Influenza is a viral respiratory disease that belongs to the group of acute respiratory infections (acute respiratory viral infections). To date, scientists have identified about 2000 varieties of the influenza virus, each of which, having got into the body, acts specifically. Without a laboratory analysis of sputum, it is impossible to distinguish influenza from other respiratory infections (adenovirus, rhinovirus), and their symptoms are similar in many respects. The most dangerous are complications - after the flu, transferred "on their feet" or persons with weak immunity, they make themselves felt especially often.
Complications after a flu on the lungs
Very often a secondary bacterial infection is attached to a viral infection, and as a result, pneumonia begins - pneumonia. Do not confuse it with viral pneumonia, when the disease develops lightning fast on the second day of influenza infection, differing in high mortality.
So, if after the flu is observed fever, chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath (or at least one of the symptoms), you need to see a doctor and examine the lungs.
Complications of influenza are often manifested in the form of bronchitis - inflammation of the bronchi, accompanied by a dry, painful cough.
It is especially strong in the mornings, with time the sputum of a mucus-purulent character begins, and attacks cause even more discomfort.
Complications after the flu on the ears
In addition to lungs and bronchi, a secondary bacterial infection can affect the nose and ears, causing respectively rhinitis and otitis.
When rhinitis, the discharge from the nose is first transparent, but after a few days they become mucous or purulent, have an unpleasant smell. The rhinitis does not stop, the nose is laid, the sense of smell is greatly reduced.
If rhinitis is not treated, the infection passes into the auditory tube (external otitis) or the middle ear (otitis media). Signs of this complication of the flu are pain (tingling) in the ear, which is strengthened by pressing on the tragus. Sometimes there are purulent discharge or itching.
Other complications
Influenza is most dangerous for children under 2 years old and elderly patients over 65 years of age. Complications are susceptible to those who suffer from chronic diseases.
If there is a chronic pyelonephritis, for example, then the risk of complications after the flu on the kidney is great.
The virus worsens the course of diseases of the cardiovascular system, therefore, during the outbreak of epidemics, the number of myocardial infarctions and strokes increases. In addition, pericarditis or myocarditis can become a complication after the flu on the heart, even in healthy people. If after the illness pricks in the chest - you need to be examined.
Answering the question how to avoid complications of influenza, you need to focus on preventing self-medication and heroism. The patient is shown bed rest. Fight with flu antibiotics in no case it is impossible - they are powerless against the virus and are appointed only in case of attachment of a secondary bacterial infection.