Viral infection how to treat. Orz: how to distinguish a viral infection (ARI) from a bacterial one? Vaccination and other types of prevention of rotavirus infection

Viral infections are diseases caused by pathogenic tiny particles called viruses. Their important feature is the presence severe complications, especially in children and the elderly. Despite the variety of clinical forms, approaches to diagnosis and treatment of most viral diseases are of the same type. Immunoprophylaxis and timely vaccination play an important role in public health.

Causes of viral infectious diseases

The causes of infectious diseases can be divided into two large groups. On the one hand, these are internal factors of the human body that create good conditions for the introduction and reproduction of the virus. This includes a decrease in local immunity, hypovitaminosis, chronic somatic diseases (primarily diabetes mellitus and liver disease).

In children important role play anatomical features respiratory system: narrow nasal passages, immaturity of the pharyngeal lymphoid ring, small size of the larynx, abundant blood supply to the respiratory tract. In addition, children aged 2 to 5 years have intense contact with other children and adults, which leads to an increased risk of infection.

On the part of pathogens, it is important to note their ability to mutate. Viruses intensively change genetic material, acquiring new properties and mastering new transmission routes. This allows them to successfully circulate in the environment and maintain the ability to survive in the human body.

Classification

All pathogens of viral infectious diseases are tiny particles called virions. For practical purposes, it is most important to know the path and mechanism of their distribution. On this basis, viral infections are divided into:

• Airborne respiratory tract infections (influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus infection, measles, rubella, chickenpox).
• Intestinal (rotavirus infection, disease caused by Coxsackie and ECHO viruses, hepatitis A and E, etc.).
• Blood (hepatitis B, C, D, HIV, etc.).
• Contact (herpes of the first and second types, HPV, etc.).

Flu

Causative agent: influenza virus. It has strains A, B and C. The most common strain in nature is A. It has a tendency to mutation , and this explains the high incidence of influenza among the population. The virus is unstable in the external environment and does not tolerate drying out or sudden fluctuations in ambient temperature. Dies when exposed to ordinary detergents, ultraviolet radiation.

The source of infection is a sick person from the end of the incubation period. The patient is most contagious during the period of catarrhal symptoms (runny nose, cough). Path of spread of the pathogen: airborne. Incubation period: from 15 hours to 3 days, on average 24 hours.

Clinical picture: a distinctive feature is that the phenomena of general intoxication always come to the fore. The disease begins with a sudden rise in temperature to 38.5-39 °C. There is a headache, a feeling of “ache” in the joints and muscles. Only at the end of the first day do they join catarrhal symptoms: dry cough with scanty sputum, runny nose. On the 3-4th day of illness, the cough becomes wet, sputum is discharged intensively. The disease lasts on average 5-7 days.

Features in children: in older children, symptoms of central nervous system damage may often appear - photophobia, tension in the neck muscles, a grimace of pain on the face.

In newborns and infants with influenza, fever and severe intoxication are rarely detected, and catarrhal symptoms are mild (rough cough, nasal congestion). The severity is determined by the frequent development of bacterial complications in the child, such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, meningitis, etc.

Treatment and prevention: Oseltamivir, Remantadine, Amantadine, interferon preparations (Grippferon, Anaferon). Symptomatic treatment: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, etc.), nasal vasoconstrictors, antitussives (Codelac, Tusuprex, Terpinkod) and expectorants (Mukaltin, ACC, Ambrobene). For bacterial infections, antibiotics are used in accordance with the sensitivity of the pathogen. Prevention: immunization of the population before the expected epidemic season.

Parainfluenza

Causative agent: parainfluenza virus. In humans, the disease is caused by four types of virus (1, 2, 3, 4). The virus is unstable in the environment. At room temperature it dies within 4 hours. Sensitive to disinfectants. The source of the pathogen is patients with typical and erased forms diseases contagious within a week. Route of distribution: airborne. Susceptibility is high. Incubation period: from 1 to 7 days, on average 5 days.

