Every year, from December to March, the flu comes, starting another epidemic. This is due to the lack of a universal vaccine, which would work for any strain. And to predict the appearance of a concrete is difficult, besides, it can change.
Influenza strains
These microorganisms store their genetic information in RNA, which is easily mutable. As a result, strains of the influenza virus are constantly being updated, making it necessary to create new vaccines. They are produced for about six months, the type is determined by the WHO recommendation. This explains not always the optimal effectiveness of the vaccine, by the time of its use the virus can already acquire new abilities.
The most dangerous is the ability to become invisible to the immune system, which safely passes the pathogen, starting the reaction too late. Such changes are called antigenic drift. Researchers believe that most of all it is active in tropical latitudes, where the level of infection is at the same level throughout the year, and there are no seasonal epidemics.
What kind of flu is expected in 2018?
Independently to find out, what flu will be in 2018, it will not turn out, because the causative agent constantly changes the structure. WHO every year on the basis of research makes a prediction and reports on the strains, the meeting of which must be prepared. The cause of epidemics is influenza B or A, but they have many subtypes, so last year's vaccines will not be effective. The composition for vaccination can include antibodies from only 3 strains, for the current season are stated:
- Hong Kong;
- Brisbane (Australian flu-2018);
- California Flu-2018 (Michigan).
The Australian Flu
The name H3N2 strain was obtained due to the outbreak, which recently occurred in Australia. The Brisbane influenza has been the heaviest in the past 10 years. Then the disease came to the UK, it is possible that the strain will reach Eastern Europe. The variety is of the type A, is dangerous for the elderly, children and chronic heart diseases. The rest have nothing to fear, complications are rare. The Australian flu-2018, the symptoms of which are no different from fellow humans, can be prevented by vaccination, but experts say that it works worse than for subtypes of B.
Hong Kong Flu
This is a subtype of bird flu-2018, which appeared three years ago in Hong Kong. At the end of last year, he mutated into a new strain, the immunity to which had not yet developed. For this reason it is necessary to vaccinate, especially vulnerable groups - the elderly and children. It is predicted that the Hong Kong flu-2018 will occur more often than others. The virus is dangerous for severe current and high mortality. There are frequent complications of cardiovascular diseases and exacerbation of bronchial asthma .
Flu Michigan
It is an influenza A virus, a modified agent of swine flu . The presence of immunity to H1N1 in previous years does not protect against the California virus, so a special vaccine is required. Flu-2018 is famous for its complications, characterized by:
- exacerbation of chronic diseases of the genitourinary, cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems;
- oppression of immunity;
- viral pneumonia;
- addition of fungal or bacterial infection.
Flu-2018 - forecasts
Every year the pathogen changes, leading to a new nature of the epidemic. Influenza strains in 2018 are a mutation, long known versions, which can quickly spread, dramatically increasing the number of cases. With the observance of precautionary measures and timely treatment, a favorable forecast for the completion of this season remains. It is important to refrain from underestimating the seriousness of your condition in case of infection and to consult a doctor in time.
Flu-2018 - symptoms
Specific manifestations depend on the strain that will be most widely distributed. The incubation period is available to all, the duration is 2-4 days. Everyone has the following symptoms:
- elevated temperature;
- joint and muscle pain;
- headache;
- fever;
- nausea;
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- suppression of appetite.
The new influenza-2018, the symptoms of which persist for 4-7 days, can take place in various forms.
- Easy. The decline of strength, the temperature does not rise above 38 degrees, the appetite is reduced.
- Medium-heavy. The body warms up to 39 degrees, dry cough, runny nose.
- Heavy. Fever, nausea, fever of 40 degrees, chills.
- Hypertensive. It is rare, very dangerous. It starts quickly, a few hours after infection, a cough develops, then bleeding from the nose begins, vomiting begins.
It is highly not recommended to engage in self-treatment when:
- high temperature, not knocked down for 3-4 days;
- shortness of breath;
- constant headache;
- convulsions;
- skin rashes.
Flu-2018 - treatment
A doctor may prescribe a homeopathic antiviral agent or an interferon-based medication that does not have proven efficacy. The effectiveness of Remantadine has been confirmed, but because of the large list of contraindications it is rarely prescribed. For this reason, the expert will advise what to treat the flu-2018, based on the listed symptoms.
- Drink. Increased fluid intake will help reduce the effect of intoxication. The ideal option is clean water, tea with lime color, chamomile, oregano and thyme will do.
- Antibiotics. Appointed only if suspected of joining a bacterial infection (Suprax, Amoxiclav, Amoxicillin).
- Antipyretic. We need to warm up the body above 38 degrees, when the situation becomes dangerous. Prior to this threshold, a rise in temperature is necessary for the natural elimination of the virus (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol).
- Antihistamines. Flu-2018 is not treated, but it helps to remove red eyes and swelling of the nasopharynx, facilitating the overall condition (Diazolin, Promethazine, Pheniramine).
- Cough medicine (Bromhexine, Ambroxol).
- Vasodilating drops. They are required for nasal congestion, which hampers breathing (Nazol, Tysin, Naphthysine).
- Local anti-inflammatory. Reduce the discomfort in the throat (Sepptule, Lugol, Strepsils).
- Vitamins. Recent studies have shown that ascorbic acid does not affect the activity of immunity. Therefore, real help from them should not be expected, they can be used only as a support method (Aevit, Nicotinic and ascorbic acid).
Flu-2018 - complications
Wrong treatment translates the disease into a neglected form, leading to serious consequences. Influenza A type especially often becomes their cause. Complications may concern already existing chronic problems, the following are common.
- Bacterial pneumonia. It develops 2-3 days after bright manifestations, a slight improvement is replaced by a cough with greenish and yellowish sputum and an increase in temperature.
- Otitis, sinusitis.
- Viral pneumonia . It is accompanied by dry cough, shortness of breath and obvious problems of respiratory activity.
- Infectious-toxic shock. Because of the high concentration of the products of the vital activity of the virus, the work of the kidneys and the cardiovascular system is disrupted.
- Meningitis, encephalitis. Inflammation affects the brain.
- Glomerulonephritis. Impairment of kidney function due to tubular inflammation.
Prevention of influenza in 2018
To prevent the disease, a set of measures to enhance immunity has been developed:
- reception of vitamin complexes;
- healthy eating;
- regular physical activity;
- stress level reduction;
- an eight-hour sleep;
- rejection of bad habits;
- adherence to hygiene rules.
In addition, you need to minimize communication with sick people. Experts believe that a vaccine against influenza can also help to avoid infection. Use it is necessary until the peak of the epidemic, because the immunity is formed within 10-14 days. Before receiving the injection, a doctor's consultation is required, which will tell you about the contraindications. In case of individual sensitivity, itching, allergies, fever and weakness can occur. Children best tolerate vaccination at the age of 2-5 years, but you can start at 6 months. For the elderly, the procedure is less effective.