The main signs of a cold are sore throat, runny nose, watery eyes and pain in the eyes (at the beginning of the disease), headache, cough, lethargy.

A cold, unlike the flu, develops gradually: at first it starts to tickle in the throat, but the person is still not sure whether he gets sick or not. Then a runny nose appears, overcomes the "sneeze", a cough occurs after a couple of days. There may not be an increase in temperature, or it rises slightly - up to 37.5–38 degrees.

After an untreated or transferred cold on the legs, otitis media can occur - inflammation of the ear or sinusitis - inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. But in general, complications after colds in people with a strong immune system are rare.

Our reference

Acute respiratory viral infections(ARVI) are viral diseases that affect the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. People call them "colds". Scientists count more than 200 respiratory viruses. The most common are parainfluenza, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses ... The infection is mainly transmitted by airborne droplets. The source of infection is a sick person. Penetrating into the upper Airways, the virus invades the cells of the outer layer of the mucous membrane, causing their destruction and desquamation. The desquamated cells containing the virus are rejected and when breathing, talking, coughing, sneezing with drops of saliva, nasal mucus or sputum enter the air, infecting those who breathe this air. There is no vaccination against SARS. It is not possible to develop such a vaccine due to the large number of respiratory viruses that are constantly changing.

by the way

Indoors, ARVI viruses spread around a sick person for 7 m. From 2 to 9 hours they live in the air of the room where the patient was. Viruses are resistant to freezing, but quickly die when heated, under the influence of various disinfectants and ultraviolet rays.

The highest concentration of viruses in the air around the patient is in the first two days of illness.

Different viruses cause different symptoms.

For example, parainfluenza distorts the voice, the patient may become hoarse or hoarse, the voice may disappear altogether. Parainfluenza is also characterized by a "barking" cough caused by inflammation of the larynx and trachea. The temperature may or may not be there. It is this disease that is more often than others complicated by sinusitis.

Rhinovirus infection causes constant sneezing, dryness in the nasopharynx, and sore throat. It hurts to swallow, in the mouth - an unpleasant aftertaste. A little later, transparent mucus will flow from the nose into three streams. The temperature, as a rule, does not rise above 37 degrees.

Adenovirus infection leads to an increase in the palatine tonsils, with this "cold" it is difficult to swallow. After 2-3 days, there is a feeling of pain in the eyes. After a couple of days, white or grayish films appear on the tonsils, in the throat, under the eyelids in the corners of the eyes. Lymph nodes can increase, the stomach hurts.

Respiratory syncytial infection "occupies" the bronchi and bronchioles. Signs - asthmatic attacks with lack of air, difficulty exhaling, wheezing in the lungs.

Memo to the patient

Cold treatment

Taking antiviral drugs(if the symptoms of a cold are severe). Most antiviral drugs and immunostimulants are sold in pharmacies without prescriptions.

Symptomatic treatment- painkillers and antipyretics, vasoconstrictor drops and sprays to relieve runny noses, mixtures and cough decoctions. Also useful:

• Dry heat. A woolen T-shirt, a scarf for a sore throat, woolen socks - our body needs maximum comfort during an illness.
• Gargling with sore throat - tinctures and decoctions of sage, chamomile, calendula, saline solution with the addition of soda.
• Cough inhalation. Steam boiled potatoes in uniform. Steam of validol tablets diluted in boiling water. Steam decoctions of chamomile, mint, calendula and others medicinal herbs. Warming up the nose with a runny nose with hot, hard-boiled eggs, bags of heated salt.
• Washing the nose with a runny nose with a weak saline solution.

Plentiful drink. The virus is afraid of alkali, so alkaline is useful mineral water. Lean on fruit drinks and juices: lingonberry, cranberry, orange - they contain a large amount of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. Facilitates the condition of warm tea with raspberries, honey and lemon. During the period of illness, you need to drink 3-4 liters of fluid per day.

home mode. From the first days of the disease, you must take a sick leave - so you avoid complications and do not infect others.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for the treatment of flu and colds do not destroy viruses, but facilitate the course of the disease. In the treatment of colds, the following medicinal herbs are used:

1. Bactericidal - chamomile, calamus root, pine and spruce needles, sage.

2. Diuretic - lingonberry leaf, nettle, strawberry leaf, carrot tops.

3. Diaphoretics - lime blossom, raspberries, ginger with honey.

4. Immunostimulating - strawberries, calendula, wild rose, plantain.

5. Vitamin - rosehip, nettle, mountain ash.

Here are some recipes for anti-cold decoctions:

• Brew in a thermos 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried parsley in half with celery or dill 0.5 liters of boiling water. Insist the night, strain. Drink the resulting decoction during the day in small portions with an interval of 2-3 hours.
• When the voice disappears during a cold, a decoction of lungwort helps well: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of flowers in a glass of boiling water, leave for 1 hour, strain, take in small sips throughout the day.

On a note

The Chinese advise at the first sign of a cold to massage the gums with the tongue: 16 circles on the inside and the same on the outer surface.

Important

Colds in children are inevitable. During childhood, an urban child falls ill with ARVI about 40 times, suffers from them 5-7 times a year. He should become familiar with all common respiratory infections.

