Diseases of the upper respiratory tract- a group of diseases of inflammatory and non-inflammatory nature. These include a common runny nose and sore throat, diseases of the larynx and trachea, and paranasal sinuses.
Every fourth person on Earth suffers from pathology of the upper respiratory tract of infectious etiology. The Russian climate predisposes to massive outbreaks of these diseases between September and April.
Currently, medicine has studied up to 300 microorganisms that can cause diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In addition, working in hazardous industries and constantly inhaling irritants chemical substances can cause chronic inflammation of the nose, pharynx and larynx. Allergies and a decrease in the body's immune forces can also trigger the appearance of upper respiratory tract diseases.
The most common upper respiratory tract diseases
- Anosmia is a disease based on disorders of the sense of smell. This pathology can be observed with congenital defects, genetic abnormalities or after traumatic injury nasal septum.
- A runny nose or rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Arises as a defensive response to the introduction of bacteria, viruses or agents into it allergic origin. It is often the first clinical sign of various infections: measles, influenza, scarlet fever, and severe hypothermia.
On initial stage Rhinitis is characterized by a feeling of congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, then heavy discharge and nasal sound appear. Subsequently, the discharge becomes thick, mucous or purulent and decreases.
Chronic runny nose manifests itself constant congestion, decreased sense of smell and scanty discharge from the nose. - Sinusitis refers to acute respiratory infections, most often a complication after viral diseases such as influenza, scarlet fever, measles. The disease manifests itself as inflammation paranasal sinuses nose Symptoms include increased body temperature, severe congestion on the affected side, headaches and heavy discharge from the nose. The chronic form of the disease is characterized by a gradual course.
- Adenoiditis is an inflammation of the nasal tonsil, caused by melting and changes in the composition of its tissue. The disease manifests itself in childhood, most often from 3 to 11 years. A clear sign of the disease is difficulty breathing and sleep disturbances in children; hearing loss, changes in voice timbre, and headaches may also occur.
- Tonsillitis - swelling and hyperemia of the pharyngeal tonsils. Their inflammation can develop as a result of a viral or bacterial attack. The disease is characterized by: heat, difficulty and pain when swallowing, symptoms of intoxication. Chronic tonsillitis is dangerous because pathological toxins released during inflammation of the tonsils have a detrimental effect on the heart muscle, disrupting its function.
- A retropharyngeal abscess develops as a result of the accumulation of pus in the submucosa of the pharynx. This acute disease is manifested by a sharp rise in temperature and severe pain when swallowing.
- Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx. Caused by both infectious agents and prolonged inhalation or ingestion of irritating chemicals. Pharyngitis is characterized by a dry cough, rawness and sore throat.
- Laryngitis is a process that develops in the larynx. Inflammation is caused by microorganisms, influences external environment, hypothermia. The disease manifests itself as a dry throat, hoarseness, initially a dry and then a wet cough.
- Tumor processes develop in all parts of the upper respiratory tract. Signs of neoplasms are constant pain on the affected side, bleeding and general asthenic manifestations.
Diagnostics
Making a diagnosis for upper respiratory tract diseases begins with examining the patient. The doctor pays attention to redness of the skin under the nose, difficulty breathing, episodes of sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Examining the throat, the doctor can see pronounced redness and swelling of the mucous membranes.
To determine the type of pathogen that caused the development of the disease, bacteriological tests are used, swabs are taken from the throat and nose. To determine the severity of the inflammatory process and response immune system on him for being examined general tests blood and urine.
Treatment
With proper and timely treatment, inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract disappear without a trace. Having identified the causative agent of the infection, the doctor prescribes a course of antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal agents. Good effect provides the use of topical medications, sprays for irrigating the nose and throat, and solutions for gargling and lubricating the throat. For severe nasal congestion, it is prescribed vasoconstrictor drops, at a temperature - antipyretics.
Throat abscesses require surgical intervention - opening the abscess, this procedure is carried out strictly in a hospital. Allergic manifestations require the use of antihistamines and hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In the chronic course of the disease, vitamin and herbal therapy are additionally carried out. Popular methods of treating diseases of the nasopharynx and throat are physiotherapy: VHF, quartz, electrophoresis. At home, inhalations with a nebulizer or warm steam are good, foot baths with mustard.
Treatment of tumors requires complex treatment, using surgical techniques and chemotherapy.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of acute respiratory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, it is necessary to follow safety measures in the midst of infection: avoid crowded places, carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene, use a gauze bandage.
For patients suffering chronic diseases nose, throat and pharynx must undergo a medical examination at least once a year and a course of necessary therapy.
Important role in maintaining health and immunity respiratory system leading a healthy lifestyle plays a role physical activity, walks, outdoor recreation) and refusal bad habits(smoking, alcohol)
Damage to the upper respiratory tract by infection very often manifests itself in tracheitis. Moreover, this disease most often occurs during epidemics of influenza and ARVI.
Tracheitis is manifested by inflammation of the tracheal mucosa and can occur in both acute and chronic form. According to doctors, infections are the main cause of inflammation of the trachea.
Trachea looks like a cartilaginous tube, consisting of one and a half dozen segments - rings. All segments are interconnected by ligaments of fibrous tissue. The mucous membranes of this tube are represented by ciliated epithelium. Mucous glands are present in large numbers on the membranes.
When the trachea becomes inflamed, its mucous membranes swell. There is tissue infiltration and the release of large amounts of mucus into the tracheal cavity. If the source of the disease is infection, then clearly visible pinpoint hemorrhages can be seen on the surface of the mucosa. When the disease enters the chronic stage, then the mucous membrane of the organ first hypertrophies and then atrophies. With hypertrophy, mucopurulent sputum is produced. With atrophy there is very little sputum. Moreover, the mucous membranes dry out and may even become crusty. Against this background, the patient develops a persistent dry cough.
may develop for the following reasons:- Infectious path of development. Various viruses and bacteria enter the upper respiratory tract and cause inflammation, which then spreads to the trachea. The disease can be caused by influenza virus, pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci and fungi.
- Non-infectious path of development. Inflammation of the trachea can develop due to hypothermia of the upper respiratory tract or exposure to dust, chemicals, or steam.
