Influenza in Children and Adults. A few words about Nabolevshom

year 2009. Mexico. A case of the disease, which many aroused interest in 1918, was documented. Then in the world there was a virus that struck many people and forever went down in history under the terrible name of "Spaniard". 2009 was marked by the revival of this monster, which today scares everyone with its new name H1N1. A virus with this name causes flu in children, as well as in people over twenty years old. This selectivity by age is also frightening, since attacks are exposed to the very color of society. What is hidden behind these mysterious letters? How to protect against the flu with this name?

The influenza virus as well as viruses in general is the smallest particle, which can only be seen under a microscope, its composition is a nucleic acid that is protected by a protein membrane. The mysterious letters H and N are the abbreviated names of the proteins that make up the envelope of the flu. H - hemagglutinin, N - neuraminidase. The flu of any kind consists of these two proteins, only in different variations. Among people, the last five years around the world are circulating two types of combination - H1N1 and H3N2. Both of these influenza are referred to as type A flu.

The virus is an organism-parasite. He can only live at the expense of his master's cell. Outside the cell, it remains viable for only two hours. Penetrates into the body through the air that a person inhales.

Settled in a cage, the virus, figuratively speaking, seizes power and forces all mechanisms to work for themselves. As a result, the cell is distracted from its functions and completely switches to the production of new viruses. This process lasts one or two days, unnoticed for the body, but it is already infected. Two days later, the temperature suddenly rises for a person and strong muscular pains appear. Influenza in children in the initial stage can also cause vomiting, diarrhea and a constant feeling of nausea. Only a couple of days, such unpleasant feelings as a sore throat, a pulmonary or bronchial cough, and also a nose are attached to the disease . Sometimes these symptoms do not happen at all.

Viral diseases, including influenza, are rarely treatable by antiviral drugs. The reason is that the virus is not an independent organism, it lives in a person's cage, which can not be destroyed so as not to harm the entire body. It is this uniqueness of viral diseases that often leads to complications. They are caused by disorders in the mechanisms of the cell, which provoke the virus.

The only assistant in the fight against the virus is human immunity. That is why it is important to strengthen immunity for the prevention of influenza and colds before the epidemic begins. A healthy body with strong immunity always cope with any type of flu within a week. With the help of high temperature, rest and sleep, the immune system destroys viruses, and profuse sweating and urination takes the harmful substances that the virus produces out of the cell. Hence - a plentiful drink and bed rest.

Influenza in children Can also be stopped with a vaccine. However, only parents who have very strong health can decide this step. And you need to do this at least a month before the epidemic begins. When vaccinated against influenza, either weakened influenza viruses or fragments of the virus are introduced into the human body. It all depends on the type of vaccine. In the body appear and accumulate antibodies. When the real enemy penetrates, the defensive system of the organism will already be in a state of combat readiness.

In such a state of immunity can be led not only by the vaccine, but also by the simplest things: physical exercises, healthy sleep, large consumption of fruits and meat products. Fruit is the main source of vitamins, and meat is a protein. Both are necessary for the development of antibodies. Influenza in children under two years is particularly difficult, as the immunity of the child has not yet met with such attacks and only learns to fight viruses. Help your children strengthen their immunity before the flu comes on your door.