stabilizes breathing and improves the general condition of the patient.
Aflubin - tablets and drops consisting of gentian, aconite, Bryonia dioecious, ferrous phosphate and lactic acid. The drug relieves fever, inflammation, and removes toxins. Aflubin supports the functions of the mucous epithelium of the respiratory tract, reduces the severity of catarrhal symptoms and improves the general condition of patients with influenza and other viral diseases.
Influcid is a product available in two forms - lozenges and drops for internal use. The composition includes: aconite, dioecious dioecious, gelsemium evergreen, phosphorus D5, emetic root, perforated green leaf. Influcid is prescribed for acute respiratory viral infections accompanied by a severe cough, as it has a pronounced mucolytic effect, and also improves immunity and helps reduce temperature.

Homeopathic remedies must be prescribed by a specialist, since each remedy is aimed at eliminating specific symptoms. Self-administration of homeopathy is undesirable - despite its safety, treatment of ARVI can cause undesirable reactions.

Antipyretic drugs

Treatment of influenza and viral infections requires the use of antipyretic drugs, since the diseases are accompanied by hyperthermia. Patients are prescribed non-narcotic analgesics - they not only reduce high fever, but also eliminate pain in the head and muscles.

Antipyretic drugs:

- the most common antipyretic tablets, based on the substance paracetamol. Contains a minimum of auxiliary components, therefore it remains the remedy of choice for hyperthermia. Quickly relieves pain and reduces fever.
Nise is a drug based on the substance nimesulide, available in tablets and suspensions. It has a pronounced analgesic and antipyretic effect. Experts prefer to prescribe at a very high temperature that does not subside under the influence of other drugs.
- Compared to Paracetamol, these tablets have a more powerful effect, as they contain two active substances - paracetamol and ibuprofen.
To relieve fever and make you feel better, combined medications are prescribed:
Rinza is a tablet for internal use containing four components: paracetamol, caffeine, phenylephrine and chlorphenamine. Eliminates the main symptoms of flu and - fever, migraines, nasal congestion.
Theraflu is a powder for preparing a drinking solution. It includes: paracetamol, pheniramine maleate, phenylephrine hydrochloride and ascorbic acid. Theraflu eliminates catarrhal symptoms, chills, and pain for 4 hours.

Attention! Medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid are prohibited for influenza, as they can cause nasal and pulmonary bleeding.

High temperature stimulates the production of antibodies and helps suppress the activity of viruses. It can be knocked down during the flu only if it stays above 38.5°C and is not knocked down by rubbing and drinking large amounts of liquid.

Antibiotics

Treatment of influenza and ARVI with antibiotics is prescribed only in the presence of complications. They do not treat viral diseases, so it is unacceptable to refuse antiviral drugs - they are combined with antibiotics, which prevents the addition of a bacterial infection.

What antibiotics are prescribed?

Flemoklav are soluble tablets created on the basis of two components - sodium clavulanate. Indicated for the prevention and treatment of complications from the ENT organs.
– Available in capsules, tablets and suspensions. The active substance of the drug is Azithromycin, which has bacteriostatic properties against most gram-positive, gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria.
Zinnat is a powerful antibiotic whose active ingredient is Cefuroxime. Tablets or suspension are prescribed for influenza, if complications arise in the form of pneumonia, bronchitis, or there is a risk of inflammation of brain tissue.

If a viral infection is accompanied by respiratory complications caused by bacteria, doctors may prescribe inhaled antibiotics:

Fluimucil - contains the mucolytic acetylcysteine and the antibiotic thiamphenicol. It has mucolytic, expectorant and bacteriostatic effects.
Gentamicin is a solution containing an antibacterial substance - gentamicin. Kills gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, but is not effective against anaerobic microorganisms.

Antibiotics in the form of inhalation for ARVI can reduce the negative impact of drugs on the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore maintain the patient’s condition at a higher level.

What inexpensive but effective medications are used for influenza and ARVI?

Any virus, even a minor one, costs the patient a fairly large sum. Every visit to the pharmacy frightens patients, so they are interested in what inexpensive drugs can be used for ARVI.

