A characteristic form of the development of the epidemic process in influenza is epidemics that arise almost every year., which not only harm the health of the population, but also have a significant impact on the life of society and are reflected in the economy of the national economy.

The organization of the fight against influenza includes preventive measures, conducted in the pre-epidemic period, and anti-epidemic measures, which are provided directly for the period of the outbreak.

Types of flu prevention:

– specific prophylaxis with vaccines (vaccine prophylaxis),

– chemoprophylaxis (antiviral agents),

– non-specific prophylaxis (compliance with the rules of personal and public hygiene).

Vaccine prophylaxis - the cornerstone of influenza control. The goal of vaccination is not complete elimination of influenza, like infections, a decrease in morbidity and mortality from influenza, reduction of its complications, exacerbation and aggravation of cardiovascular, pulmonary diseases and other chronic pathology.

Flu shots in the Republic of Belarus are held annually in the pre-epidemic period of influenza from September to December. Immunity develops through 7-15 days after vaccination and provides protection against influenza for up to 8-12 months.

The need for annual vaccination is due to annual mutations of the virus, duration of circulation of anti-influenza antibodies, constituting about one year. At the same time, "advanced" collective immunity to new variants of the influenza virus is formed for 2-3 years before the development of epidemics, caused by this pathogen, antibodies such as IgG and IgA are synthesized faster after re-vaccination. At the same time, the influenza vaccine has some immunomodulatory properties.. Thereby, the immune system is about 20-25% vaccinated acquires additional protection against other respiratory viral infections (ORI). Among people vaccinated against influenza, there is a decrease in the incidence of influenza in 3,8 times, ARI incidence in 1,6 times, total duration of incapacity for work decreases in 6 time.

Currently, influenza vaccination is focused on protecting categories of the population, who are at risk.

Contingents, to be vaccinated:

1. Persons at high risk of complications from influenza:

– children aged from 6 months before 3 years,

– children aged from 3 years and adults with chronic diseases,

– persons with immunosuppression,

– older people 65 years,

– pregnant

2. Faces, have a high risk of getting the flu or infecting others:

– paramedics,

– children and adults, located in institutions with a round-the-clock stay

– government employees, ensuring the security of the state and the life of the population,

– employees of educational institutions and students,

– consumer services workers, transport, trade, nutrition,

– faces, in contact with children under the age of 6 months or with patients with chronic pathology and immunosuppression.

In addition to risk groups, vaccination is recommended for everyone, who wants to avoid medical and economic losses, caused by annual flu epidemics.

Contraindications to vaccination:

– allergic reactions to chicken protein and vaccine components;

– acute febrile conditions or exacerbation of a chronic disease (vaccination is carried out after recovery or during remission);

– previous allergic reactions to influenza vaccines.

Types of vaccines to prevent influenza.

Live vaccine Is a vaccine, which contains a live vaccine (specially designed for vaccination) influenza virus, represented by influenza allantoic intranasal live dry vaccine – ЖГВ (country of origin Russia). In response to the introduction of such a vaccine, a weakened infectious process develops., and, if there is a wild virus in the body, mutual intensification of the intensity of infection is possible.

Inactivated vaccines (ie. killed) depending on the integrity of the vaccine virus are subdivided into:

Live and inactivated whole virion vaccines can be administered from the age of 3 years and older.

Split- and subunit vaccines can be administered to children from the age of 6 months, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons, with a history of chronic diseases. The likelihood of developing adverse reactions is lower, than with live and inactivated whole virion vaccines.

Adverse Reactions During Vaccination Against Influenza

In some cases (6-20%) flu-like symptoms may occur (headache, body aches, weakness), slight rise in temperature (up to 37.5 ° C) and local reactions at the injection site (redness of the skin, swelling), which pass on their own within 1-3 days.

To prevent the side effects of vaccination, before the vaccination, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all past illnesses and allergic manifestations in the past..

All influenza vaccines provide reliable immunity against influenza disease. Modern production technologies and application of multivalent vaccines, including all types of circulating influenza viruses (BUT(H1N1), A(H3N2), B) and taking into account the antigenic variability of the virus, significantly increase the effectiveness of influenza vaccinations: 70-98% of people vaccinated do not get the flu.

Vaccination during epidemics is just as safe and effective, however, during the development of immunity (7-15 days) it is necessary to carry out prevention by other means.

Non-specific prevention of influenza

It is subdivided into seasonal prophylaxis and emergency.

For seasonal prevention taking medications is typical, increasing the body's resistance to infection a month before the seasonal rise in the incidence of influenza and throughout the epidemic, ie. during 4-6 weeks. For these purposes are used:

– vitamins C, BUT, IN (“Hexavit”, “Revit”, “Undevit”, antioxicaps).

– adaptogens of plant origin (ginseng preparations, eleutherococcus, echinacea, “Phytolon”, “Fitogor”)

– interferon inducers.