Clinical picture: the disease develops gradually, over 2-3 days. Intoxication is mild, with catarrhal symptoms coming to the fore. The temperature rarely rises above 38 °C. In the pharynx, slight redness of the mucous membrane is detected, the back wall of the pharynx is “grainy”. A distinctive feature of parainfluenza is damage to the larynx (laryngitis). It manifests itself as a strong, dry, “barking” cough.

Features in children: in children under 6 months. parainfluenza is rare. Catarrhal phenomena predominate; croup syndrome occurs rarely. Complications: in children 1-5 years old, stenosing laryngitis most often develops (“ false croup"). This emergency condition requires immediate hospitalization of the child. In adults, the syndrome practically does not occur.

Treatment is symptomatic: antitussives (Codelac, Tusuprex, Terpinkod) and expectorants (Mukaltin, ACC, Ambrobene). For bacterial infections, antibiotics are used in accordance with the sensitivity of the pathogen. Prevention: not developed.

Adenovirus infection

Adenoviral conjunctivitis

Pathogen: adenovirus. 49 strains are dangerous for humans, of which the key ones are strains 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 21. The source of the pathogen is sick people and virus carriers. They excrete the virus with secretions of the upper respiratory tract and conjunctiva of the eyes for up to 5 - 7, sometimes 25 days of illness, with feces for up to 3 weeks. Key route of spread: airborne; food and water transmission routes are possible. The highest incidence is observed in the autumn-winter months. Incubation period: from 5 to 14 days, average 7 days.

Clinical picture: the peak period begins acutely, but the symptoms of the disease develop sequentially. This infection is characterized by prolonged fever (up to 2 weeks) and severe local catarrhal symptoms. Typical appearance patient: his face is puffy, there is abundant mucous discharge from the nose, conjunctivitis. In addition, the phenomena of acute tonsillitis are pronounced with a simultaneous increase in the size of the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes. Damage to the intestinal lymph nodes (mesadenitis) may be accompanied by abdominal pain, reminiscent of acute appendicitis. Rarely, a maculopapular rash occurs.

Features in children: higher temperature than in adults (up to 39 ° C), severe symptoms of intoxication and dehydration with diarrhea.

Complications: pneumonia, sinusitis, bacterial infections.

Treatment: symptomatic only. The treatment regimen is similar for all acute respiratory viral infections.

Prevention: immunization with an oral live vaccine (USA) according to epidemiological indications.

Chicken pox

Chickenpox rash

Pathogen: herpes virus type 3 varicelta-zoster (VZV). Low resistance in the environment, sensitive to disinfectant solutions and ultraviolet radiation. The source of the pathogen is sick people. Key route of transmission: airborne droplets. Patients with chickenpox are contagious to others a day before the rash appears and up to 5 days after the last elements of the rash appear. The virus is highly volatile, infection occurs at a distance of up to 20 m. A vertical mechanism of transmission from mother to fetus has also been described. Incubation period: from 10 to 21 days, average 14 days.

Clinical picture: in adults, body temperature and symptoms of intoxication are more pronounced than in children. Elements of the rash do not appear all at once. Each episode of sleep is accompanied by an episode of fever. At first they look like small red spots, which within a few hours form into a tubercle, and then into a vesicle filled with transparent contents. After 1-2 days, they dry out, become covered with a brown crust, after which falls off pigmented spots remain on the skin, in some cases - scars. Elements of the rash are located on all areas of the skin, especially on the scalp (a distinctive feature chickenpox).

The disease is characterized by a variety of rashes. In one area of ​​the skin you can find elements that are at different stages of development (from a spot to a crust), as well as different sizes(from 1 - 2 to 5 - 8 mm). The rash is often accompanied by severe itching. In adults, it is more abundant, the period of rashes is longer, and pustules appear more often. Often accompanied by multiple enlarged lymph nodes.

Features in children: the disease usually begins with the appearance of a rash. At the same time, body temperature rises from 37.5 to 38.5 - 39 °C. The severity of fever and intoxication depends on the number of rashes. Its duration, as a rule, does not exceed 3-5 days. Complications: pneumonia, meningitis, keratitis, bacterial infections.