Cheap means:

Rimantadine - tablets based on the substance rimantadine hydrochloride. It is recommended for the treatment of A, but the effect is observed if administration is started before infection or in the early period of the disease.
Anvimax is a combination product containing paracetamol, loratadine, rimantadine, rutoside, calcium gluconate and ascorbic acid. The action of Anvimax is aimed at relieving fever, reducing swelling in the nasopharynx, eliminating pain and suppressing viral replication. It has a therapeutic effect on influenza and helps eliminate symptoms of colds.
Cycloferon - tablets and injections based on meglumine acridone acetate. Properties: suppresses viral reproduction at an early stage of the disease, stimulates the immune system and eliminates inflammation.
Afludol is a tablet containing umifenovir hydrochloride. The drug is indicated for the treatment of influenza and ARVI, including those complicated by chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and secondary immunodeficiency conditions. Has an immunostimulating effect at the cellular level.
Amizon is the active component of the drug - enisamium iodide. Amizon has antiviral and immunostimulating properties. Helps suppress the proliferation of viruses that cause influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, eliminates acute clinical manifestations, and shortens the duration of the disease.

You can replace expensive symptomatic drugs with pharmacy tinctures. Calendula tincture is indicated for gargling, and alcohol tinctures of echinacea, eleutherococcus, lemongrass and ginseng help strengthen the immune system and increase vitality.

Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators for influenza and ARVI are prescribed to enhance the body's natural defenses, allowing the sick person to cope with the infection.

Such drugs are divided into several types:

means that strengthen the immune system;
immunostimulants with antiviral effects;
immunosuppressive drugs.

Having assessed the condition of the sick person, the doctor prescribes the most suitable immunomodulator:

Lykopid is a powerful immunostimulant with the active component glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide. Stimulates the production of antibodies, increases bactericidal properties, therefore it is often prescribed for influenza complicated by a bacterial infection.
Ingaron is an injectable drug based on gamma interferon. Prescribed for viral infections of moderate and severe stages to stimulate a stronger response of the immune system to the penetration of viral particles into the human body.
Grippferon – nasal drops based on interferon alpha-2b. Stimulates increased immunity at the local level. More often prescribed for the treatment of colds and acute respiratory viral infections.
– an immunostimulant based on azoximer bromide. Available in tablets, suppositories and lyophilisate for the preparation of injection solutions. Strengthens the immune system, helps fight viruses and reduces the severity of symptoms of a viral infection on the third day of treatment.
Neovir is an injection solution containing sodium oxodihydroacridinyl acetate. The powerful immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory effect of Neovir allows it to be prescribed for the treatment of influenza and ARVI in patients with immunodeficiency diseases, hepatitis and cancer.

Immunomodulators should not be taken uncontrolled, as long-term use or too large dosages lead to a disorder of the immune system. Such remedies can only be used for severe infections that the body is not able to cope with on its own.

Treatment of influenza with fever, cough and complications

Treatment of influenza should not be left to chance, as the disease is very dangerous and often causes complications. If the body temperature does not subside within five days, a severe cough appears, accompanied by chest pain, you should consult a doctor, as these symptoms indicate the severity of the disease.

Dangerous symptoms:

convulsions;
confusion;
hallucinations;
shortness of breath;
persistent pain in the back of the head;
temperature above 40°C;
disruption of the heart.

If the disease is complicated by pneumonia, heart problems, brain damage or seizures, hospitalization is required, especially in older patients and those with chronic diseases. Treatment in a hospital is selected individually, based on the clinical picture of the disease and the general condition of the patient.

Principles of treating colds and acute respiratory viral infections at home

For treatment of viral diseases at home to be effective, the patient must adhere to the following principles:

when the first symptoms appear, you should stay at home and ensure bed rest;
call a local doctor at home;
drink enough fluids;
ensure room ventilation;
carry out wet cleaning;
use a humidifier or other methods of humidifying the room (wet towels, spray bottles);
at high temperatures, do not overheat, remove excess clothing;
do not take a bath during the acute period.