But this does not mean that the child should not be treated for a cold. Each case of SARS must be cured to the end before the child is released to school or kindergarten.

When there is a sick person in the house, the rest of the family must observe safety measures:

• households should wear masks;
• ventilate the apartment more often;
• wipe door handles with disinfectant solutions several times a day;
• provide the patient with separate dishes and separate towels;
• before going to bed, rinse your mouth with tincture of calendula or eucalyptus to wash away the harmful microbes accumulated during the day;
• take antiviral drugs in prophylactic doses.

Figures and facts

The cold season lasts in Russia for about six months. During this time, an adult Russian suffers from ARVI on average 2-3 times.

British physiologists have proven that people who drink only 3 glasses of water a day, instead of the recommended eight, have the body's resistance to infections 5 times (!) Less than those who follow a normal drinking regimen.

The mucous membrane of the nasopharynx is the first barrier to cold viruses. It must be damp to function properly. And for this, the body needs at least 2 liters of water per day.

Singing strengthens the immune system, according to German scientists from Frankfurt. They examined people who constantly sang in the choir. A blood test of the choristers before the rehearsal, during which Mozart's "Requiem" was performed, and an hour after it ended, showed that the concentration of immunoglobulin A and hydrocortisone increased markedly during the chant.

The number of white blood cells responsible for fighting bacteria and viruses increases significantly after wrestling, scientists at the University of California found. The measurements were carried out in young men aged 14–18 after an hour and a half training.

Preparations

Remember, self-medication is life-threatening, for advice on the use of any medicines see a doctor.

Good day, dear readers!

Today we will consider with you such a disease as SARS, as well as its symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention. In addition, we will analyze how ARVI differs from acute respiratory infections and colds. So…

What is SARS?

SARS (acute respiratory viral infection)- a disease of the respiratory tract, the cause of which is the ingestion of a viral infection into the body. Among the pathogens, the most common are viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses and rhinoviruses.

The SARS affected area includes the nose, paranasal sinuses, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Under the "sight" is also the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane of the eye).

SARS is one of the most common infectious diseases. Most of all, children attending kindergarten, school are sick with it - up to 10 times a year. This is due to not yet formed immunity, close contact with each other, lack of knowledge and / or unwillingness to follow preventive measures to avoid infection. Other groups at risk are students, teachers, office workers, health workers and others. However, adults usually suffer less from acute respiratory infections of viral etiology, which is associated with a mature immune system, as well as its resistance to these diseases due to other past diseases. However, even if an adult is not susceptible to the development of this infection in the body, and he does not have obvious signs of the disease, he may simply be a carrier of the infection, infecting everyone around him.

Acute respiratory viral infection is seasonal. So, most cases of morbidity were noted in the period from September-October to March-April, which is associated with, as well as cool and humid weather.

How is SARS transmitted?

ARVI is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets (when coughing, close conversation), however, infection is possible through direct contact with the pathogen (kissing, shaking hands and further contact of hands with the oral cavity) or contact with objects of the carrier of the infection (dishes, clothes). When a person catches an infection, he immediately becomes its carrier. At the first signs of SARS (general malaise, weakness, runny nose) - the patient begins to infect everyone around him. As a rule, the first blow is taken by relatives, the work team, people in transport. This is the reason for the recommendation - at the first sign of SARS, the patient should stay at home, and healthy people if the media report an outbreak this disease, avoid staying in crowded places (public transport, holiday gatherings on the street, etc.).

Incubation period and development of SARS

During a person's contact with an infection, the virus first settles on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract (nose, nasopharynx, mouth), its potential victim. Further, the infection begins to secrete toxins that are absorbed into the circulatory system and are carried throughout the body in the blood. When the patient's body temperature rises, this indicates that the infection has already entered the circulatory system and the protective functions of the body have turned on, because. elevated temperature actually destroys the virus and its derivative toxins.

Nasal warming. It helps well to relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa, improve blood circulation, discharge from the sinuses of the pathological secretion formed by the infection.

Washing the nose. As you remember, dear readers, that the nasal cavity is practically the first location that is attacked by the infection. That is why the nasal cavity must be washed, which not only minimizes the further development of the disease if it is just beginning to manifest itself, but is also an excellent preventive method if there are no signs of it at all. In addition, just from the nasal cavity, the infection is actively spreading into the body, therefore, with ARVI, it must be washed daily.

Weak saline solutions, as well as special pharmacy sprays, are well suited as a “wash” for the nose.

Gargling. The throat, like the nasal cavity, must be rinsed for the same reason, because. this is the first barrier between the infection and the body, so this "checkpoint" must be constantly rinsed. Gargling also helps to relieve coughs by moving them from dry to wet. This procedure will limit the possibility of exacerbation of the disease due to mucosal irritated from coughing.

For rinsing oral cavity and throats are great soda-salt solution, as well as decoctions of chamomile, calendula, sage.

Inhalations. This procedure is practically aimed at the same thing as gargling - to relieve coughing. From folk remedies, for inhalation, you can use steam from potatoes "in uniform", as well as decoctions from, and other medicinal herbs. From modern means, to facilitate inhalation, you can purchase a nebulizer.