Treatment: in uncomplicated forms, treatment is symptomatic. Elements of the rash are treated with antiseptics (diamond green, chlorophyllipt, etc.). At high temperatures, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. The use of acetylsalicylic acid in children is contraindicated! At severe forms treatment is carried out in a hospital using antiviral drugs(acyclovir) and immunoglobulins. In cases of bacterial infections, antibiotics are used wide range actions.

Prevention: isolation of the patient for 9 days from the moment of illness. Specific prevention includes the administration of a vaccine.

Measles

Measles rash

Filatov's spots

Pathogen: measles virus. The pathogen is not stable in the environment; at a temperature of 60 °C it is destroyed within a few seconds, and dies instantly when exposed to sun rays and UV irradiation. At room temperature it persists for 3 - 4 hours. The source of the pathogen is a sick person, who becomes infectious to others in the last 2 days of the incubation period, during the entire catarrhal period and the appearance of rashes. From the 5th day of the appearance of the rash, the patient becomes non-infectious. The key route of spread of the pathogen is airborne. Incubation period: 8 - 10 days, but can be extended to 17 days.

Clinical picture: three main periods are distinguished: catarrhal (or initial, prodromal), rash and pigmentation. The initial period lasts from 3 - 4 to 5 - 7 days. Clinical symptoms are an increase in body temperature to 38.5 - 39.0 °C, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis. Catarrhal phenomena are steadily progressing. Patients experience abundant nasal discharge, initially mucous, then with elements of pus, as well as a hoarse or hoarse voice, and a dry, obsessive cough. Swelling of the eyelids, photophobia, redness of the conjunctiva with the subsequent development of purulent conjunctivitis are observed. The general condition of patients is significantly disturbed: there is a decrease in appetite and sleep disturbance. Symptoms of general intoxication are pronounced; convulsions and impaired consciousness may occur.

The catarrhal period of measles is characterized by the appearance of pinkish-red small spots on the soft and hard palate. They are usually detected 1 - 2 days before the skin rash. In a number of patients during this period, a mild, mild, pinpoint rash appears on the skin. Distinctive symptom measles in the initial period are Filatov's spots, which appear 1 - 2 days before the rash on the skin. They are detected on the mucous membrane of the cheeks (at the molars), lips and gums. These are grayish-white papules the size of a poppy seed, resembling large crystals of salt or semolina, surrounded by a rim.

The period of rash begins on the 4th - 5th day of the disease and is characterized by the appearance of a pink spotty rash against the background of skin of normal color. The main feature is its phasing. Typically, on the 1st day, elements of the rash appear on the face, on the 2nd - on the torso and the areas of the arms closest to it, on the 3rd - the rash spreads completely to the limbs. The first elements appear after ears, on the back of the nose in the form of small spots or papules of a rich pink color. Within a few hours they increase in size. The elements merge, and the rash becomes typical for measles - maculopapular. As a rule, it is very plentiful. But it can also be scarce in the form of individual elements. They quickly darken and then disappear (pigmentation period).

Features in children: on the 1st day of the rash in children, the temperature is higher compared to the catarrhal period. Sometimes 1 - 2 days before the start of this period, the body temperature drops, but when the rash appears, it rises again. Subsequently, the fever persists throughout the entire period of the rash. Complications: pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, encephalitis, bacterial infections.

Treatment: the room in which the patient is located should be shaded. Shown drinking plenty of fluids. Inhalations and antitussives are prescribed. There is evidence of the effectiveness of interferon drugs: interferon alpha is used. Antibiotics are prescribed in case of mixed bacterial infections. For weakened patients and children under 1 year of age, according to individual indications, preventive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is advisable.

Prevention: isolation of the patient until the 4th day from the onset of the rash. For contacts - quarantine for 17 days. Unvaccinated people are immunized. Routine immunization with live measles vaccine from 12 months, revaccination at 6 years.

Rubella

Rubella rash

Causative agent: rubella virus. The pathogen is unstable in the environment. It dies instantly when boiled; at room temperature it lives for several hours. The source of the pathogen is a sick person. The only transmission mechanism is aerosol, the route is airborne droplets. The pathogen is released from the patient's body with discharge from the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, most intensely one day before the onset of the disease. Children aged 3 to 6 years are most often affected. Incubation period: from 10 to 24 days, average 14 days.