The likelihood of developing tracheitis is much higher if a person is exposed to the following factors:
Infectious infection, which causes inflammation of the trachea, usually occurs upon contact with a sick person or contaminated object. By the way, the carrier of the infection may not even suspect that he is infected. He may not have any clinical manifestations diseases.
Infection can occur through airborne droplets and contact and household ways. For this reason, almost all people experience tracheal inflammation at least once in their lives.
Symptoms of the disease
Tracheitis can be acute or chronic. Each form of the disease has its own symptoms and characteristics.
Acute inflammation of the trachea
The disease manifests itself on the 3rd day after the onset of symptoms of inflammation of the nasopharynx and damage to the larynx. The first symptom of acute tracheitis is low-grade hyperthermia. Less commonly, body temperature can rise to 38.5 ° Celsius. Next come signs of intoxication. The patient begins to complain of weakness, pain throughout the body, and sweating. Often the patient's nose is stuffy.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is a severe dry cough that does not bring relief at night, and a morning cough that produces a large amount of sputum.
In children, inflammation of the trachea manifests itself in coughing attacks, which can be provoked by laughter, sudden movement, or a breath of cold air.
Regardless of age, a person with tracheitis begins to feel a sore throat and rawness in the sternum. Because deep breaths provoke painful coughing attacks, the patient begins to breathe shallowly.
When the larynx is involved in acute inflammation of the trachea, then the patient experiences a barking cough.
When listening to the patient's breathing using a phonendoscope, the doctor may hear dry and moist rales.
The disease develops into this form when the patient does not receive timely treatment for acute tracheitis. However, there are often cases when chronic inflammation trachea develops without acute stage. Usually, similar pathology observed in people who smoke a lot and use a large number of alcohol. This can also happen to patients who have other chronic diseases of the respiratory system, heart and kidneys. These diseases can provoke stagnation of blood in the upper respiratory tract, which provokes the development of chronic tracheitis.
The main symptom of chronic tracheitis is cough. In the chronic form of the disease, it is painful and comes in the form severe attacks. During the day, a person may not cough at all, but at night attacks will prevent him from falling asleep. The sputum with such a cough is often purulent.
Chronic inflammation of the trachea always occurs with periods of exacerbation, during which its symptoms become similar to those of acute tracheitis.
Complications of inflammation of the trachea
In most cases, with an isolated course, this disease does not cause any complications. However, if the disease occurs in combination, various rather dangerous complications may develop. For example, laryngeal stenosis. It is usually detected in young patients with laryngotracheitis. In adult patients with tracheobronchitis, obstruction of the upper respiratory tract may develop.
If you start treating tracheitis on time, it can be dealt with in just a couple of weeks.
Diagnosis of the disease
Diagnosis is made based on medical history and instrumental methods research. Initially, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints, identifies concomitant diseases, finds out the living conditions of the patient. After additional auscultation, the doctor can already make a primary diagnosis, but to clarify, he conducts several additional studies. In particular, he does laryngoscopy. With such a study, he can determine the degree of change in the tracheal mucosa: the presence of mucus, hemorrhages, infiltrates.
The patient may be prescribed a chest X-ray, sputum testing and spirometry.
A general blood test completes the diagnosis of tracheal inflammation.
Treatment begins with medication. The fact is that in most cases this disease is caused by an infection. Therefore, medications can quickly eliminate the cause of the disease. In most cases, when drug treatment Broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. Medicines from the group of natural penicillins perform best.
If tracheitis is complicated by bronchitis, then natural penicillins are added semisynthetic antibiotics latest generation.
In cases where infectious tracheitis is not complicated in any way, the following drugs are used in the treatment of the disease:
- Antitussives.
- Antiviral.
- Immunomodulators.
- Antihistamines.
It is most effective to use the above drugs in the form of aerosols. In this case, they quickly penetrate into all parts of the trachea and bronchi.
For tracheitis, the most effective medications are:
- Sumamed.
- Lazolvan.
- Berodual.
- Sinekod.
- Bioparox.
If the patient has hyperthermia, then antipyretics are prescribed for treatment. But he can only use them under the supervision of a doctor.
Tracheitis can also be treated by inhalation. For this treatment you need to use a nebulizer. This device sprays medications, but at the same time provides a concentrated effect directly on the affected areas.
According to doctors, inhalations are the most effective remedy home treatment tracheitis.
Tracheitis can be treated at home using the following medications:
Antibiotics in treatment inflammation of the trachea are used in the following cases:
- There are signs of developing pneumonia.
- within 14 days.
- Hyperthermia occurs for several days.
- Enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes in the nose and ears.
They show themselves to be quite good at treating tracheitis folk remedies. They can be combined with traditional means treatment, but cannot be used as independent therapy.
For tracheitis, a hot drink consisting of from milk with honey. To prepare it, you need to heat a glass of milk and add a teaspoon of honey to it, and add a little soda.
Also, treatment of inflammation of the trachea can be carried out using rinsing solutions based on decoctions of sage, chamomile and calendula.
Physiotherapeutic treatment can effectively combat tracheitis. It includes UHF, massage and electrophoresis.
Prevention
To never encounter tracheitis you need follow simple rules:
- Aim for healthy image life.
- Temper your body regularly.
- Try not to get too cold.
- To refuse from bad habits.
- Treat upper respiratory tract diseases in a timely manner.
Attention, TODAY only!
Diseases upper sections respiratory tract infections may be caused by exposure to viruses or bacteria. The latter lead to damage to the mucous membrane much more often, and for their treatment it is advisable to use antibacterial agents. Local physicians and pediatricians often do not have enough time to establish the exact factor that led to the development of rhinitis or tonsillitis, so it is necessary to use broad-spectrum drugs: penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides.
Treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases
Diseases of the upper respiratory system include:
- rhinitis, or runny nose;
- otitis, or inflammation in the middle ear;
- infection of the lymphopharyngeal ring of the pharynx, or tonsillitis, adenoiditis;
- inflammation of the sinuses, or sinusitis;
- hoarseness due to pathology in the larynx - pharyngitis;
- inflammation of the back wall of the mouth and pharynx.