Diet for SARS. With ARVI, it is desirable to eat easily digestible food enriched with microelements. Particular emphasis should be placed on vitamin C. It is advisable to exclude fatty, spicy and fried foods, smoked meats.

symptomatic treatment. It is aimed at suppressing certain symptoms to alleviate the course of the disease.

Medicines for SARS

Antiviral drugs. Antiviral therapy is aimed at stopping the vital activity of a viral infection and spreading its toxins throughout the body. In addition, antiviral drugs speed up the healing process.

Among the antiviral drugs for ARVI, one can distinguish - "", "", "Remantadin", "Cycloferon".

Temperature in SARS. The temperature during ARVI is not brought down, because. it is a defense mechanism against viral infection within the body. The immune system raises the temperature, thereby “burning out” the infection, so it is very important not to interfere with it. An exception is cases when the body temperature lasts more than 5 days or exceeds 38 ° C in children, 39 ° C in adults.

To lower body temperature, antipyretics and analgesics are used: "", "".

For nasal congestion, to facilitate breathing, vasoconstrictors are used: Naphthyzin, Knoxprey.

With severe dry cough apply: "Codelac", "Sinekod". To remove sputum from the respiratory tract - syrup, Tussin. For liquefaction of sputum - "Ascoril", "ACC" (ACC).

For headache appoint: "Askofen", "Aspirin".

For insomnia prescribe sedatives: "Barbamil", "Luminal".

Antibiotics for SARS. It is not advisable to prescribe antibiotics for ARVI, because with the right supportive therapy, the body itself copes well with a viral infection. Moreover, as a rule, the course of antibiotic treatment is much longer than the duration of the course of the disease.

Antibiotics are prescribed only if the symptoms of SARS do not subside after 5 days of illness, and also if a secondary infection has joined SARS or complications have appeared, for example, pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis,. Also, antibiotics may be prescribed if, after relief, the symptoms have increased again, which sometimes indicates a bacterial infection in the body. Antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor on the basis of a personal examination of the patient.

Prevention of SARS includes the following recommendations:

• when announcing the epidemic in your area of ​​​​residence, wear masks;
• do not allow ;
• eat mostly healthy food enriched with vitamins and minerals, especially in autumn, winter and spring;
• try to eat at the same time natural antibiotics, such as - and onions;
• ventilate the living and working premises more often;
• if there is an ARVI patient in the house, then allocate tableware (forks, spoons, dishes), bedding, towels for separate use, and also disinfect daily doorknobs and other items that the patient comes into contact with;
• observe;
• get vaccinated, but not with free drugs, but with expensive and proven vaccines;
• temper your body;
• try to move more;
• stop smoking;
• if during an epidemic you often visit crowded places, upon arrival home, wash the nasal passages with a weak saline solution;

1. Instructions for medical use drug AntiGrippin. There are contraindications. It is necessary to consult with a specialist.

With the onset of pregnancy, the female body is physiologically arranged, the immune system is suppressed, in simple words- Immunity is suppressed. This is necessary so that the mother's body does not perceive a fertilized egg (zygote, embryo) as a foreign organism. In fact, an embryo is an object consisting of a foreign protein.

With the onset of pregnancy and during its course, the risk of developing a cold in the form of influenza, SARS or acute respiratory infections increases. Therefore, expectant mothers are not recommended to visit busy places and use public transport.

• Cold on
• Runny nose as a sign of pregnancy
• How does a cold affect the fetus?
• cold symptoms in pregnancy
• flu during pregnancy
• How to treat a cold? What is possible and what is not?
• Medicines for the treatment of colds in pregnant women
• What can bring down the temperature?
  • Paracetamol
  • Analgin
• Recommendations for the treatment of colds during pregnancy (ARVI, flu)

Cold as a sign of pregnancy

A cold during pregnancy may be the very first symptom of a “interesting situation”. Immediately after conception, the concentration of two hormones - estrogen and progesterone rises sharply. On the early dates pregnancy - this causes a moderate increase in temperature, its fluctuations from normal to subfebrile (37.5 ° C) - chills.

A woman may not be aware that she is pregnant, but hormonal changes are already making themselves felt. Along with fever from the first days of pregnancy appear:

• body aches;
• general weakness;
• drowsiness and fatigue;
• lethargy and weakness;
• runny nose (rhinitis).

These "cold" signs can also occur against the background of normal temperature, even before the delay in menstruation, under the influence of a "hormonal surge". In the early stages, a cold can turn out to be pregnancy.

In any case, you need to remember that temperatures up to 38 ° C do not require radical treatment, you can not knock it down with paracetamol or any other antipyretic drugs.

Runny nose during pregnancy

Such a ball thing as a runny nose can be a manifestation of various diseases, not necessarily colds. For instance:

• SARS;
• rhinosinusitis;
• allergic rhinitis;
• vasomotor rhinitis;
• rhinitis of pregnant women;
• 3rd trimester - general edematous syndrome.

In the third trimester, the body prepares for childbirth,. In this case, swelling of the nasal mucosa and congestion are manifestations of the edematous syndrome.

"Hormonal rhinitis" or runny nose of pregnant women can accompany a woman all 280 days - until childbirth. And it doesn't require treatment. allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis (in pregnant women it has more pronounced manifestations than before conception) against the background of a rise in temperature to 37.2 - 37.5 ° C can be perceived by a woman as symptoms of a cold, but in fact they are not.

