Doctor and TV presenter Alexander Myasnikov reminded in his telegram-channel that the “swine flu” H1N1 that came this season is the same “Spaniard” who, according to him, “mowed down five percent of the world's population a hundred years ago.”
— Of course, now there is collective immunity to it, and it is not so terrible, but any flu is a serious infectious disease, — the doctor wrote.
Vaccination is still the best prevention of influenza, Myasnikov emphasized.
He also recalled several important rules that should be observed if infection does occur. And the first rule– If you are sick, stay at home. No need to infect others, because for some it can end fatally. For example, for an elderly person with diabetes who came to the hospital to get a prescription. In people with chronic illnesses, complications from influenza can lead to death, the physician said.
The second rule is to take precautions so as not to transmit the virus to family members. To do this, you should use separate dishes, wash your hands more often, wipe the surface with disinfectants, and so on.
Myasnikov noted that now ten percent of those infected with the flu are asymptomatic.
What antivirals to take? Myasnikov advises Tamiflu and Relenza. These drugs, he says, can shorten the illness to one to three days and prevent complications.
– Relenza can cause bronchospasm and therefore it should not be used by asthmatics. Tamiflu may be accompanied by nausea, the doctor warned.
When is medical attention necessary?
- Difficulty breathing
- Dehydration
- Drowsiness
- Indomitable vomiting.
Added for children:
- Cyanosis is a bluish color of the skin
- If the baby cries, but there are no tears
- Rash with fever
- If the child is “loaded” and reluctant to wake up.
Who is at particular risk?
- Pregnant women
- Children under five and especially two years old
- People over 65
- People who are severely obese
- Patients with diabetes, chronic heart and lung disease, kidney failure, cancer, AIDS.
Swine influenza A (H1N1) symptoms:
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Important!< /span> Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. Seek medical attention at the first sign of illness.
Alexander Myasnikov Medicine Cardiologist, general practitioner, TV and radio presenter and public figure, author of books on health.