Doctors use various drugs, the choice of which depends on the cause of the disease: for a viral infection, they are prescribed antivirals, and when identifying bacteria in the mucous membrane of an organ, antibacterial drugs are used. The main antibiotics used to treat diseases of the ENT organs include:
- Penicillins, the main representatives of which are Ampicillin, Amoxiclav, Flemoxin Solutab and others.
- Fluoroquinolones are “reserve” drugs prescribed for allergic intolerance to drugs from the penicillin group. The most commonly used are Levofloxacin, Avelox, Moximac, etc.
- Cephalosporins are broad-spectrum drugs. The names of the representatives are Kefsepim, Ceftriaxone, Zinnat.
- Macrolides have a mechanism of action similar to penicillins, but are more toxic. This group includes Summed, Azithromycin, Hemomycin.
Penicillins
Penicillins are broad-spectrum antibacterial agents that were discovered in the middle of the last century. They belong to beta-lactams and are produced by fungi of the same name. These antibiotics fight many pathogens: gonococci, staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, etc. The mechanism of action of penicillins is associated with specific influence on the wall of the microbe, which is destroyed, which makes it impossible for the infection to reproduce and spread.
The drugs are used for:
- inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system (otitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, tracheitis);
- kidney diseases, Bladder, urethra, prostate gland;
- infections of the musculoskeletal system;
- pathology gastrointestinal tract(gastritis, enteritis, pancreatitis).
Ampicillin is one of the very first drugs in this group, so many pathogens have developed resistance and do not die when treated with it. Now doctors prescribe improved medications - this is Amoxiclav, to which clavulanic acid has been added - it protects the main substance and facilitates its entry into the microbe.
Flemoxin Solutab contains amoxicillin in various dosages; it is also available in tablet form. However, its price is almost 10 times higher than the domestic drug.
Ampicillin helps cure diseases caused by the following microbes: streptococcus, staphylococcus, clostridia, Haemophilus influenzae and neisseria. Contraindications for prescribing the drug are allergic intolerance to penicillins, liver failure, drug-induced colitis and age under one month.
For the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory system, children over 10 years of age and adult patients are prescribed one tablet - 500 mg 2 times a day. Patients from 3 to 10 years old are recommended to take 375 g (250 mg and half a tablet) 2 times a day. kids over a year old should take only 1 tablet of 250 mg twice. The course of treatment lasts no more than 7 days, after which a re-examination is necessary.
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones are powerful antibacterial agents, and therefore are used only for the treatment of diseases with severe complications or in cases of intolerance to beta-lactam drugs. The mechanism of their action is associated with inhibition of the enzyme responsible for gluing protein chains in bacterial nucleic acids. When exposed to the drug, vital processes are disrupted and the pathogen dies. With long-term use of fluoroquinolones, addiction may develop as a result of improved bacterial defense mechanisms.
These antibiotics are used to treat:
- acute inflammation of the nasal sinuses;
- chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis;
- recurrent bronchitis and tracheitis;
- diseases of the urinary system;
- pathologies of the skin and its appendages.
Levofloxacin is one of the very first drugs in this group. He has wide range Actions: kills many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Contraindications for prescribing Levofloxacin are epilepsy, amnesia, allergic intolerance to the drug, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and minor age. For treatment acute inflammation nasal sinuses, the drug is prescribed in a dose of 500 mg - this is 1 tablet, which must be taken for 2 weeks. Therapy for laryngitis and tracheitis lasts less - 7 days at the same dosage.
Avelox is a fluoroquinolone and is used to treat respiratory diseases. It contains moxifloxacin, which also has a bactericidal effect against many microorganisms. The drug should not be used for young children, with pathology nervous system (convulsive syndrome), arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, renal failure, pregnancy, breastfeeding and for patients with pseudomembranous ulcerative colitis. For treatment, Avelox is prescribed at a dose of 400 mg once a day for 5 days, after which the patient must consult a doctor again. Side effects are often headaches, drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, confusion, and loss of coordination. After these symptoms occur, it is necessary to stop treatment and change the drug.
Moximac is a drug with a wider spectrum of action, as it suppresses the activity of sporogenic legionella, chlamydia, and methylene-resistant strains of staphylococcus. After oral administration, the drug is absorbed instantly and is detected in the blood within 5 minutes. It binds to transport proteins in the blood and circulates in the body for up to 72 hours, and after 3 days it is excreted by the kidneys. Moximac should not be used on children under 18 years of age as it is highly toxic. The drug inhibits the activity of the nervous system and disrupts metabolic processes in the liver. Moximac is also not recommended for use by pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, since the pathological effect is exerted on the fetus as a result of the passage of fluoroquinolones through the placental barrier. For the treatment of respiratory organs, the drug is prescribed 1 tablet per day, they must be taken for 5 days.
Fluoroquinolones can be taken only once a day, since the half-life of the drug is more than 12 hours.
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins belong to beta-lactam antibiotics and were first isolated chemically from the fungi of the same name. Mechanism of action medicines this group is to oppress chemical reactions, which are involved in the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. As a result of this, pathogens die and do not spread throughout the body. Currently, 5 generations of cephalosporins have been synthesized:
- 1st generation: Cephalexin, Cefazolin. They affect mainly gram-positive flora - staphylococcus, streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria. Cephalexin and Cefazolin do not affect Proteus and Pseudomonas. For the treatment of respiratory organs, 0.25 mg per 1 kg of body weight is prescribed in 4 divided doses. The duration of the course is 5 days.
- 2nd generation: Cefaclor, Cefuroxime. Bactericidal against staphylococcus, beta-hemolytic and common streptococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Peptococcus and acne pathogens. Resistance to Cefaclor is present in several species of Proteus, Enterococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, Morganella, and Providence. The treatment method is to take 1 tablet every 6 hours for a week.
- 3rd generation: Cefixime, Cefotaxime, Cefpodoxime. Help in the fight against staphylococcus, streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Morganella, coli, Proteus, the causative agent of gonorrhea, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Clostridium and Enterobacteriaceae. The half-life of the drugs lasts no more than 6 hours, so for the treatment of diseases it is recommended to follow the following dosage regimen - 6 days, 1 tablet 4 times a day.