Colds in early pregnancy may not be a symptom of the disease. So differential diagnosis should be carried out by a doctor and you cannot be treated on your own, it is undesirable to take antipyretic drugs. The doctor will focus not only on complaints of stuffy nose and fever, but also on test results, local manifestations.

Acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy have similar symptoms, but the infectious damaging agent (virus) can be any of this large group: respiratory syncytial infection, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, reoviruses, influenza viruses, and others.

How does a cold affect the fetus during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered, it depends on:

• health status of a woman before pregnancy;
• from the time when a woman fell ill with a cold (1 trimester of pregnancy is the most unfavorable, susceptible and thinnest);
• the presence of aggravating somatic diseases.

Undoubtedly, the fetus suffers from a mother's cold during pregnancy:

• he has oxygen starvation (hypoxia);
• the risk of congenital malformations is not excluded;
• a cold can be complicated by the threat of abortion;
• secondary infections may join.

Cold symptoms during pregnancy

A true cold during pregnancy manifests itself in the same way as in the "pre-pregnant" body. Among the symptoms of SARS during pregnancy:

• runny nose;
• acute sore throat;
• sneeze;
• headaches and pain in the eyeballs;
• fatigue, weakness, dizziness;
• joint and muscle pain, body aches;
• liquid stool;
• temperature increase;
• enlargement of the lymph nodes.

flu during pregnancy

Influenza during pregnancy, unlike rhinovirus, adenoviral infection, has more pronounced symptoms of intoxication (high fever, muscle pain, aching joints, severe fatigue). They prevail over the catarrhal phenomena. The flu is characterized by an acute onset against the background of complete well-being. A pregnant woman can clearly answer the question of when she fell ill to the nearest minute.

Influenza is dangerous for the development of severe forms of the disease, the addition bacterial infection. Therefore, the treatment of influenza in pregnant women must necessarily occur in a hospital.

How to treat a cold during pregnancy?

In the first place in the treatment is the observance of the regimen: you need to get enough sleep, limit physical activity, be very attentive to yourself and to changes in your condition. Because during the illness there should not be any factors that require additional expenditure of strength. All symptoms of intoxication with ARVI are removed by drinking plenty of water. A cold during pregnancy with a temperature of more than 38.5 ° C requires the appointment of antipyretics.

In such a state, when the nose is so stuffed up that breathing is difficult and the pregnant woman cannot sleep because of this, nasal decognestants (vasoconstrictor drugs) are prescribed. In most cases, they are safe, but if they are taken occasionally: during the day, no more than 3-4 times in a short course. During pregnancy, due to increased blood circulation, more drug enters the bloodstream than in a non-pregnant body and systemic manifestations can be observed - an increase blood pressure, angiospasm. Spasm of the vessels of the placenta leads to a violation of the blood supply to the fetus and hypoxia, an increase in heart rate in the baby.

cold medicine during pregnancy

Practice shows that during pregnancy, women often self-administer antiviral treatment. But it has been proven that they "work" only with the flu. For other SARS, they do not have an evidence base and their admission to best case useless.

The effect of drugs for ARVI during pregnancy:

• Viferon suppositories for colds are prescribed quite often, but they are ineffective. This is a group of interferons, an analogue of Viferon - Biferon. It can be used as an adjuvant for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy, but not as the main one.
• , since it is not known for certain how they affect the fetus. There is very little research in this area.
• Herbs and dietary supplements are highly discouraged. There is a generally accepted principle here - what is not thoroughly studied - do not apply.
• Vitamins are drugs that help the body fight disease. They are needed. But if they were already assigned antiviral agents and other drugs, it is better to postpone their intake until the main treatment is completed. Several drugs in plasma may interact and have different effects than expected.
• It used to be that vitamin C helped people recover and shorten the time they were sick. Studies have been conducted in which it is proved that globally vitamin C does not affect the course of SARS. For prevention, this biologically active vitamin is also not worth taking. For this purpose, a large dosage is used - 1 gram. At this high concentration, the vitamin crosses the placenta and could theoretically affect the baby. What this impact will be has not been studied.
• Antibiotics - antimicrobial drugs - are not prescribed in the debut of colds (influenza and SARS), since they do not act on the virus. Treatment with antibiotics at the beginning of a viral infection does not prevent the development of a bacterial infection in the future. If a bacterial infection develops while taking antibiotics, then you will have to change the pills to another group of drugs. Microorganisms develop resistance - they become insensitive to the drug. Therefore, treatment with any antibiotics is prescribed only by a doctor upon the presence of a bacterial infection.

How to bring down the high temperature during pregnancy?

High temperature during pregnancy is one of the most unfavorable factors affecting the fetus. Animal experiments have shown that high temperatures in the 1st trimester can cause malformations. The damaging effect of temperature begins when the temperature rises by more than 1.5 degrees and persists for at least 8 hours.

Paracetamol

In order to reduce the temperature during pregnancy, you can take drugs that can be given to the baby and you should not wait until it drops on its own.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the temperature can be 37.2 - 37.5 ° C - this is normal and does not require treatment. But if the temperature is 38.5 ° C, this temperature must be brought down.