Clinical picture: the disease begins with mild catarrhal symptoms reminiscent of ARVI: dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion. Rashes in the form of red spots may appear on the soft palate. Mild conjunctivitis is noted. A typical manifestation of the disease is multiple enlargement of the lymph nodes, which may precede catarrhal symptoms. This is especially typical for the occipital and posterior cervical lymph nodes. Sometimes there is an increase in the size of the spleen. Body temperature rises in the range from 37.5 to 39 °C. Fever lasts from 2 to 4 days and is accompanied by mild intoxication.

The rash appears on the 1st - 3rd day of illness. Its first elements are observed in the ears and on the face. Within 12 to 36 hours, the rash spreads to the trunk and limbs, where it is more abundant than on the face. It is brightest on the back, buttocks, and extensor surfaces of the limbs. The elements of the rash are round pink spots, 2-5 mm in diameter, not rising above the surface of the skin. Sometimes they merge with each other. The rash may be accompanied by mild itching. It disappears after 2 - 4 days, leaving no pigmentation.

Features in children: in children the disease occurs with more short period fever, the incidence of complications is much lower.

Complications: the most common is polyarthritis, especially in adults. It develops 4 to 7 days after the rash appears. Mostly the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints are affected, less often the knee and elbow. Another serious complication is encephalitis.

Treatment: bed rest is prescribed for the period of fever. The diet is gentle, the drink is warm and plentiful. The vast majority of patients do not need any other treatment. For fever and arthritis, symptomatic medications (Ibuprofen) are sometimes prescribed.

Prevention: isolation of the patient until the 4th day from the onset of the rash. Scheduled (calendar) immunization with live measles vaccine from 12 months, revaccination at 6 years. Immunization is recommended for unvaccinated puberty girls.

Rotavirus infection

Pathogen: members of the rotavirus family. They are stable in the environment; they persist on various objects for 10 to 30 days, and in feces for up to 7 months. The source of the pathogen is sick people. On the first day of the disease, the patient’s feces contain many virions. After the 5th day of illness, the amount of virus in the blood and feces drops rapidly. In most cases, the duration of its release does not exceed 1 month. Virus carriage without clinical manifestations continues for several months. The route of spread of the virus is fecal-oral. The key transmission factor is water. Incubation period: from 15 hours to 5 days.

Clinical picture: the onset of the disease is acute. The development of the clinical picture almost always begins with vomiting, which occurs after eating or drinking. The vomit is copious and watery. After a few hours, diarrhea occurs with a frequency of up to 10 times a day. Then to the symptoms of organ damage gastrointestinal tract signs of intoxication are added: headache, weakness, a feeling of “ache” in the muscles and joints. The fever is mild and short-lived. Some patients experience catarrhal syndrome: runny nose, cough.

Features in children: the disease occurs with lactase deficiency syndrome. This is expressed in the form of bloating, frequent foamy stools mixed with whitish “flakes”. Rotavirus infection in children often leads to dehydration, which makes the disease dangerous.

Treatment is carried out in a hospital. Specific therapy is carried out with anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin. Interferon preparations (interferon-alpha) are actively used. To replenish fluid loss, carry out infusion therapy. In case of I-II degree of dehydration, solutions for oral use are given (Oralit, Tsitroglucosolan, etc.), in case of III-IV degree, intravenous infusions of solutions are given. For children, it is mandatory to prescribe sorbents ( Activated carbon, Smecta). Lactose-free diet, infants and artificial feeding transferred to special lactose-free mixtures. Prevention has not been developed. Isolation of the patient and hygienic measures have little effect.

Infection caused by Coxsackie and ECHO viruses

Pathogen: Coxsackie viruses (A and B) and ECHO (enteroviruses). The only source of the infectious agent is a person (patient or virus carrier), who actively releases them into external environment with feces. In addition, the virus is intensively released from the mucus of the upper respiratory tract. This occurs most actively on the first day of the disease, but can continue for several months. The main mechanism of transmission of the pathogen is fecal-oral, the main routes are water and food (most often through vegetables). Incubation period: from 2 to 10 days.