- 4th generation: Cefepime and Cefpirom. Drugs are prescribed when resistance (resistance) of the pathogen to 3rd generation cephalosporins and aminoglycosides is detected. It has a wide spectrum of action and helps cure diseases caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus, enterobacteria, neisseria, gonococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella, clostridia, Proteus, etc. For the treatment of respiratory organs, the 4th generation of cephalosporins is used only when severe complications as purulent meningitis with acute bacterial otitis. These drugs are produced only in injection form, therefore they are used during inpatient treatment.
- Modern drugs of the 5th, latest generation of cephalosporins include Ceftobiprole medocaril sodium. It is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent and affects all types of respiratory pathogens, including protected forms of streptococcus. Applies only in severe cases when serious complications have arisen and the patient is on the verge of life and death. Available in the form of ampoules for intravenous administration, therefore used in hospital settings. After taking Ceftopribol, there is allergic reaction in the form of a moderate rash or itching.
Cephalosporins are used to treat inflammatory diseases nasopharynx and throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, gastritis, colitis, pancreatitis. Contraindications for their use are minors, pregnancy, lactation, liver failure and kidney disease.
Among side effects fungal diseases of the skin, vagina and urethra. Headaches, dizziness, itching, redness, a local increase in temperature at the injection site, nausea and changes are also observed. laboratory parameters blood (decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin, increase in the level of cellular transaminases and other enzymes). During treatment with cephalosporins, it is not recommended to use drugs from the group of monobactams, aminoglycosides and tetracyclines.
Macrolides
Macrolides are separate group antibacterial agents with a wide spectrum of action. They are used to treat many diseases in all areas of medicine. Representatives of this group have a powerful bactericidal effect against gram-positive microorganisms (staphylococcus, streptococcus, meningococcus and other cocci) and intracellular obligate pathogens (chlamydia, legionella, campylobacter, etc.). Macrolides are produced synthetically based on the combination of a lactone ring and carbon atoms. Depending on the carbon content, preparations are divided into:
- 14-membered - Erythromycin, Clarithromycin. Their half-life ranges from 1.5 to 7 hours. It is recommended to take 3 tablets per day one hour before meals. The course of treatment lasts 5-7 days, depending on the type of pathogen and the severity of the course.
- 15-membered - Azithromycin. It is eliminated from the body within 35 hours. For the treatment of respiratory organs, adults take 0.5 g per 1 kg of body weight for 3 days. Children are prescribed 10 mg per 1 kg per day, which also must be consumed within 3 days.
- 16-membered ones are modern drugs, which include Josamycin, Spiramycin. They are taken orally an hour before meals, in a dose of 6-9 million units for 3 doses. The course of treatment lasts no more than 3 days.
When treating diseases with macrolides, it is important to observe the time of administration and diet, since absorption in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract decreases in the presence of food in it (food residues do not affect harmful influence). After entering the blood, they bind to proteins and are transported to the liver and then to other organs. In the liver, macrolides are transformed from a proactive to an active form with the help of a special enzyme - cytochrome. The latter is activated only at 10-12 years of age, so the use of antibiotics in children younger age Not recommended. Cytochrome in the child’s liver is in less active state, the effect of the antibiotic on the pathogen is disrupted. For young children (over 6 months), a 16-membered macrolide can be used, which does not undergo an activation reaction in this organ.
Macrolides are used for:
- Diseases of the upper respiratory tract: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis.
- Inflammatory processes in the lower parts of the respiratory system: pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis.
- Bacterial infections: whooping cough, diphtheria, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea.
- Diseases of the skeletal system: osteomyelitis, abscess, periodontitis and periostitis.
- Bacterial sepsis.
- Diabetic foot when infection occurs.
- Acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis.
Adverse reactions are extremely rare, including discomfort in the abdominal region, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, hearing impairment, headache, dizziness, prolonged electrocardiogram readings, allergic urticaria and itching. Macrolides should not be prescribed to pregnant women, since azithromycin is a factor contributing to the development of abnormalities in the fetus.
Antibiotics for diseases of the upper respiratory tract should be used only when the cause of the disease has been identified, since if used incorrectly, many complications may develop in the form of fungal infections or dysfunction of the body.
ARVI is a group of acute human infectious diseases transmitted by airborne droplets and characterized by predominant damage to the respiratory system. ARVIs are the most common human infectious diseases. ARVIs include influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviral diseases, respiratory syncytial, rhinovirus and coronavirus infections, and enteroviral diseases.Flu
Influenza is an acute viral disease that can affect the upper and lower respiratory tract, is accompanied by severe intoxication and can lead to serious complications and even death. The source of the disease isInfluenza is one of the most common infectious diseases, capable of leading to massive outbreaks and even epidemics almost every year. Included in the group of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). There are three types of influenza viruses - A, B and C.
Influenza A virus is unique among infectious disease agents. The variability of its surface antigens, especially, contributes to the emergence of new variants of the influenza A virus, to which there is no immunity.
Virus C causes outbreaks followed by a period of calm for 3 to 4 years. Virus C causes sporadic cases. Immunity after influenza lasts for 1 - 3 years.
The influenza virus is not stable in the external environment. In indoor air it dies within a few hours, at 60°C in 4 - 5 minutes. The virus can survive for months in a dried state at -20° and -70°C. Sensitive to chloramine, formalin, ether, ultraviolet rays, ultrasound and heat.
Influenza infection occurs mainly from infected patients.
The incubation period lasts from several hours to 2 days.
Clinical symptoms flu
The incubation period lasts from several hours to 2 days. The severity of the onset of the disease is characteristic: chills, general malaise, rise in temperature with pain in joints and muscles. Pain in the eyes, sore throat, runny nose and cough appear.
This is followed by the development of symptoms that last for 7 days. The influenza clinic during different pandemics is constant, despite greater or lesser changes in surface glycoproteins. Most serious complications- (viral, bacterial or mixed), changes in the central nervous system.