Regardless of whether influenza is treated at home with folk remedies or with the help of medications, it is worth constantly monitoring the patient’s condition and calling a local doctor if it worsens.

Traditional treatment of influenza and ARVI

Treatment of influenza with folk remedies in adults involves taking decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs.

What does treatment of influenza include with folk remedies?

The most effective folk remedies are those with a combined composition:

Mix chopped willow bark, chamomile and linden flowers, and rose hips in equal parts. Pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of the mixture, strain and take a third of a glass before meals.
Mix rose hips, eucalyptus leaves, oregano and birch buds. Brew a handful of the mixture into 500 ml. boiling water, leave for half an hour and take a glass after meals.
Take echinacea, lemon balm, blackcurrant and strawberry leaves in equal parts. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into two glasses of boiling water, leave and drink 100 ml. every 3-4 hours.

Treatment of influenza with folk remedies to relieve symptoms:

rinse your nose and gargle with a solution of sea salt;
use an infusion of calendula flowers for washing and rinsing;
Bring a glass of milk with sage leaves to a boil. Drink before bed, when the broth has cooled;
Pour alkaline mineral water into half a glass. Drink three times a day;
Wipe with warm water and vinegar to relieve fever.

Attention! The compatibility of medications and traditional medicines should be discussed with a therapist.

Folk remedies for treating influenza and acute respiratory viral infections help strengthen the immune system, get rid of coughs and prevent the development of complications. Colds and mild viral infections can only be cured using unconventional methods, but treating influenza with folk remedies at home does not exclude the use of antiviral drugs.

Informative video

Influenza is an acute infectious disease that occurs as a result of the penetration of viruses of type A, B or C into the body. Influenza is an extremely dangerous infectious disease that every person has encountered at least once in their life.

This disease occupies one of the leading places among all infectious diseases. Outbreaks of influenza epidemics occur almost every year.

The disease has been known to mankind since prehistoric times. The first doctor to describe the disease was Hippocrates. In the Middle Ages, the disease was described as a fever, because most patients experienced an increase in body temperature to high levels. For the first time, an influenza epidemic was recorded in England and Germany. The disease was a headache for scientists and doctors who were trying to find a panacea and prevent the occurrence of epidemics. The name influenza, which means to catch, was given to the disease due to its ability to spread quickly and rapidly.

The disease brought its first great losses among humanity after the First World War, which took with it much fewer human lives. After this epidemic, it became clear that even people with strong immunity cannot overcome the disease on their own.

The labor-intensive process of inventing a vaccine for the disease began. The first flu vaccine was tested on soldiers during World War II. To date, more than 200 types of influenza have been registered, but they are all similar in the nature of their manifestations.

Flu treatment

Treatment of the disease is complex and includes the use of a number of medications aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease and fighting the viruses that provoked its occurrence.

Viruses are extracellular life forms that are capable of reproducing in more advanced cells. When the virus enters a cell, it begins to actively multiply. Viruses can cause many diseases. Infection occurs through air, food, and water.

Antiviral drugs are medications intended to treat viral pathologies. These drugs are also used to prevent colds and flu. It is almost impossible to destroy the virus without damaging the structure of the cell. In most cases, antiviral drugs for colds and flu are ineffective.

The best effect can be achieved by using antiviral drugs for prophylactic purposes.

The first drug with a specific antiviral effect was called thiosemicarbazone.

Antiviral agents:

inhibit the synthesis of early viral proteins;
increase resistance to the virus;
inhibit virus adsorption.

Undoubtedly, the list of medications against flu and colds should also include antiviral agents. Tablets for flu and colds are varied and today there are an incredible number of them.

The most popular antiviral drugs for influenza

According to many experts, the best cure for influenza. The medicine is produced in Switzerland. Available in the form of hard gelatin capsules. The active substance is osaltomevir. Osaltomevir is an effective inhibitor of viruses type A and B. The active substance inhibits the growth of the virus and suppresses its replication.

Clinical studies of the drug have shown that it can significantly reduce the time of manifestation of the disease.

In patients with a confirmed diagnosis who received Tamiflu as treatment, the disease was more mild. In young people without additional chronic diseases, the drug reduced the occurrence of complications by 50%.