Clinical picture: symptoms are varied. There is no uniform classification of forms of the disease. In most cases, the same symptoms are noted. The disease, as a rule, begins acutely with an increase in body temperature to 38 - 39 ° C, headache, and a feeling of “ache” in the muscles. At general examination note redness of the face and neck, mucous membranes, tonsils, soft palate, palatine arches and back wall pharynx, often inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes.

Most characteristic manifestation enterovirus infection - serous meningitis. The disease begins acutely with fever, intoxication, and sometimes catarrhal symptoms and digestive disorders develop.

Peculiarities in children: children may develop a severe (systemic) form of enterovirus infection - encephalomyocarditis, which is often fatal. Complications: encephalitis, myocarditis, pneumonia, bacterial infections.

Treatment: carried out in a hospital. Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, etc.) are used, and for meningitis with cerebral edema, diuretics (mannitol, furosemide, diacarb, etc.). In severe cases, resort to systemic administration of glucocorticoids (dexamethasone).

Prevention: isolation of patients for 2 weeks. Specific prevention has not been developed.

Viral diseases of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract rank first in prevalence in adults and children. Knowledge clinical symptoms basic diseases, treatment and prevention methods are necessary for everyone. This will allow timely assistance to the sick person and prevent infection of others. In any case, consultation with a doctor is necessary!

Everyone is familiar with the state of malaise when you wake up with a stuffy nose and a feeling of fever, from which you feel either hot or cold. You may also be coughing, sneezing, or experiencing muscle pain and fatigue. These are the main symptoms of a viral infection. If you are sick, you need to do everything possible to get well as quickly as possible. In some cases, unfortunately, without medical supplies not enough. After reading this article, you will learn how to cure a viral infection as soon as possible and prevent symptoms from recurring in the future.

Steps

Restoration of the body

Make sure you have enough time to rest. The body infected with a viral infection, in addition to its normal work, has to fight the infection. Therefore, he really needs rest. Take sick leave for 1-2 days. Devote time to relaxation and quiet activities that do not require effort on your part, such as watching your favorite movies. Rest will allow your body to focus on fighting the virus. If you can't sleep, get busy the following types activities:

• Read your favorite book, watch a TV series, listen to music, or call someone.
• Please note that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Therefore, you need to give your body as much rest as possible, thereby allowing it to fight the virus.

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Viral infections usually lead to dehydration (dehydration occurs due to fluid loss due to fever or sputum production). If the body is dehydrated, symptoms become more severe. This vicious circle can be broken by starting to drink a large number of liquids. Drink water, tea, natural juices, and drinks with electrolytes to ensure your body is getting enough fluids.

   Avoid contact with people for several days. If you have a viral infection, you are contagious, meaning you can pass the virus to another person. In addition, by interacting with other people, your body is exposed to other pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms that can aggravate your condition.

   Use a humidifier. Using a humidifier, especially in the bedroom, can help relieve nasal congestion and coughing. Thanks to this, you will sleep better. Good dream- the key to recovery. Keep your humidifier clean. Clean the appliance regularly to remove mold. Otherwise, your condition may get worse. Clean your humidifier regularly, following the recommendations written in the operating instructions.

   Buy lozenges or gargle saline solution to relieve sore throat. If you are experiencing painful sensations sore throat, buy lozenges for sore throat at the pharmacy. These lozenges contain substances that have an analgesic effect.

   • Gargle with saline solution (dilute 1/4 -1/2 tablespoon of salt in one glass of water). This is another way to relieve a sore throat.

2. Consult your doctor if you have other health problems whose symptoms may be worsened by a viral infection. Viral infections are usually not dangerous, but they pose a threat to people with weakened immune systems and those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you have cancer, diabetes or any other disease immune system

   If you become infected with a viral infection, consult your doctor.

   1. Changing your diet Include foods high in vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful immune modulators. Therefore, during illness, increase your intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C can be taken in tablets. You can also change your diet to increase your intake of this vitamin. Include in your daily diet

      the following products: Include in your diet . chicken soup

      • Have you ever wondered why children are given chicken noodle soup when they are sick? This is explained by the fact that chicken soup is an excellent assistant in the fight against the virus. Chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it helps relieve nasal congestion.