– bacterial vaccines (IRS-19, Imudon, Ribomunil, Bronchomunal)

– medicinal plants not only relieve symptoms of the disease, but also have antiviral effect. Onion, garlic - contain phytoncides. Mint, pine - have a virucidal effect and are used for inhalation. Lemon, rose hip, cranberry, lingonberry, sea ​​buckthorn, honey - a storehouse of vitamins, including vitamin C (ascorbic acid), on their basis, vitamin drinks are prepared (tea, mors, infusion).

Application of non-drug methods: hardening procedures, physical exercises, air baths, dousing hands and feet with cold water, cold and hot shower, walking barefoot, sleep with open windows, prophylactic ultraviolet irradiation, active and healthy lifestyle.

Emergency chemoprophylaxis (by epidemic indications)

Intrafocal influenza prophylaxis in humans, in direct contact with patients in families, dorm rooms, hospital wards (epidemic foci). The duration of focal prophylaxis ranges from 2 days with immediate cessation of contact with the source of infection up to 5-7 days, if the patient is not isolated.

Population groups are subject to extrafocal prophylaxis, not vaccinated against influenza.

Antiviral medicines are used for emergency prevention of influenza:

– remantadin,

– arbidol,

– oxolinic ointment, Florenal 0,5%, Bonafton,

– interferons - "Alfaron" (intranasal drops), "Grippferon" (intranasal drops), ointment with "Interferon",

– interferon inducers - "Cycloferon", Amixin,

– neuraminidase inhibitors – oseltamivir, zanamivir currently have high clinical efficacy

Non-specific prevention of influenza

Complex of anti-epidemic measures aimed at interrupting individual links of the epidemic process:

1. Impact on the source of infection:

– timely detection of patients with influenza, their isolation and early etiotropic treatment;

– hospitalization of patients with severe and complicated forms of influenza, especially children under the age of 3 years and people with chronic diseases.

2. Interruption of transmission paths:

-restriction or prohibition of holding mass events;

– strengthening the anti-epidemic regime in medical, children's and educational institutions, at enterprises, in crowded places: observance of temperature conditions, current disinfection, wet cleaning 2-3 once a day with the use of disinfectants, ultraviolet irradiation, aeration, using masks with changing them every 3-4 o'clock.

– early dismissal of schoolchildren into quarantine for a period of 7 days from the date of absence due to ARI influenza 30% students and staff;

– prohibition of admission of visitors to hospitals and residential institutions (child's home, orphanages, etc.)

– cancellation of preventive medical examinations of school students.

– outbreak quarantine measures (3-5 flu cases)

3. Emergency chemoprophylaxis, conducted among the unvaccinated.

The person with the flu is the most contagious for those around you the first 3-4 days of illness. Children, especially small, potentially "dangerous" up to 7-10 days.

In the external environment influenza viruses do not live long - 2-8 hours, and die under the influence of high temperatures (75–100 ° С), bactericidal agents, such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, alkali (soap).

Incubation period with flu, very short - from infection to the first manifestations of the disease, it takes an average of 48 ± 12 hours.

Influenza begins acutely - the patient can indicate the time of the onset of symptoms.

According to the severity of the course, lung flu is distinguished, moderate and severe course. In all cases, to one degree or another, there are signs of intoxication and catarrhal phenomena.. Moreover, in 5-10% cases there is also a hemorrhagic component.

Flu symptoms:

Fever: with a mild course, the temperature does not rise above 38 ° C; with flu of moderate severity - 39-40 ° C; in severe cases - may rise higher 40 ºS.

Chills.

Redness of the face with general pallor of the skin

Headache - especially in the forehead, eye; when moving the eyeballs.

Muscle pain - especially in the legs and lower back, joints.

Sore throat, hoarseness of voice.

The gore in the eyes, lacrimation.

Cough: if uncomplicated, it is usually a dry cough.

Dyspnea, rapid or improper breathing.

Impaired consciousness - delusions or hallucinations, oblivion.

Convulsions.

The appearance of a hemorrhagic skin rash, nosebleeds, minor hemorrhages or vasodilatation of the sclera.

Signs of acute intoxication usually persist until 5 days. If the temperature lasts longer, rather, there were any bacterial complications. Catarrhal phenomena persist on average 7-10 days.

For all of the listed symptoms, as well as the appearance of other alarming symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

If a patient with influenza appears in the family, it is necessary:

– if possible, place a sick family member apart from others;

– allocate separate dishes for the patient;

– covering your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing;

– it is advisable to take care of the patient by one person;

– try to stay at least at a distance from the patient 1 meters;

– ventilate the room regularly;

– all family members must observe hygiene measures - use of masks, frequent hand washing, rubbing hands with disinfectants;

– monitor yourself and other family members for flu symptoms;

– closely monitor the patient's condition, so that in case of a possible deterioration in well-being, consult a doctor in a timely manner and receive the necessary treatment.