Symptoms
Influenza (flu) usually begins suddenly and manifests itself in the following symptoms:
- High fever, chills, sweating.
- Muscle, limb and headache
- Weakness, fatigue, feeling sick.
- Cough, usually a dry irritating cough
- Rhinitis, nasal congestion, sore throat
- Digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, mainly in children.
The flu occurs mainly in the winter months. It usually lasts about one to two weeks and passes on its own. But it can also lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, worsening of existing diseases and multi-organ failure. Thus, the infection is not harmless and can rarely be fatal. At-risk groups include pregnant women, children under two years of age, patients with underlying diseases, immunosuppressed individuals, and the elderly.
Causes
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infectious disease caused in humans by influenza virus types A and B, an RNA virus of the orthomyxovirus family. The virus infects the nasopharynx and lower respiratory tract. Influenza is transmitted from person to person as a droplet infection when speaking, coughing, sneezing, or through indirect contact with secretions, such as shaking hands or through surfaces. The incubation period is short, ranging from one to three days. Infection usually occurs from one day before to one week after the onset of symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made under medical care based on patient history, clinical symptoms, and laboratory methods. Numerous other infectious diseases can cause similar symptoms and be mistaken for influenza. A cold is not the same as influenza and is caused by other viruses see under common cold.
Nonpharmacologic treatment
- Adequate fluid intake, e.g., tea.
- Bed rest, avoiding efforts
- Wraps, cool compresses against the fever
Antiviral treatment
Antiviral drugs act causally against viral replication. Therapy should be initiated as early as possible, within two days. Neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are most commonly used today. They inhibit the viral enzyme neuraminidase, blocking the release of viruses and thus inhibiting viral replication. Adamantanes such as amantadine (Symmetrel) have become less common since the introduction of the new drugs. RNA polymerase inhibitors: In 2018, baloxavirmarboxil (Xofluza), the first agent in the endonuclease inhibitors group, was approved. Baloxavirmarboxil blocks the formation of mRNA, preventing viral replication. Baloxavirmarboxil is administered as a single dose in the form of tablets. Favipiravir (Avigan) is an antiviral agent in the RNA polymerase inhibitor group that is used by government order to treat an influenza outbreak when other drugs are not effective. It is approved in Japan.
Symptomatic drug treatment
Most drugs used for treatment are not effective against the actual cause of the infection, the influenza viruses, but only against the symptoms. Therefore, they have no effect on the duration of the disease, but only relieve symptoms. Fever, limb pain and headaches can be treated with painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. They are effective against fever and pain at the same time. Paracetamol tends to be better tolerated than the NSAIDs. For cough, antitussive agents such as dextromethorphan and codeine are used. Decongestant nasal sprays or humidifying nasal sprays, inhalations, cold balms, and nasal rinses are commonly used to treat the common cold. Combination flu remedies contain several active ingredients and are effective simultaneously against symptoms such as fever, aches and pains, colds, coughs and sleep disturbances. They are controversial among experts because of the increased risk of adverse effects and potential drug-drug interactions, among other reasons, but are popular among patients. The best-known brands include NeoCitran, Pretuval and Vicks MediNait.
Alternative treatment options
In addition to conventional medicines, there are numerous alternative preparations on the market that are also commonly used. The following is a small selection: Vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C, zinc
Phytotherapeutics:
- Echinacea, Pelargonium, lime blossom, elderflower.
Homeopathics:
Anthroposophics:
- Infludo, Infludoron (Weleda)
Prevention
For non-drug prevention, various hygiene measures are recommended:
- Regular hand washing with soap and water or hand disinfection.
- Avoid contact with sick people, flu patients should stay at home until they are well.
- Cough or sneeze into a paper handkerchief.
- Wearing hygienic masks
- Clean surfaces
Flu shot:
- Influenza vaccine is a drug that is used annually to prevent influenza. It contains surface antigens of the influenza virus according to WHO recommendations and is usually injected into the upper arm muscle. The effect is delayed for two to four weeks and lasts for several months. Possible adverse effects include discomfort at the injection site and general symptoms such as fatigue, fever, weakness and headache. Severe allergic reactions shortly after vaccination are extremely rare see under flu vaccination.
Medication prevention:
- Under special circumstances, preventive administration of neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to individuals not yet ill is possible.
Immunostimulants