   2. Add onions, garlic and other vegetables to the soup. Thanks to this, you will increase the amount of vitamins and minerals that the body urgently needs during illness. Increase your zinc intake.

      • Zinc regulates the body's immune functions and helps it fight viruses. Most people take 25 mg of zinc daily. However, you can increase your zinc intake by including the following foods in your diet: spinach, mushrooms, beef, lamb, pork, chicken and boiled oysters.
      • Taking zinc is most effective at the onset of a cold or flu, in the first two to three days. Increase your zinc intake if you feel yourself getting sick.
      • You can also purchase lozenges that contain zinc. Such lollipops can be purchased at a pharmacy.

   3. Do not take zinc supplements if you take antibiotics (eg, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), penicillamine (a drug used for Wilson's disease), or cisplatin (a drug used to treat cancer). Zinc reduces the effectiveness of the above drugs. Increase your echinacea intake. Echinacea is a plant that is often used to make tea. In addition, Echinacea is available in the form. Echinacea increases the number of leukocytes (white blood cells that are responsible for immune responses) and other substances in the blood that allow the body to fight the virus. Echinacea can be consumed in the form of tea, juice, or tablets, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.

      • You can also include eucalyptus, elderberry, honey, reishi and shiitake mushrooms in your diet.

   Drug treatment

   1. Take over-the-counter medications that help reduce fever and painful sensations caused by a viral infection.

      If you have a cold or flu, you are likely to have a headache and a fever. Paracetamol and ibuprofen help reduce pain. Paracetamol also helps reduce fever. You can purchase the above-mentioned drugs at any pharmacy. Use a nasal spray. Exist different kinds

      nasal sprays. Saline nasal sprays are safe and can be used by both children and adults. Saline nasal sprays reduce swelling and nasal discharge. Take cough syrup if you have a cough.

      • When choosing cough syrup, pay attention to its composition. In particular, pay attention to whether the syrup you choose contains decongestants, antihistamines and/or analgesics. This is very important to do to avoid overdosing on one or another substance that is included in the syrup (for example, if a painkiller is included in the cough syrup, you should not take additional painkiller).
      • Over-the-counter medications are safe for use in adults. However, pay attention to the interaction of the syrup you choose with other medications you are taking.
      • Do not use cough syrup on children under two years of age.

   2. For a wet cough, mucolytic drugs are prescribed, and for a dry cough, drugs that suppress the cough reflex are prescribed. Get medical help if you have a serious viral illness. In some cases, professional assistance may be required health care

      • . Contact your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
      • Increased body temperature (above 39.4 °C)
      • Deterioration of condition after short-term improvement
      • Duration of symptoms more than 10 days
      • Cough producing yellow or green mucus

   Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

   1. Prevention of viral infections Discuss with your doctor the possibility of vaccination against different viruses. While vaccines against some types of seasonal flu can indeed be effective, the situation with colds is more complicated. There is simply no vaccine for the common cold. Vaccines are available for viruses such as human papillomavirus, chickenpox and shingles. Remember that the vaccine means you will have to endure one or two injections, but this should not stop you because the discomfort from the injections is minor, but the benefits of the vaccination are enormous.

Today, thousands of bacteria are known - some are beneficial, while others are pathogenic and cause disease. Many terrible diseases: plague, anthrax, leprosy, cholera and tuberculosis are bacterial infections. Well, the most common are meningitis and pneumonia. It is important not to confuse bacterial infections with viral ones and to know the symptoms and treatment options.

What infections are called bacterial?

Bacterial infections represent a huge group of diseases. They have one thing in common – bacteria. They are the most ancient and numerous microorganisms.

• Airways;
• intestines;
• blood;
• skin covering.

Separately, bacterial infections are distinguished in children and hidden ones in women and men.

Bacterial respiratory tract infections often develop after a cold, as a complication. The immune system becomes weaker, and pathogenic bacteria that previously did not manifest themselves in any way begin to multiply. Respiratory bacterial infections can be caused by the following pathogens:

• staphylococci;
• pneumococci;
• streptococci;
• whooping cough stick;
• meningococci;
• mycobacteria;
• mycoplasmas.

