Acute respiratory infections (ARI)– a group of diseases that are caused by a variety of pathogens, are transmitted by airborne droplets and are characterized by acute damage to the human respiratory system.Main symptoms of ARI– runny nose, cough, sneezing, headache, sore throat, fatigue, fever.
ARIs include influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial, rhinovirus infections, etc.
Influenza– one of the acute respiratory infections caused by the influenza virus, with the greatest number of complications.Influenza pathogensThere are three types of influenza virus (type A, type B and type C). All three types of influenza virus are very different in structure and therefore immunity against one type of virus “does not work” against a virus of another type. In addition, viruses of the same type (especially type A) are capable of rapidly changing and changing their structure. As a result of this process, new forms of influenza viruses are formed every year, unknown to our immune system.
The maximum prevalence is observed in the winter months. All age categories of people are susceptible to influenza. The risk group includes children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic heart and lung diseases.
Source of infectionis a person with a clinically pronounced or erased form. Transmission of infection occurs through airborne droplets and through contaminated hands or objects containing respiratory viruses.
How to protect yourself and others?
The most effective method of preventing influenza is timely vaccination, carried out annually from September to November.
And also several rules of nonspecific prevention:
• Strengthen your immune system. Hardening procedures, walks in the fresh air and a balanced diet will help with this.
• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Avoid crowded places. • A good assistant in the prevention of ARI and influenza is regular room ventilation and regular wet cleaning.
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