The safest and most studied drug from the group of antipyretic drugs is paracetamol. It can be taken for pain of any localization (head, throat,). However, it has, like all medicines, side effect. That is, an adverse effect on the mother and, in high concentrations, on the fetus is possible. Paracetamol is hepatotoxic - it can affect the liver. During pregnancy, with a cold, you can use the drug at a dose of up to 2 grams, in extreme cases - up to 4. In the 3rd trimester, paracetamol is recommended to be taken at a dose of no more than 1 gram and in monotherapy (not in combination with other drugs, such as caffeine, vasoconstrictors).

Analgin

Side effects of analgin are very rare, despite this they are very significant: agranulocytosis, the risk of developing nephroblastoma (Williams tumor) and leukemia in a child increases. During pregnancy, with a cold, metamizole (analgin) should not be taken, its use in the 3rd trimester is especially dangerous. The use of analgin is associated with the development of agranulocytosis in the newborn. Combined drugs metamizole sodium - also can not be taken.

Agranulocytosis is a sharp decrease in leukocytes and monocytes in the blood, the child's body immediately becomes available to bacterial, fungal infections, since there are no cells in the blood that can resist diseases.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of colds in pregnant women in the 3rd trimester

Diclofenac, ketanal, ketarol, ibuprofen - according to indications and with the permission of a doctor, can be used in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. In the third trimester, only paracetamol is allowed to be used again.

Risks for the baby when taking NSAIDs in the 3rd trimester:

• Premature closure of the arterial duct, which leads to pulmonary hypertension. She is very difficult to treat.
• The use of NSAIDs can delay the date of birth - it initiates a prolonged pregnancy.
• Increased blood loss during childbirth, as the blood clotting function of the mother decreases.
• Formation of diaphragmatic hernias.
• Retardation of intrauterine development of the fetus.
• Reducing the amount of amniotic fluid.
• When taking NSAIDs immediately before childbirth - at the end of the term - the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn is higher.
• Cerebrovascular hemorrhage in a child

Paracetamol is the drug of choice for reducing fever during pregnancy. Do not take Analgin and its combinations with other active ingredients. Avoid for treatment in the 3rd trimester of any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory diseases (after). Before and it is not advisable to take any painkillers and antipyretic drugs.

Cold prevention during pregnancy

With the help of preventive measures, you can prevent colds (flu and SARS). During pregnancy, it is very undesirable to attend mass events: theaters, exhibitions, concerts, especially during colds (autumn, winter). Public transport should be avoided. These unpretentious actions are recommended to be used when planning a pregnancy, when the spouses are trying to get pregnant.

It is necessary to treat yourself with great caution and observe those around you during the flu epidemic in order to notice and isolate yourself in time, or immediately exclude contact with a sick family member.

If someone gets sick at home, and there is no way to send the sick person to relatives, for example, a husband or child, it is necessary to “relocate” the patient to a separate room, provide separate dishes and regularly ventilate the rooms. If the house has a portable UV lamp for home use, be sure to “quartz” the premises.

If there are children preschool age, then it is desirable to interrupt the child's visit to kindergarten, developmental activities, etc. Children at this age often get sick, they are in contact with peers, exchange microflora and get sick. A baby can get sick easily, but for a pregnant mother, the infection can be quite serious.

A gauze bandage practically does not help a healthy person not to get sick. But if there is no other way out, it can and should be used, while changing it every 2 hours, washing and ironing is a must. If there is a family member in the house who has a cold, everyone should wear masks, both healthy and sick.

During the epidemic, it is undesirable to visit the doctor of the antenatal clinic. If you have the opportunity to agree with your doctor for a certain time - do it. This will reduce your risk of contracting the flu while waiting in line. By order, pregnant women are admitted on certain days when only healthy pregnant women come to the appointment (as in a children's clinic - the day of a healthy child). It can be any day appointed by the LCD administration.

If a pregnant woman accidentally came into contact with a sick person - on the street, in an elevator, then when you come home you need to wash your hands with soap and rinse your nose with saline, gargle. This will reduce your risk of getting sick. The virus, getting on the mucous membrane, just stays on the surface for some time and then penetrates into the cells. If, when you come home, you do a lavage of the mucous membranes, then the chances of developing colds are reduced. The throat can be gargled with saline or chamomile decoction. Do not use soda for rinsing, it dries the mucous membranes. It can be used when there is plaque on the tonsils and it needs to be loosened. It is undesirable to add iodine. It will penetrate in high concentrations into the blood through the mucous membrane, and is dangerous to the fetus.

Before going outside, you can apply Oxalin ointment and Viferon ointment to the mucous membrane, it will not have an antiviral effect, but will become a mechanical barrier to the penetration of the virus. Upon returning home, the nose should be rinsed again.

To strengthen immune system a pregnant woman can take vitamin D in consultation with the doctor. You can compensate for its deficiency with the help of fatty varieties of fish and eggs.

What to do if a pregnant woman is sick with SARS or influenza?