Upper respiratory tract infection usually manifests itself as bacterial sinusitis, pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis (more commonly known as tonsillitis). In this case, a pronounced focus of inflammation is always observed.
To bacterial infectious diseases of the lower respiratory tract include bacterial bronchitis and.

Bacterial intestinal infections often occur due to unwashed hands, consumption of poorly cooked, improperly stored or expired products. In most cases the problem is caused by:

• shigella;
• staphylococci;
• cholera vibrios;
• typhoid bacillus;
• salmonellosis.

Bacterial ones are the most dangerous because their symptoms (for example, diarrhea) are not always taken seriously.

Intestinal bacterial infections The following diseases are most often manifested:

• salmonellosis;
• typhoid fever;
• dysentery.

In women and men, bacterial infections affect both genitourinary system . Most often, women are subjected to bacterial vaginosis(gardnerellosis), cystitis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis. Men suffer from urethritis, chlamydia, bacterial balanitis or prostatitis.

In children Most often there are viral infections, which are complicated by bacterial ones due to the weakening of the body during the period of illness. In most cases in childhood The following viral diseases are observed:

• measles;
• rubella;
• piggy;
• chicken pox.

Children who have had such infections receive strong immunity and are no longer exposed to these diseases. But if during the period of illness the child had contact with harmful bacteria, then it is quite possible for complications to develop in the form of bacterial pneumonia, otitis media, etc.

How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one

Bacterial and viral infections are often confused. They may have the same symptoms and even similar results in diagnostic tests.

It is imperative to differentiate these infections, since the drugs needed to treat them are completely different.

There are several signs by which you can determine whether a bacterial or viral infection is present in the body:

• Duration. Symptoms of a viral infection usually subside quickly (in about 7-10 days), but a bacterial infection can last more than a month.
• Slime color. If the disease is accompanied by sputum discharge or nasal mucus, then you should pay attention to their color. The virus is usually accompanied by discharge of a clear color and liquid consistency. Bacterial infections are more likely to have a dark greenish or yellow-green discharge. You should not rely entirely on this sign.
• Temperature. Both types of infections are usually accompanied by elevated temperature, but at bacterial diseases it can be higher and is characterized by a gradual increase. With a virus, this indicator behaves in the opposite way - it gradually decreases.
• Routes of infection. Among bacterial infections, only some diseases are transmitted contact method, and for the virus this is the main route of spread.
• Development and localization. Bacterial infections tend to develop slowly, but the virus immediately manifests itself clearly. In the first case, the lesion is isolated, that is, the disease is localized in a certain area. A viral disease affects the entire body.
• Test results. One of the main indicators is the level of leukocytes and lymphocytes. Leukocytes increase with infection of any etiology, but with a bacterial infection, it is neutrophils that are increased(this is a special type of leukocyte). During a viral infection, white blood cells may be elevated, but most often they are decreased (including neutrophils) (for example, with influenza, viral hepatitis, measles, rubella, mumps, typhoid fever leukocytes are definitely below normal), but with a viral infection, an increase in the number of lymphocytes is necessarily observed, and an increase in monocytes may also be observed (for example), so evaluate the result general analysis blood complex. Another analysis - bacteriological examination biological fluid (discharge from the eye, ear, sinuses, wounds or sputum, for example). This test will identify the causative agent of the bacterial infection.

Symptoms of bacterial infections

There are many possible bacterial infections. Each has its own characteristics, and therefore the set of symptoms varies.

The incubation period for bacterial infections varies widely. Some pathogens actively reproduce in a few hours, while others require several days.

Signs of a bacterial infection depend on what part of the body it affects. Intestinal diseases in this case are manifested by the following symptoms:

• elevated temperature and fever;
• abdominal pain;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea.

These symptoms are generalized, as individual diseases manifest themselves differently. For example, with typhoid infection, not only the stomach hurts, but also the throat and joints.

Children's bacterial infections are characterized by a wider range of symptoms. The thing is that almost always a bacterial infection is a continuation of a viral one. For example, a child gets sick, but under certain conditions he develops a bacterial infection as a complication of the initial disease, so the clinical picture is erased.