Diagnosis of influenza. The final diagnosis is made based on data on the presence of an epidemic. During the inter-epidemic period, influenza is rare. A virological study is also performed to confirm the diagnosis. Specific diagnosis is based on the isolation of the virus from the test material and the determination of antibodies in paired patient sera.
Prevention and treatment of influenza. Prevention of influenza is based on isolating patients, ventilating rooms, damp cleaning them with a chloramine solution, and using masks during influenza outbreaks. For immunization, an inactivated or live attenuated vaccine is used, obtained from certain types of influenza virus cultivated in chicken embryos. The vaccine is instilled into the nasal passages or sprayed into the upper respiratory tract.
Patients are isolated from others in a separate room or a screen is placed. During elevated temperatures, bed rest is observed, and drinking plenty of fluids, milk-vegetable table and multivitamins. The most effective are anti-influenza and leukocyte drugs in the nasal passages (in the first days from the onset of the disease). In addition, 500 mg are prescribed 3 times a day and containing 0.5 mg acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin), 0.3 mg ascorbic acid, 0.02 mg diphenhydramine, 0.02 mg rutin, 0.1 mg calcium lactate. Last resort applied within 5 days. Lubricating the nasal membrane with 0.25% is also effective. Also, antibiotics are used for treatment: with penicillin, as well.
Adenovirus infection
Adenoviral infection - acute infection, which is characterized by intoxication, fever and damage to the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract; the lymphatic system and conjunctiva of the eyes may also be involved in the process. Adenoviral infection is widespread and accounts for more than one third of acute respiratory viral infections. The causative agent of adenovirus infection is an adenovirus. Adenoviruses are stable in the external environment, withstand low temperatures well, are resistant to organic solvents - chloroform, ether, alkaline solutions and others; when heated to 60° C, they die after 30 minutes.Infection with adenoviral infection occurs from a sick person who excretes the pathogen with nasal and nasopharyngeal mucus, and later with feces. There is also a risk of infection from virus carriers. The route of infection is airborne, and later fecal-oral. Children aged 6 months to 5 years are most susceptible to infection.
Clinical symptoms adenovirus infection
The most common lesion is the upper respiratory tract. The disease is very similar to a cold, often with symptoms. Causes a dry cough. Also, adenoviral infection can affect the eyes - adenoviral conjunctivitis.
The time from the moment of infection with the virus to the appearance of initial signs disease lasts from 5 to 14 days. In children, from the first days of illness, difficult nasal breathing, puffiness of the face, and serous rhinitis with profuse discharge appear. Characteristic sign disease - pharyngitis with a pronounced component. Pharyngitis is characterized by mild pain or sore throat. On examination, hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles is revealed against the background of edematous and hyperemic mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall. The tonsils are enlarged; in some patients, white, tender plaques are visible, which can be easily removed with a spatula. In adults, unlike children, clinical signs of bronchitis are rarely detected.
The cervical, submandibular, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes are often enlarged.
In 10-12% of patients, the liver and spleen are enlarged; in young children (less often in adults), there may be abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loose stools.
Diagnosis of adenoviral infection
Clinically, adenovirus infection is diagnosed by the presence of conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, and fever.
Differential diagnosis is carried out with ARVI of another etiology, oropharyngeal diphtheria, ocular diphtheria, and tonsillitis. Adenoviral infection has a number of similar symptoms to infectious mononucleosis and typhoid fever.
Treatment of adenovirus infection
In case of uncomplicated course of the disease, they are usually limited to local measures: they prescribe eye drops(0.05% deoxyribonuclease solution or 20-30% sodium sulfacyl solution). For purulent or membranous conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis (excluding cases with corneal ulcerations!), 1% hydrocortisone or prednisolone ointment is placed behind the eyelid. Recommended vitamins antihistamines, symptomatic remedies. In case of severe infection, it is possible to prescribe arbidol, interferon preparations and its inducers.
Diphtheria (croup)
Diphtheria is an infectious disease transmitted by airborne droplets and caused by diphtheria bacillus(Corynebacterium diphtheriae), which leads to damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems with symptoms of intoxication. It is characterized by an inflammatory process of the upper respiratory tract and the formation of a diphtheria film at the site of infection.Etiology and pathogenesis of diphtheria.
The source of the infectious agent is a patient with diphtheria. The main route of transmission of the pathogen is airborne; the intensity of pathogen release increases in persons with inflammatory diseases of the oropharynx and nose, including acute respiratory viral infections. Very rarely, infection occurs through. In regions with hot climates, skin diphtheria is recorded with a contact-household transmission mechanism.
Diphtheria is characterized by seasonality, most often the peak incidence is recorded in autumn and early winter. Diphtheria most often occurs in adolescents aged 2 to 11 years; it occurs less frequently in older adults and adults.
The entry gates for the causative agent of diphtheria can be the mucous membranes of the oropharynx, nose, larynx, less often the eyes, genitals, and damaged areas of the skin. The diphtheria bacillus secretes, when exposed to the body it occurs. In addition, the exotoxin causes increased vascular permeability at the site of penetration, resulting in the formation of diphtheria inflammation with the formation of films that often extend beyond the tonsils.
Clinical symptoms of diphtheria.
The incubation period for infection lasts from several hours to 12 days, more often 2 - 7 days.
the period is rare, while 5 - 7 days before the onset of the disease, fever, sore throat, and hyperemia of the palatine tonsils are noted for 1 - 2 days. More often (up to 15 - 20% of cases) diphtheria is preceded by manifestations of acute respiratory viral infections. Diphtheria of the pharynx.
In a localized form, plaque can be located on the tonsils and palatine arches. In the common form, in addition to the tonsils, the soft palate and nasopharyngeal mucosa are affected. A type of diphtheria of the pharynx is that manifests itself in the tonsils; in this case, the diagnosis is made when diphtheria bacilli are detected in swabs from the pharynx. Localized form.
