If there were a hit-parade of diseases, then in the autumn-winter period the flu would undoubtedly occupy the top position. From year to year, the virus that causes this disease is visited by a huge number of people. Influenza is not a so mysterious disease. Meanwhile, many misconceptions and even myths are associated with it.
Myth 1: ARI, SARS and flu are different names for the same disease
The term "acute respiratory disease" (ARI) or "acute respiratory viral infection" (ARVI) encompasses a large number of diseases that are largely similar to each other. One of the respiratory diseases is coryza or rhinitis. It is caused by a number of related viruses called rhinoviruses. Influenza is caused directly by the influenza virus (Myxovirus influenza). Typical signs of influenza: a sudden rise in temperature (39-40 degrees Celsius), which lasts 3-4 days, chills, severe headache, pain when moving the eyeballs, aching muscles and joints. But a runny nose and sore throat, which usually accompany other acute respiratory viral infections, with flu in the first days of the disease are not expressed.
Myth 2: there is no point in treating the flu: this disease is not dangerous and will go away by itself
How dangerous! Flu can be fatal, especially in young children and the elderly. In addition, the disease can leave behind various complications. Influenza in particular undermines the cardiovascular system, shortening life expectancy by several years.
The ironic saying "without treatment, the flu lasts a week, and with treatment, seven days" contains a grain of truth. But only not if the treatment is started on time. It is especially important to prevent the development of influenza. The most acute phase of this disease is observed on the first day after infection. Then it is necessary to start treatment, and not after the high temperature lasted for several days. Timeliness of treatment will not only shorten the duration of the disease, but also reduce the likelihood of complications.
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Myth 3: for people with strong immunity, the flu is not scary
Indeed, there are people who do not get the flu. Such resistance exists due to good heredity and is present in humans from birth. However, there are only a few such lucky ones. The rest of the doctors recommend not to neglect the prevention of the disease. A person may practically not get sick or catch a cold, but this is not a guarantee that the next flu epidemic will bypass him.
Myth 4: heat must be brought down immediately
You should not rush to bring down the high temperature. After all, an elevated temperature is evidence that the body is fighting the disease. Another thing is that some people tolerate heat very poorly. There is severe weakness, muscle pain, joint aches. In such cases, doctors definitely recommend taking antipyretic drugs, but not bringing down the temperature below 38 degrees.
Myth 5: the flu is best treated with antibiotics
Antibiotics work only on bacteria. Viruses have nothing to do with bacteria, therefore, it is useless to treat viral diseases with antibiotics, including influenza. Sometimes, against the background of weakened immunity, a secondary bacterial infection can join a viral infection. And only in such a situation a doctor (and only a doctor) can prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Myth 6: to avoid getting the flu, it is enough to take vitamins and eat more onions, as well as garlic, sauerkraut and lemons
Vitamins are great, but they will not save you from the flu. Vitamin prophylaxis is of a general strengthening nature and does not directly affect the virus. The effectiveness of this method of protection against influenza is no more than 45%. The optimal solution will be comprehensive prevention, which includes hardening, immunostimulating drugs, vaccinations and, of course, vitamins.
Myth 7: vaccination gives 100% protection against influenza
Many are convinced that it is impossible to get sick after vaccination. In fact, this is not the case: the risk of infection remains, but it becomes significantly less. On average, vaccination provides 80-90% protection.
Myth 8: vaccination can lead to the flu
No vaccine causes the typical disease. During the vaccination process, either a weakened virus or parts of it are introduced into the body. The virus in the vaccine cannot cause disease, but it can stimulate the body to make antibodies. Therefore, when a "wild" virus enters the body, it does not take time to develop antibodies - they are already there after vaccination. The antibodies bind to the virus and thus prevent the cell from becoming infected and the virus from multiplying. Thanks to this, the disease is prevented even before it begins.
Modern vaccines are very easily tolerated and there are no symptoms of the disease after vaccination. Only a few may experience redness at the injection site or a slight rise in temperature. This is perhaps the most unpleasant consequence of the introduction of the vaccine.
Myth 9: influenza viruses constantly mutate, which means it is impossible to predict which one will be in "fashion" and create a vaccine that will protect against it
The World Health Organization is constantly researching the movement of viruses around the world and, based on this, expresses wishes to vaccine developers. Even if the prognosis is not 100% correct, the vaccine still works, since most influenza viruses have common antibodies.
Myth 10: It's too late to vaccinate after the outbreak
The best time to get vaccinated against influenza is the fall period from September to November. It is best to vaccinate 2-3 weeks before the start of the alleged epidemic. If for some reason the vaccination was not carried out on time, then it can be done even after the start of the epidemic, and only vaccines with non-living viruses can be used. However, if the vaccine was given when the person was already infected with the influenza virus, but clinical manifestations have not yet begun, then the vaccine may not be effective.
Olga Konturskaya