Among the pediatric population who used Tamiflu as treatment, there was also a positive trend in terms of the duration of the disease and a reduction in the occurrence of complications. There has also been a lot of research into prevention with medication.

If a person who had a family member who was sick started taking Tamiflu within the first two days after the onset of symptoms, then infection was prevented in 92% of cases.

This medicine against colds is taken regardless of food intake. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the recommended dose is 75 mg (2 times a day). It is not recommended to prescribe the product to children under 12 years of age.

Arbidol. Quite a popular Russian drug. Prescribed as a cure for colds and flu. Available in the form of yellow capsules. A specific antiviral agent that inhibits viruses A and B. It interacts with viral cells and prevents the fusion of the virus and a healthy cell. Helps reduce the occurrence of complications, reduce the severity of symptoms of intoxication and shorten the duration of the disease.

Arbidol is a low-toxic medicine and in recommended doses has virtually no negative effect on the body.

Contraindicated for children under 3 years of age. It must be taken before meals, adults and children over 12 years old 200 mg, children under 12 years old 100 mg, up to 4 times a day. The World Health Organization does not consider arbidol and drugs similar in chemical composition as promising.

Interferon-based drugs

Interferon– these are specific proteins secreted by the body in response to the introduction of viruses. A medicine for flu and colds based on interferon promotes the synthesis of substances that prevent further reproduction of viruses.

– a product that contains various subtypes of natural interferon. The effect of interferon is to increase resistance to the possible effects of viruses. To treat colds, interferon is instilled into the nose. The dosage is prescribed depending on the severity of the disease and the age of the patient. It is not recommended to use the medicine during pregnancy, kidney and liver problems.

Amiksin. An effective cure for influenza and ARVI pathogens. Manufactured as a biconvex orange tablet. Synthetic interferon synthesizer, promotes the production of interferon. The maximum amount of interferon in the body is contained 24 hours after administration. Amiksin has an immunomodulatory effect. Contraindicated for children under 7 years of age, pregnant and nursing mothers. When treating influenza, the daily dose is 125 mg.

Cycloferon. A drug for flu and colds, which is an interferon inducer, has a strong antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect. The maximum dose of interferon in the blood is observed 2-3 hours after taking the medicine. Contraindications for use: pregnancy, cirrhosis, children under 4 years of age. Taken once a day before meals, the dose depends on the age of the patient.

Immunostimulants

Immunostimulants are often used to treat the disease. These remedies promote a speedy recovery, strengthen the body's defenses and prevent additional infections.

There are no reliable facts indicating the effectiveness of the use of immunostimulants, however, most people who used these drugs during illness noted a good effect.

Synthetic immune stimulants:

Homeopathic remedy. A common medicine that comes in the form of drops and tablets, it contains herbal ingredients. Aflubin has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Increases the activity of local immunity. Allowed for use in children under 1 year of age. The most effective remedy for colds and flu, if used in the first two days after the onset of the illness. Tablets and drops are taken 3 times a day, 5 drops for children and 10 for adults, for 5 days. It is not advisable to prescribe the drug during pregnancy.
Immunal. Foreign-made drug. An effective remedy for colds and flu that strengthens the immune system. It is produced in the form of tablets and solution for oral administration. The active ingredient is Echinacea purpurea. Helps increase nonspecific immunity. A domestically produced analogue is an alcohol solution of Echinacea. Dosage of the medicine: adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day, as a solution of 2.5 ml. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to components and autoimmune diseases.

Cold and flu medications also include medications that reduce or eliminate symptoms of illness.

Depending on the symptoms of manifestation, the following groups of drugs can be used:

Antibacterial therapy

In most cases, antibacterial therapy is not required to treat the disease, since antibiotics have a detrimental effect on bacteria, and influenza is caused by viruses. However, if complications arise, you cannot do without their help.

When a bacterial infection occurs, Avelox, Zinnat, and Levofloxacin are prescribed.

If you experience the slightest symptoms of the disease, you should contact a specialist who will tell you what medications to take for the flu. You should not self-medicate, because the disease can lead to serious consequences.