It occurs very often. It begins with pain when swallowing, first the appearance of hyperemia in the pharynx, then on one or both tonsils, and then in its place a plaque forms, and after it a film. Plaques after removal leave bleeding surfaces, and regional enlargement of the lymph nodes appears. Common form. Characterized by the appearance of chills, increased temperature and symptoms of intoxication. The plaque spreads beyond the tonsils to the nasopharynx and palatine tonsils. Appears bad smell
from the mouth, and the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes are enlarged. It is accompanied by a high rise in temperature and pronounced intoxication. There is a bloody discharge from the nose, a characteristic odor from the mouth, widespread plaque in the pharynx and pronounced swelling of the cervical tissue. During examination, increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. If left untreated, the patient's death may occur in the first 2 days.
Diphtheria of the nose. The main symptoms are bloody discharge from the nose and film in the nose. This form is often found in infants. Diphtheria of the larynx (true croup). The following periods are distinguished:
Diphtheria of the eye. Accompanied by the presence of films, swelling of the eyelids and hyperemia of the conjunctiva.
Complications of diphtheria
Infectious toxic shock often develops, which develops on the 1st - 3rd day from the onset of the disease. Subsequently, it may develop may develop during the 1-2nd week of illness. There is a distinction between early myocarditis (1-2 weeks of illness) and late - 3-6 weeks from the onset of the disease.
From the nervous system, flaccid paralysis, muscle paralysis, accommodation paresis and nasal voice may occur due to damage to the cranial nerves.
Treatment of diphtheria
The main method of treatment is the administration of diphtheria serum (serum from blood obtained from horses hyperimmunized with diphtheria toxoid) and antibiotics to attack the pathogen. The dosage depends on the form and location of diphtheria. The serum is administered only in the hospital. First, an intradermal test is done.
At a dilution of 1:100, if there is no reaction, 0.1 ml is administered after 20 minutes, and after 30 minutes a therapeutic dose is administered. At mild form 30,000-40,000 units are administered, for moderate toxicity - 50,000-80,000 units, for severe toxicity - 120,000-150,000 units. If there is no positive effect, the administration of the serum is repeated in the same dosage. Administration of the drug for the 3rd time is prescribed after 8-12 hours (rarely). The effect of using the serum appears after 1-2 days. In case of late hospitalization (3 days after the onset of the disease), treatment with serum is ineffective. Antibiotics are prescribed for 5 days. For the sanitation of the pathogen, penicillin and. Additionally, symptomatic treatment is carried out (administration of protein drugs, glucocorticoids and vitamins). For diphtheria croup, drugs, glucocorticoids and oxygen inhalations are prescribed, and mucus and films from the respiratory tract are suctioned. In severe cases of diphtheria, a lower tracheotomy is used.
Prevention of diphtheria.
Immunization is carried out for all children with DTP and ADSM vaccines according to the following scheme:
- at 3 months - 0.5 ml three times with an interval of 1.5 months;
- I revaccination - after 1.5-2 years;
- II and III revaccination - at 6 and 11 years old with the ADS-M vaccine;
- adults - once every 10 years with the ADS-M vaccine.
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever (scarlatum - bright red color), spicy infectious disease, predominantly in childhood, manifested by intoxication, fever, sore throat and bright red skin rash.
The causative agent of scarlet fever is group A hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes).
Etiology and pathogenesis of scarlet fever. Scarlet fever most often occurs in children over two years of age. The source of infection is a sick person. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, sneezing and coughing. Also, germs can be transmitted through contaminated objects or dirty hands. The infection spreads throughout the body, causing negative impact on the heart, kidneys, central nervous system.
The duration of the incubation period is from several hours to 7 days.
Clinical symptoms of scarlet fever. The typical form of scarlet fever begins acutely: after a slight chill, the body temperature rises to 38.5 - 40°C within 5 - 7 hours. Young children often vomit. Patients complain of headache, malaise, and pain when swallowing.
At the end of the first day of the disease, characteristic pinpoint rashes appear on the skin. The rash appears on the neck and upper chest, then spreads throughout the body. The rash consists of numerous small pinpoint elements, densely located one next to the other and forming a continuous pink field on the skin.
The patient’s appearance also attracts attention: in addition to the color contrast, his face is puffy, his eyes glitter feverishly.
Upon examination, damage to the tonsils is usually detected - sore throat. The surrounding lymph nodes are also involved in the process, which become dense, enlarged, and slightly painful when palpated. The tongue at the beginning of the disease is dry, covered with a thick brownish coating, but from 3 to 4 days it begins to clear, acquiring a bright red color with smooth, shiny papillae (a symptom of a crimson tongue). The tongue remains this way for 1 - 2 weeks.
The blood in the first 2 to 3 days is characterized by moderate neutrophilic leukocytosis.
Body temperature remains high for 3 - 6 days, then begins to decrease and returns to normal on the 9th - 10th day of illness. At the same time, the patient’s general condition improves, intoxication decreases, rashes and other symptoms disappear.
Diagnosis of scarlet fever. The disease is recognized on the basis of epidemiological data and clinical picture. For the diagnosis of scarlet fever, it is important to detect hyperemia, a rich pink color of the natural folds of the skin. Differential diagnosis is carried out with tonsillitis of various etiologies (including tonsillitis), diphtheria of the pharynx.
Treatment of scarlet fever. Patients are treated at home or in an infectious diseases hospital (department). Indications for hospitalization are severe, complicated forms of the disease and concomitant diseases. Treatment is carried out with penicillin (20,000 units/kg per day). Antibiotics are prescribed to all patients, regardless of the severity of the disease. The course of treatment is 5-7 days. At severe forms penicillin is combined with other antibiotics, detoxification therapy is carried out (5% glucose solution, sodium chloride, hemodez), and cardiac medications are prescribed. In case of allergy to penicillin, treatment is carried out with antibiotics of other groups - for example, from the group. Vitamin therapy is indicated for all forms of the disease.
Whooping cough
The causative agent of the disease is the gram-negative bacillus Bordetella pertussis. Creates a nervous and vascular systems heat-labile and heat-stable with sensitizing properties. The causative agent K. is unstable in environment, quickly dies under the influence of high temperature, sunlight, drying and disinfectants.
The source of infection is a patient in the early (catarrhal) phase of the disease. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. Whooping cough most often affects children aged 2 to 4 years. Close contact between sick and healthy children and crowding contribute to the spread of infection. Both isolated (sporadic) cases and outbreaks of the disease are observed. The incidence increases in cold and damp seasons.
