It is well known that the timely administration of antiviral treatment of influenza helps to reduce the duration of the disease. Nevertheless, the relevance of the issue of effective treatment of influenza today is also justified by the wide distribution and availability for the population of the so-called "cold" drugs.
Unfortunately, not only patients, but also many doctors recommend the use of flu remedies that have no evidence base. A modern doctor should be guided by the principles of evidence-based medicine, especially when it comes to the treatment of such dangerous and highly contagious diseases as influenza.
This article on estet-portal.com provides up-to-date information on treatment and prevention of influenza, based on international recommendations. Now it is especially relevant, because with the onset of cold weather and the approach of winter, the flu season is coming again.
Important aspects of annual influenza prevention and disease epidemiology
In tropical regions, the incidence of influenza is observed throughout the year. In the northern hemisphere, seasonal flu epidemics typically occur during the winter ('flu season') with a peak in January and February. The severity of influenza epidemics varies significantly from year to year depending on the antigenic variation in the type of circulating virus and the susceptibility of the population to infection.
The latter largely depends on the specific prophylaxis of the disease. To date, coverage of the population with influenza vaccination is insufficient: even before the start of the pandemic in 2009, it was only 30% of children; after the pandemic – twenty%. Vaccination coverage for people over 65 is about 40%. This means that many people around the world get the flu every year.
Influenza viruses are classified into three types: A, B and C. Influenza A and B viruses are the most clinically significant.
For more information about what types of influenza viruses exist, as well as the features of each of them, read the article: Types of influenza viruses and the main clinical symptoms of the disease.
What are the indications for antiviral treatment of influenza
In most cases, the treatment of influenza is symptomatic: anti-inflammatory drugs or paracetamol are used. Drinking plenty of water is of great importance. It is worth remembering that acetylsalicylic acid should not be used in the treatment of influenza, especially in children, as it can provoke Reye's syndrome.
Antiviral drugs are used as etiotropic therapy for influenza.
The following absolute indications for the appointment of antiviral therapy for influenza should be highlighted:
1. Presence of symptoms of damage to the lower respiratory tract due to influenza;
2. Severe deterioration of the patient's condition due to influenza;
There are conditions where the decision to take antivirals must be made by the doctor on a case-by-case basis.
These include:
1. Pregnancy when less than 48 hours have passed since the onset of the disease;
2. Children, when less than 48 hours have passed since the onset of the disease and the correctness of the diagnosis leaves no doubt;
3. The need for quick recovery (for example, in the case of a patient caring for a disabled family member).
For more information about antiviral drugs used in the treatment of influenza, read further in the article.
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Etiotropic treatment of influenza: antiviral drugs and their effectiveness
Neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral drugs are used to treat influenza. These include:
1. Oseltamivir: for adults is used at a dose of 75 mg 2 times a day for 5 days. For children, there is a separate form of release of the drug in the form of an oral suspension, the dosage is determined depending on the weight of the child. The sooner antiviral therapy is started, the better the effect of therapy will be;
2. Zanamivir for inhalation: the dose for adults and children over 5 years of age is 2 inhalations of 5 mg twice a day for 5 days.
Prescribing antiviral therapy in adults within 48 hours from the onset of influenza reduces the duration of the disease by one day; in children – an average of one and a half days. In the case of early initiation of antiviral therapy, namely between 12 and 24 hours from the onset of the disease, the duration of infection can be reduced by 3-4 days.
The use of amandanin as an antiviral therapy for influenza is not currently recommended. Almost all influenza strains are resistant to this drug.
Read also: The role of the herpes simplex virus in the occurrence of dermatological diseases
Influenza Prevention: Who Needs Annual Vaccination
The World Health Organization recommends annual influenza prevention through vaccination. In many countries, it is recommended for people whose health can be seriously threatened by the flu.
In Finland, in particular, influenza vaccination is carried out for the following population groups:
1. Social, medical and pharmaceutical professionals who have regular contact with patients/clients;
2. Pregnant women;
3. All persons over 65;
4. All children aged 6 to 35 months;
5. People living with other people who are prone to severe flu;
6. To all who enter the military service;
Some patients are at increased risk of severe influenza due to another medical condition. The decision to vaccinate must be made by the physician on a case-by-case basis.
Such pathological conditions include:
1. Cardiovascular disease: ischemic heart disease or heart failure;
2. Respiratory diseases: asthma or COPD;
3. Diabetes mellitus;
4. Renal failure;
5. An immunosuppressive condition caused by a chronic disease or its treatment;
6. Chronic neurological disease.
Vaccination should be carried out annually according to the prevailing strain of the virus.
Annual influenza vaccination of at-risk patients is recommended by the World Health Organization.
Complete vaccination coverage is of great importance, which contributes to an overall reduction in the incidence and number of complications of influenza.
Adequate hand hygiene, as well as adherence to the rules of cough ethics, are the key points for non-specific influenza prevention. Obviously, a person with flu symptoms should not visit crowded places or go to work – it is better to carry the infection at home or in the hospital if there is an indication for hospitalization. This is an important point in preventing the spread of infection among the population.
Thank you for staying with estet-portal.com. Read other interesting articles in the "Infectious Diseases" section. You may also be interested in Skin health and the role of the microbiome in preventing skin aging.
Material written based on the EMB Guideline «Influenza» (2018).
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