Swine influenza (H1N1) is a highly infectious disease caused by influenza viruses of subtypes A and B, which are considered to be the most dangerous for humans. Recommendations from leading infectious disease specialists will prompt you how to protect yourself from swine flu, what methods of treatment and prevention are effective.
Prevention and treatment of swine influenza (H1N1)
Algorithm of treatment and measures for the prevention of swine flu are the same as in seasonal influenza. Among the productive preventive measures:
1. Vaccination. Currently, a vaccine for the H1N1 flu virus has been created, which experts consider relatively safe. The surface antigens of the virus contained in it can not in themselves cause the disease. In addition to protecting against highly pathogenic swine flu, the vaccine protects against seasonal influenza. The vaccine should be administered annually. The best period for vaccination is October.
2. Medication prophylaxis. Modern pharmaceuticals offer antiviral drugs, which are quite a powerful therapeutic and preventive tool. These medications are recommended in the fall and spring. It is in the cold period of the year that the human body is weakened and most vulnerable to infections. For the treatment and prevention of swine influenza drugs are used:
- Anaferon;
- Arbidol;
- Grippferon;
- Ingaverine;
- Interferon;
- Kagocel;
- Relenza;
- Tamiflu:
- Viferon.
In particular, Viferon can be used to treat and prevent swine and seasonal influenza, even by pregnant women. Quite an effective means of treatment and prevention of swine flu is everyone's familiar oxolin ointment. The drug should be stored in the nasal passage before going out into public places during epidemics.
In addition, any sensible person who cares about his health and the health of his people, should follow WHO recommendations:
- It is more common to wash your hands and regularly use sanitary napkins.
- Observe sanitary and hygienic requirements for cleaning and airing of premises;
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Working in the teams during the epidemic, you need to wear protective masks, replacing them in time.
- If you detect signs of illness, limit contact with people around you.
- In case of symptoms of acute respiratory viral infection and influenza, stay at home, applying for medical help.
Drugs used in the treatment of swine flu
For the treatment of influenza and influenza-like conditions are used:
1. Antiviral drugs. When infected with the causative agent of swine flu, the same medicines are used as remedies, as in the case of prevention. Help in selecting a specific medicine can be a doctor who takes into account the general condition of the patient, as well as the available indications and contraindications for taking this or that remedy.
2. Drugs to reduce the symptoms of the disease, including:
- antipyretics (Nuroferon, Paracetamol, Panadol);
- antihistamines (Suprastin, Dimedrol, Tavegil);
- antitussives.
3. Immunomodulators for increasing the body's defenses.
4. Means for local effects (vasoconstrictor and ethereal drops, preparations for washing the nose with sea water as the main component, analgesic and antiseptic tablets for resorption, medical inhalations).
5. Means of traditional medicine.
Attention! Treatment of a patient with influenza is carried out at home, subject to regular visits to the patient by the attending physician. Hospitalization is indicated only in cases of severe disease or threat of complications .