The incubation period lasts 5 - 7 days.
Clinical symptoms of whooping cough
The disease begins with general weakness, malaise, hoarseness, runny nose and cough. Catarrhal symptoms increase over 4 to 5 days, dry cough with a lot of dry wheezing in the lungs along with slight increase temperatures can last up to 10 days or more. Later, the convulsive stage of the disease develops, a coughing attack is accompanied by holding the breath, and several convulsive cough impulses occur. After this, there is a short pause and a deep breath in breathing, then an attack of painful convulsive coughing, the patient’s face becomes swollen, sometimes with a bluish tint. Forced exhalation leads to a significant protrusion of the tongue, on the frenulum of which, when injured on the teeth, a small wound-ulcer appears. A convulsive cough sometimes leads to hemorrhages in the sclera and nosebleeds. In early childhood, vomiting is possible, involuntary urination and defecation. During an attack of convulsive cough, after several cough shocks, a reprise develops - a whistling, drawn-out sound caused by the rapid passage of air through the remaining closed glottis. Coughing attacks are accompanied by tension of the entire respiratory muscles. At the end of the coughing attack, a little glassy mucus is released.
When recognizing the disease, they take into account epidemiological data, anamnesis, the sequence of development and the nature of painful symptoms, a characteristic blood picture, the results of bacteriological examination (sputum culture, “cough plate method”: an open Petri dish with the medium is kept at a distance of 5 - 8 cm in front of the patient’s mouth during a cough). From the 2nd week of the convulsive period, serological tests: RSC, agglutination reaction.
Treatment of whooping cough
In cases of mild to moderate whooping cough, sick children are isolated at home or in isolation wards of children's institutions. In severe cases of the disease, hospitalization of patients is mandatory. Outdoor walks and thorough ventilation of rooms are shown. Children in the first months of life are fed breast milk, older children and adults are given semi-liquid, easily digestible, high-calorie food, rich in vitamins, especially B1, B2, B6 and ascorbic acid. Patients are fed frequently and in small portions.
The use of antibiotics is most appropriate in the catarrhal and early convulsive stages of the disease. Tetracycline antibiotics are given orally at 30-40 mg/kg body weight 4 times a day for 8-10 days. Specific anti-pertussis gamma globulin is recommended (3 ml IM 3 days in a row, then several times every other day), oxygen therapy, and artificial respiration in severe forms. At frequent attacks for spasmodic cough, chlorpromazine, propazine, antispastic substances (atropine, papaverine), and antihistamines are indicated. When complicated by pneumonia, antistaphylococcal antibiotics are indicated. To facilitate the discharge of viscous sputum, inhalation of aerosols of proteolytic enzymes is prescribed.
The most important preventive measure disease is active immunization. For the purpose of prevention, children under the age of 1 year who have been in contact with a patient with whooping cough are administered specific anti-whooping cough or normal human anti-measles gamma globulin (3 ml IM twice every 48 hours).
Isolation of patients with whooping cough is carried out at home or in hospital for 25 days from the onset of the disease.
Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) occupy one of the first places among all human infectious diseases. These are the most common globe diseases. Every year, tens of millions of people suffer from acute respiratory viral infections.
Acute respiratory viral infections are a large group of diseases that usually occur in acute form caused by viruses and transmitted by airborne droplets. The pathogen exists in two forms: virion - extracellular form and virus - intracellular form. Almost every person suffers from acute respiratory viral infections several times a year, especially children. Children from birth to six months of life get sick less often, since they have little contact with the outside world and have passive immunity received from the mother transplacentally. It should be remembered that innate immunity may be weak or completely absent, which means the child may get sick. The highest incidence occurs in children in the second half of the year and the first three years of life, which is associated with their attendance at kindergartens and, consequently, an increase in the number of contacts. All respiratory diseases have common clinical manifestations: fever, symptoms of intoxication varying degrees severity and symptoms of respiratory tract damage, the clinical manifestations of which depend on the localization of the inflammatory process.
Acute respiratory viral infections must be differentiated from acute respiratory diseases (ARI), since the causative agents of the latter can be not only viruses, but also bacteria.
Consequently, it is not antiviral, but antibacterial treatment that is etiotropic.
Most common reasons the occurrence of acute respiratory viral infections are: influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial, adenoviral, coronavirus and rhinovirus infections. The etiological structure of acute respiratory viral infections is dominated by influenza viruses, parainfluenza and adenoviral infections.
As mentioned above, all these diseases are characterized by damage to the respiratory tract with different localization process. Thus, with influenza, the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract is affected, with parainfluenza - mainly the mucous membrane of the larynx (for serotypes 1 and 2) and the mucous membrane of the lower respiratory tract (for serotype 3). Adenovirus infection is characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, mostly the pharynx, as well as the mucous membrane of the eyes and gastrointestinal tract. For respiratory syncytial infection in pathological process the mucous membrane of the lower respiratory tract is involved; with coronavirus infection, the pathogen affects the upper respiratory tract, and in young children - the bronchi, lungs, and with rhinovirus infection, damage to the nasal mucosa is typical. Diseases caused by respiratory viruses are classified into a large number of syndromes: colds, pharyngitis, croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), tracheitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The identification of these groups of diseases is advisable from both epidemiological and clinical points of view. However most of respiratory viruses can cause not one, but several clinical syndromes, and very often one patient may simultaneously experience signs of several of them.
Almost all acute respiratory infections viral diseases belong to anthroponotic diseases, with the exception of coronavirus and adenoviral infections, which can also affect animals. The main source is a sick person, less often a convalescent (recovering person). In case of adenoviral and respiratory syncytial infections, the source of the disease can be a virus carrier (there are no clinical manifestations of the disease, diagnosis can only be made using specific laboratory methods research (virological and serological methods). The aerogenic mechanism of infection is characteristic, airborne transmission of infection, but with adenovirus infection, a fecal-oral mechanism of infection is sometimes observed. Quite often, the source of infection for children is adults, especially those who suffer the disease on their feet. At the same time, adults often regard their condition as a “mild cold.” Almost all so-called colds are viral in nature, and such patients pose a great danger to children, especially young children.
