H1N1 influenza (swine flu) is an acute infectious disease that occurs as a result of infection with Group A virus. The disease is rather difficult, and the possibility of a lethal outcome is not ruled out. In this regard, the issue of prevention of H1N1 influenza is especially relevant in 2016, when the disease acquired a pandemic scale. Do not discount the stability of the infection. Even against the background of regular therapy, the virus is released in 15% of patients during two weeks.
Measures to prevent influenza H1N1
Like any virus, highly pathogenic H1N1 influenza virus, it contains hemagglutinin, which helps to fix viruses in the cells of the body, as well as neuraminidase, which ensures the penetration of viruses into cells. If at first the source of infection was infected pigs, and only the representatives of livestock occupations were at risk, now the infection is transmitted from the sick person to the healthy one.
Infection occurs in two ways:
- airborne (with coughing, sneezing, talking);
- contact-household (through household items).
Upon contact with the hands, mucous nasopharynx and eye, the virus remains active for at least 2 hours. Namely, based on this ability of the H1N1 influenza virus, measures for the prevention of the disease are defined.
Experts advise for preventive purposes:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap, preferably with household or tar. If there is no possibility of washing hands, you can wipe them with individual hygienic napkins. It is possible to regularly handle hands with alcohol-containing solutions, including antibacterial gel.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. It is advisable to reduce the number of contacts to the minimum during the epidemic.
- When staying in places of congestion people wear replaceable protective masks.
- To take in the autumn-winter period folk remedies that increase immunity, and immunomodulating drugs.
- To lead a healthy lifestyle with a sufficient stay in the fresh air, a balanced diet, consumption of vitamin-containing complexes, a full sleep, a large amount of liquid intake.
- At the first signs of the disease, seek help from medical professionals, comply with the home regime and comply with sanitary and hygienic rules.
Important! Specific prophylaxis of H1N1 influenza is a timely vaccination. Currently, effective drugs have been developed that protect against swine and seasonal influenza. If desired, the vaccine is administered free of charge in hospitals, for representatives of some professions (medical workers, teachers, salesmen, etc.), mandatory vaccination is indicated.
What should I take to prevent H1N1 flu?
When a threat of an epidemic threatens, experts are often asked what to drink for the prevention of H1N1 influenza. Infectious disease doctors consider the following drugs effective for preventing H1N1 influenza:
- Anaferon;
- Acetaminophen;
- Arbidol;
- Viferon (first of all, for pregnant women);
- Grippferon;
- Ibuprofen;
- Kagocel;
- Tamiflu (Oseltamivir).
For the treatment and prevention of H1N1 influenza, neuraminidase inhibitor pills are most suitable:
- belonging to the 2nd generation of Zanamivir;
- Oseltamivir is a 3rd generation medicine.
Attention! Remaining at home with signs of infection, you not only can avoid serious complications from the disease, but also take care of surrounding people, thus protecting them from infection with the H1N1 flu virus.