If you experience cold symptoms in the 1st to 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, stay home and stay in bed. Be sure to contact the doctor from the antenatal clinic or paramedic by phone and get advice over the phone. Do not take self-treatment without your doctor's permission. The maximum that you can do on your own is a plentiful hot drink in the form of homemade chicken broth, tea with fresh or frozen raspberries or currants (not to be confused with jam, in which there is a minimum of useful substances after cooking). You can drink warm milk with honey if you are not allergic to bee products.

The liquid that enters the general bloodstream when drinking tea reduces general intoxication and the effect on the fetus, due to the increase. Phytomixtures - tinctures of chamomile, ginseng, licorice are extremely harmful to the fetus, as they are prepared with alcohol.

Folk remedies for the treatment of colds during pregnancy

Healers recommend in the acute period to use a natural immunomodulator - horseradish. The root is rubbed on a fine grater, mixed in a ratio of 1: 1 with sugar, and infused for 12 hours in the refrigerator. Take 1 teaspoon per hour.

Chicken broth made from homemade chicken with the addition of dill, pepper, a large amount of onions has a miraculous effect: it reduces the symptoms of a cold and acts on cellular immunity. The tool gives strength, gives a feeling of comfort and satisfaction, enhances the outflow of mucus from the nasopharynx and bronchi, stimulates the restoration of damaged cells, restores the function of the ciliated epithelium of the nasopharynx. The broth from concentrates does not have the listed effects.

Excellent antimicrobial agent– . The root is crushed, 2 teaspoons are poured with boiling water and infused for 10-20 minutes. You can add a slice to the drink.

It has bactericidal properties. It contains phytoncides with antiviral action and vitamins. It can be eaten or inhaled.

SARS- various acute infectious diseases resulting from damage to the epithelium of the respiratory tract by RNA- and DNA-containing viruses. Usually accompanied by fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, lacrimation, symptoms of intoxication; may be complicated by tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. Diagnosis of ARVI is based on clinical and epidemiological data, confirmed by the results of virological and serological tests. Etiotropic treatment of acute respiratory viral infections includes taking antiviral drugs, symptomatic - the use of antipyretics, expectorants, gargling, instillation of vasoconstrictor drops into the nose, etc.

General information

SARS - airborne infections caused by viral pathogens that affect mainly the respiratory system. SARS are the most common diseases, especially in children. During periods of peak incidence of acute respiratory viral infections, ARVI is diagnosed in 30% of the world's population, respiratory viral infections are many times higher in frequency than other infectious diseases. The highest incidence is typical for children aged 3 to 14 years. An increase in the incidence is noted in the cold season. The prevalence of infection is ubiquitous.

SARS are classified according to the severity of the course: there are mild, moderate and severe forms. The severity of the course is determined based on the severity of catarrhal symptoms, temperature reaction and intoxication.

Causes of SARS

SARS are caused by a variety of viruses belonging to different genera and families. They are united by a pronounced affinity for the cells of the epithelium lining the respiratory tract. SARS can cause various types of influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, RSV 2 serovars, reoviruses. The vast majority (with the exception of adenoviruses) pathogens are RNA-containing viruses. Almost all pathogens (except reo- and adenoviruses) are unstable in environment, quickly die when dried, exposed to ultraviolet light, and disinfectants. Sometimes SARS can cause Coxsackie and ECHO viruses.

The source of ARVI is a sick person. The greatest danger is posed by patients in the first week clinical manifestations. Viruses are transmitted by aerosol mechanism in most cases by airborne droplets, in rare cases implementation of the contact-household route of infection is possible. The natural susceptibility of humans to respiratory viruses is high, especially in childhood. Immunity after infection is unstable, short-term and type-specific.

Due to the multiplicity and diversity of types and serovars of the pathogen, multiple incidence of acute respiratory viral infections in one person per season is possible. Approximately every 2-3 years influenza pandemics associated with the emergence of a new strain of the virus are recorded. SARS of non-influenza etiology often provoke outbreaks in children's groups. Pathological changes virus-infected epithelium respiratory system contribute to a decrease in its protective properties, which can lead to the occurrence of a bacterial infection and the development of complications.

SARS symptoms

Common features of SARS: relatively short-term (about a week) incubation period, acute onset, fever, intoxication and catarrhal symptoms.

adenovirus infection

The incubation period for adenovirus infection can range from two to twelve days. Like any respiratory infection, it begins acutely, with a rise in temperature, runny nose and cough. The fever can last up to 6 days, sometimes it runs into two oxen. Symptoms of intoxication are moderate. For adenoviruses, the severity of catarrhal symptoms is characteristic: abundant rhinorrhea, swelling of the nasal mucosa, pharynx, tonsils (often moderately hyperemic, with a fibrinous coating). The cough is wet, sputum is clear, liquid.

May be enlarged and sore lymph nodes head and neck, in rare cases - lienal syndrome. The height of the disease is characterized by clinical symptoms of bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis. A common symptom of adenovirus infection is catarrhal, follicular, or membranous conjunctivitis, initially, usually unilateral, predominantly of the lower eyelid. In a day or two, the conjunctiva of the second eye may become inflamed. In children under two years of age, abdominal symptoms may occur: diarrhea, abdominal pain (mesenteric lymphopathy).

