Influenza is one of the most unpredictable and heavily predictable diseases that cause epidemics. This is due to the fact that every few years the influenza virus mutates, changing its structure, and information periodically appears about new strains.
The flu virus can be transmitted not only from person to person, but also from animals and birds to humans and vice versa. In this feature is the danger of influenza, tk. the structure of pathogens of this disease contains not only human nucleotides, but also genomes of avian, pork nucleotides.
Flu 2014 - prognosis
New projections for the flu epidemic in 2014, provided by WHO, can be called quite comforting. According to the research, new strains of the influenza virus will most likely not be, but the flu epidemic will not be avoided again. Already now it is known what kinds of influenza virus will be walking in 2014. So, this year, the following strains will provoke the disease:
- H1N1 (A / California) - swine flu. A moderate prevalence of this type of virus is expected, which last time caused quite a serious outbreak in 2009 (USA, Mexico). It is predicted that the proportion of complications and deaths will not go beyond epidemiological risks.
- H3N2 (A / Victoria) is a strain that has already infected a small part of the population of our state. This virus is not well understood, but it is known that it threatens the development of severe complications. Basically, they are associated with hemorrhagic lesions of various internal organs (in most cases - lungs).
- B / Massachusetts / 2/2012 - a new strain unfamiliar to most residents of the country. It is believed that this virus is relatively safe, but due to poorly understood its spread causes some concerns.
Symptoms of the flu 2014
Characteristic symptoms of influenza in 2014 are:
- high body temperature (usually 38 - 39 ° C), which occurs suddenly and persists for three days;
- chills, febrile condition;
- general weakness, drowsiness;
- decreased appetite;
- a headache that increases with physical activity, movement;
- light and noise immunity;
- muscle and joint pain;
- a runny nose that often appears on the second day of the disease;
- dry cough .
In some cases, the appearance of soreness, perspiration in the throat, as well as hemorrhagic rash.
How to treat the flu in 2014?
The list of drugs for treatment of the 2014 flu includes the following types of medications:
- symptomatic drugs (vasoconstrictive drops in the nose, febrifuge, painkillers, etc.);
- antiviral drugs;
- immunostimulants ;
- vitamins.
This list can be expanded or, conversely, reduced depending on the severity of the course of the disease, the concomitant diseases, the age of the patient, etc. If suspected of joining a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be recommended.
Do not forget that the basic principles of treating influenza, as well as other viral infections, are not in taking medication, but in following the recommendations:
- Full rest and bed rest.
- Abundant drink.
- Stay in a ventilated room with normal air humidity.
Flu 2014 - prevention
The most effective way to prevent infection with influenza is vaccination. The new vaccine contains three inactive strains of the influenza virus - the alleged pathogens of the disease in 2014. It is recommended to inoculate in October, while you can use both preparations of the domestic manufacturer, and imported vaccines.
Also for the prevention of infection in the peak incidence should be minimized visits to crowded activities, more often wash your hands during the day, ventilate the premises.