A child of any age can get sick with acute respiratory viral infections, but each disease has its own age-specific characteristics. So, for example, in children preschool age parainfluenza is more common than acute respiratory diseases of other etiologies. It should be noted that parainfluenza affects children in the first months of life and even newborns, while transplacental transmission IgG antibodies provides a relatively low susceptibility to influenza in children under six months of age. Children aged six months to five years are most susceptible to adenovirus infection. A significant part of newborns and children in the first six months of life have natural (passive) immunity. Respiratory syncytial infection affects mainly young children and even newborns. For rhinovirus and coronavirus infections, susceptibility is observed equally in all age groups, but preschool children are more often affected.
With all acute respiratory diseases there is an incubation (latent) period, but with varying durations: with influenza it is the shortest (from several hours to 2-3 days) and the longest with adenovirus infection (from 5-8 to 13 days). For other infections, this period averages 2-6 days (parainfluenza - 3-4 days, respiratory syncytial infection 3-6 days, rhinovirus infection 2-3 days, coronavirus infection 2-3 days).
For all these diseases clinical picture characterized by the appearance of intoxication syndrome and catarrhal syndrome of varying severity. Intoxication is most intense with influenza and least of all with rhinovirus infection, in which the patient’s general condition practically does not suffer. Despite its name - “acute respiratory viral infections” - acute onset characteristic only of influenza, adenoviral infection and can occur with parainfluenza. For other diseases, a gradual onset is more typical. Hyperthermia (increased body temperature) is also not always observed. Thus, with influenza, already on the first day the temperature becomes febrile, and in some cases even hectic (38-40 ° C); with adenoviral infection and respiratory syncytial infection, the temperature can rise to 38-39°C, but by the 2-4th day of the disease. In some cases, fever can be two-wave (occurs with adenoviral infection and less often with influenza) typical course other acute respiratory diseases, body temperature is usually normal or subfebrile (if there are no complications).
Each acute respiratory viral infection is characterized by the presence of catarrhal syndrome in varying degrees of severity. This syndrome is manifested by redness, hyperemia, swelling of the nasal mucosa, posterior wall of the pharynx, soft palate, tonsils, as well as fine granularity of the posterior wall of the pharynx due to enlarged follicles. Typical lesions are cardiovascular (tachycardia, muffled heart sounds, systolic murmur is heard at the apex of the heart), respiratory (presence of hard breathing and wheezing, in some cases the appearance of signs respiratory failure) systems. Less commonly, the digestive (intestinal dysfunction, abdominal pain, liver enlargement), as well as the central nervous (in the form of seizures, meningeal symptoms, encephalitis) systems are involved in the pathological process. In the development of acute respiratory viral infections important role belongs to mixed pathology (mixed pathology), caused by complex viral-bacterial associations (interactions) with the development of secondary processes: catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. Essentially, they enhance the pathological effect of each other and often cause a severe course of the disease and even its death. Immunity after acute respiratory viral infections is usually short-lived and type-specific.
All acute respiratory viral infections are characterized by great difficulty in diagnosis. Caused by these viruses clinical forms diseases rarely have sufficiently specific signs on the basis of which an etiological diagnosis can be established only from clinical data, although taking into account epidemiological conditions it is possible to assume with a high probability which particular group of viruses caused the disease. To make a final diagnosis, only clinical manifestations and taking into account epidemiological conditions are not enough. Nessesary to use specific methods research. These include early diagnostic methods - examination of smears from the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and nose using fluorescent antibodies or using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify viral antigens. Serological methods are used: the complement fixation test (FFR), the hemagglutination inhibition test (HIT) and the neutralization test (RN), which are retrospective, since in order to make a diagnosis, it is necessary to identify antibodies to the influenza virus in paired sera taken in the first days of the disease, and then after 5-7 days.
An increase in antibody titer of four times or more is diagnostic.
And also use virological methods. Influenza viruses can be cultured (grown) in chicken embryos and mammalian cell cultures.
Also, all these diseases have similar aspects of treatment and prevention.
The principles of treating a patient with acute respiratory viral infection can be formulated in the following basic principles.
1. A sick child should be on bed rest, especially during periods of fever, isolated as much as possible. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm tea, cranberry or lingonberry juice, and alkaline mineral waters.
2. Etiotropic therapy. Treatment aimed at suppressing reproduction and eliminating the effects of toxins and other factors of pathogen aggression ( antiviral drugs, immunoglobulins).
3. Pathogenetic therapy (treatment aimed at maintaining normal function critical systems child's life support). Interferon (leukocyte human), influenzae, glucocorticosteroid drugs, detoxification drugs (oral rehydration or infusion therapy), desensitizing agents, protease inhibitors, vasoactive drugs and other drugs are prescribed.
4. Symptomatic therapy: this includes antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen), mucolytics (acetylcysteine), expectorants (lazolvan, ambrohexal, bromhexine), vasoconstrictors (nazivin, naphthyzin) and other drugs.
5. Local therapy - medicinal inhalations, gargling with antiseptic solutions.
Children with severe and complicated forms of the disease are subject to mandatory hospitalization. Frequent acute respiratory diseases lead to a weakening of the child’s body’s defenses, contribute to the formation of chronic foci of infection, cause allergization of the body and delay the physical and psychomotor development of children. In many cases, frequent acute respiratory viral infections are pathogenetically associated with asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic pyelonephritis, polyarthritis, chronic diseases of the nasopharynx and many other diseases.
Prevention consists of early detection and isolation of patients; increasing the body’s nonspecific resistance (physical education and sports, hardening the body, balanced diet, prescription of vitamins according to indications). During outbreaks of acute respiratory viral infections, visits to clinics, events, and sick relatives should be limited. Persons who have been in contact with patients are prescribed antiviral drugs (for example, oxolinic ointment). The room where the patient is located must be regularly ventilated and wet cleaned with a 0.5% chloramine solution. Current and final disinfection is carried out in the outbreak, in particular, boiling of dishes, linen, towels, and handkerchiefs of patients. Live or killed vaccines are used (for influenza).
The prognosis is favorable, but possible deaths with severe and complicated course of the disease, especially with influenza.