The course is long, often undulating, due to the spread of the virus and the formation of new foci. Sometimes (especially when serovars 1,2 and 5 are affected by adenoviruses), a long-term carriage is formed (adenoviruses are latently stored in the tonsils).

Respiratory syncytial infection

The incubation period, as a rule, takes from 2 to 7 days; adults and children of the older age group are characterized by a mild course of the type of catarrh or acute bronchitis. Runny nose, pain when swallowing (pharyngitis) may be noted. Fever and intoxication are not typical for a respiratory syncytile infection; subfebrile condition may be noted.

The disease in young children (especially infants) is characterized by a more severe course and deep penetration of the virus (bronchiolitis with a tendency to obstruction). The onset of the disease is gradual, the first manifestation is usually rhinitis with scanty viscous secretions, hyperemia of the pharynx and palatine arches, pharyngitis. The temperature either does not rise, or does not exceed subfebrile numbers. Soon there is a dry obsessive cough like that of whooping cough. At the end of the coughing fit, thick, clear or whitish, viscous sputum is noted.

With the progression of the disease, the infection penetrates into smaller bronchi, bronchioles, the respiratory volume decreases, respiratory failure gradually increases. Dyspnea is mainly expiratory (difficulty exhaling), breathing is noisy, there may be short-term episodes of apnea. On examination, increasing cyanosis is noted, auscultation reveals scattered fine and medium bubbling rales. The disease usually lasts about 10-12 days, in severe cases, an increase in duration, recurrence is possible.

Rhinovirus infection

SARS treatment

ARVI is treated at home, patients are sent to the hospital only in cases of severe course or the development of dangerous complications. The complex of therapeutic measures depends on the course, severity of symptoms. Bed rest is recommended for patients with fever up to the normalization of body temperature. It is advisable to follow a complete, protein-rich and vitamin-rich diet, drink plenty of fluids.

Medicines are mainly prescribed depending on the prevalence of one or another symptomatology: antipyretics (paracetamol and complex preparations containing it), expectorants (bromhexine, ambroxol, marshmallow root extract, etc.), antihistamines for desensitization of the body (chloropyramine). Currently, there are a lot of complex drugs, including in their composition active ingredients of all these groups, as well as vitamin C, which helps to increase the body's natural defenses.

Locally with rhinitis, vasoconstrictors are prescribed: naphazoline, xylometazoline, etc. With conjunctivitis, ointments with bromnaphthoquinone, fluorenonylglyoxal are applied to the affected eye. Antibiotic therapy is prescribed only if an associated bacterial infection is detected. Etiotropic treatment of acute respiratory viral infections can be effective only in the early stages of the disease. It involves the introduction of human interferon, anti-influenza gamma globulin, as well as synthetic drugs: rimantadine, oxolin ointment, ribavirin.

Of the physiotherapeutic methods of treating ARVI, mustard bath, can massage and inhalation are widespread. Supportive vitamin therapy, herbal immunostimulants, adaptogens are recommended for people who have had ARVI.

Forecast and prevention of SARS

The prognosis for SARS is generally favorable. The worsening of the prognosis occurs when complications occur, a more severe course often develops when the body is weakened, in children of the first year of life, in senile people. Some complications (pulmonary edema, encephalopathy, false croup) can be fatal.

Specific prophylaxis consists in the use of interferons in the epidemic focus, vaccination with the most common strains of influenza during seasonal pandemics. For personal protection, it is desirable to use gauze bandages covering the nose and mouth when in contact with patients. Individually, it is also recommended to increase the protective properties of the body as a prevention of viral infections (rational nutrition, hardening, vitamin therapy and the use of adaptogens).

Currently, specific prevention of SARS is not sufficiently effective. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the general measures for the prevention of respiratory infections. infectious diseases, especially in children's groups and medical institutions. As general prevention measures, the following are distinguished: measures aimed at monitoring compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards, timely identification and isolation of patients, limiting population crowding during epidemics and quarantine measures in outbreaks.

SARS, or acute respiratory viral infections, are a group of diseases with similar symptoms. They mainly affect the organs of the respiratory system and develop after the virus enters the body. The group of RNA- and DNA-containing pathogens dangerous to humans includes more than 200 species.

Take note! Although any "cold" disease is usually classified as SARS, such a diagnosis will be correct only when it is made by a specialist. After all, the viral nature of the problem must be determined by analysis, otherwise the cause of the disease may be in acute respiratory infections (acute respiratory disease), which has similar symptoms. Treatment that can give a significant effect in the case of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections should be different.

The peak incidence of acute respiratory viral infections occurs in the winter, and the frequency of the disease in spring and autumn is also characteristic. In the first case, an organism weakened and receiving insufficient vitamins succumbs to infection, in the second, a decrease in immunity and susceptibility to disease increase with hypothermia. There are also sudden outbreaks of the disease, when it spreads rapidly in large cities.

The disease begins when a pathogen enters the body. The main route of its spread is airborne: the smallest particles of the patient's saliva, which are thrown out when sneezing or coughing, are dangerous in the air, therefore, for infection, it is enough to be in the same room with the infected person.

Some viruses have the ability to survive even outside human body. Such pathogens settle on household items, public transport handrails, etc. Hands that are not washed after contact with a dirty surface easily lead to infection. It happens especially easily, there is a person, without washing his hands, touches the mucous membranes (nose or corner of the eye), providing the virus with the simplest access to the body.

Video - Symptoms and treatment of SARS (from 33 minutes)

Symptoms of the disease

The signs of SARS differ in each case, however, in any case, the disease is characterized by a syndrome of general intoxication, which is expressed in a number of signs:

• diffuse headaches;
• chills
• various kinds of pain in muscles, joints and bones;
• increasing weakness, drowsiness and malaise over time;
• fever
• problems with the upper respiratory tract.

Take note! The body temperature of the patient can reach 38-40 degrees. This effect is a protective measure of the body and is necessary for the most effective suppression of infection. It is recommended to bring down the temperature only in cases where it exceeds the threshold of 38 degrees and its further increase is life-threatening.

However, some cases of infection pass with a body temperature that does not go beyond subfebrile values.

The initial stage of ARVI invariably brings with it a catarrhal syndrome:

• difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion;
• abundant formation in the nasal cavities of mucus;
• pain when swallowing;
• perspiration in the oropharynx;
• increased activity of the lacrimal glands, pain in the eyes;
• sneezing.

These problems arise due to inflammation of the tissues of the nasopharynx after the penetration of a viral agent into the body and swelling of the mucous membranes.

There is also a problem on the part of the main affected system - the respiratory one. Usually it is a dry cough, turning into attacks, causing a sore throat and not accompanied by sputum. He talks about the development of the inflammatory process in the bronchi and alveolar vesicles.

The process is often accompanied by a number of other signs:

• sleep disorders;
• voice change and difficulty speaking;
• photophobia;
• dizziness;
• nausea, as well as vomiting and gastrointestinal disorders in severe cases;
• enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Asymptomatic course of the disease

SARS have an incubation period of about two to three days, when viruses, once in the body, actively multiply. At this time, there are no or almost no symptoms of the disease, so the person is unaware of the problem, continuing to spread the infection - this is what causes global outbreaks of SARS.

It's relevant! In recent days, experts have identified an increased frequency of the atypical course of acute respiratory viral infections, in which there is no temperature reaction of the body to the disease.

In order not to miss the moment of infection, to start treatment on time and not to endure the disease on your feet, further weakening the infected body, it is important to listen to its signals in addition to temperature changes and not neglect a timely visit to the doctor.

Most worrisome symptoms

ARVI can lead to numerous complications of various kinds, depending on which organ the progressive infection spreads to. The most common consequences of a neglected infection are pneumonia, tonsillitis, sinusitis and sinusitis.

The fact that the development of pneumonia has begun is most eloquently indicated by the sudden deterioration in the patient's well-being, the temperature remaining at 39 degrees and the development of shortness of breath.

ARVI is a viral disease, but with untimely treatment, bacterial agents can join the viral agents, which prolongs the course of the disease and increases the risk of complications.

Note! The fact that an infection caused by bacteria has developed in the body against the background of the disease is indicated by the changed color of nasal discharge. If the transparent substance turns greenish, the situation has changed for the worse. The same is evidenced by a white coating covering the tonsils and tongue, the appearance bad smell from the mouth and the formation of small ulcers on the cheeks and tongue.

SARS and influenza: differences

Often, cases of SARS are confused with influenza. This is not surprising, because both infections are very close and have not only almost identical symptoms, but also similar pathogens. However, there are important reasons to learn to distinguish them:

Similarities between SARS and influenza	Differences between SARS and influenza
Influenza is nothing more than one of the groups of diseases included in the list of SARS	Influenza distinguishes the greatest danger when infected
SARS is rarely regarded as a serious threat. Influenza is also not often seen as an exceptional event, but of the 2,000 viruses that cause it, some pose a particularly serious threat.	The mass of mutated pathogens, for example, swine and bird flu viruses, are resistant to most types of drugs and successfully resisted any therapy before the creation of a specialized vaccine, claiming thousands of human lives
The incubation period of any SARS lasts up to 2-3 days	Influenza is highly contagious: due to the ability of viruses to infect new people at an enormous speed, while those already infected are still unaware of anything, such large outbreaks of the disease occur
Symptoms of influenza and SARS are generally similar	Distinguishes influenza more severe course disease, the condition of the infected may be complicated by sleep disturbances and hallucinations

Anyone can face SARS today. You can avoid the disease through preventive measures, a healthy vitamin-rich diet and strong immunity. However, even these measures are not able to 100% eliminate the risk of successful penetration of the virus into the body.

It is important to treat the infection adequately. It is worth listening sensitively to the signals of the body, not counting the malaise and the manifestation of symptoms of SARS as a trifle. Immunity can cope with the problem on its own only after a long struggle, during which you have to stay at home. Timely intake of antiviral drugs will greatly facilitate the course of the disease, and will also allow you not to waste time lying in bed, which is so unpleasantly unsettling.

Visiting a doctor if you suspect a SARS or obvious signs of illness is by no means a waste of time, but a way to quickly and effectively put an end to infections. The specialist will prescribe a drug complex suitable in a particular case, conduct the necessary tests, determine the group of the causative agent of the disease and help to undergo treatment quickly and without the risk of complications.

Follow these simple advice and be healthy!