But still the diseases are expressed by the following symptoms:

• high temperature (more than 39°C);
• nausea and vomiting;
• coating on the tongue and tonsils;
• severe intoxication.

If, after an improvement in health, a deterioration in the patient’s condition is observed, then most often this indicates the development of complications of a bacterial nature after a viral illness.

Bacterial infections in the upper respiratory tract also often appear after a virus infection, when immunity decreases. Infection is expressed in the following symptoms:

• deterioration of health;
• pronounced lesion;
• purulent discharge;
• white plaque in the throat.

Bacterial infection in women affecting the genitourinary system has the following symptoms:

• vaginal discharge - color and consistency depends on the causative agent of the infection;
• itching and burning;
• unpleasant odor;
• painful urination;
• pain during intercourse.

In men, the development of bacterial infection is similar:

• pathological discharge from the urethra;
• unpleasant smell of discharge;
• painful urination, itching, burning;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Diagnostics

For bacterial infections, certain tests are necessary. They are used to differentiate bacterial lesions from viral ones, as well as to determine the pathogen. The course of treatment depends on the test results.

Bacterial infections are diagnosed mainly using laboratory research. The following methods are usually used:

• Blood test with leukocyte formula. In case of bacterial infection, observe increased number neutrophils. When the number of band neutrophils is increased, they speak of an acute infectious disease. But if metamyelocytes, myelocytes are detected, then the patient’s condition is characterized as dangerous and requires emergency care doctors With the help of such diagnostics it is possible to identify the nature and stage of the disease.
• Analysis of urine. It shows whether the urinary system is affected by bacteria, and is also necessary to determine the severity of intoxication.
• Bacteriological study with antibiogram. Using this analysis, the type of infectious agent is determined and what means can be used to kill it (the so-called sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics is determined). These factors are important for prescribing the correct therapy.
• Serological study. Based on the identification of antibodies and antigens that interact in a specific way. For such studies they take venous blood. This method is effective when the pathogen cannot be isolated.

Dr. Komarovsky talks in detail about how laboratory diagnostics are performed to distinguish a bacterial infection from a viral one:

Laboratory tests are the main direction of diagnosing bacterial infections. In some cases, additional examinations are required:

• X-ray. Performed to differentiate specific processes in individual organs.
• Instrumental diagnostics. Ultrasound or laparoscopy is most often used. These methods are needed to study internal organs for specific lesions.

Prescription of correct treatment, its effectiveness and the risk of complications directly depend on the timeliness of diagnosis. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible alarming symptoms– tests are always prescribed to the patient at the appointment.

General approach to treating bacterial infections

The treatment of bacterial infections is guided by general principles. This implies a certain therapy algorithm:

• Eliminate the cause of the disease.
• Cleanse the body of toxins.
• Heal organs affected by infection.
• Reduce the severity of symptoms and alleviate the condition.

Treatment of a bacterial infection requires mandatory use of antibiotics, and if it is an intestinal infection, then also compliance.

As for taking medications, the drugs broad action include antibiotics penicillin group and 3rd generation cephalosporins. Read more about antibiotics prescribed for genitourinary infections), and for intestinal infections, but basically the treatment is carried out with the same drugs, just the dosage, duration and frequency of taking the medicine may be different.

There are a lot of antibiotics, each group of such drugs has its own mechanism of action and purpose. Self-medication, at best, will not bring any effect, and at worst, it will lead to neglect of the disease and a number of complications, so treatment should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the nature of the disease. The patient is only obliged to follow all the doctor’s instructions and not to arbitrarily reduce the course of antibiotics and the prescribed dosage.

Let's summarize what has been said. Bacterial infections mass, and the effectiveness of their treatment directly depends on identifying the causative agent of the disease. Most people are carriers of certain bacteria, but the development of infection is provoked only by certain factors. This can be avoided through preventative measures.

Next article.

Infectious diseases are combined into a whole group of diseases caused by various agents. The virus enters the body in various ways, may already be in the body and manifest under certain circumstances. The main routes of infection are:

• hematogenous (injections, non-sterile instruments, blood transfusions, dialysis procedures);
• fecal-oral (through kissing, food or water, excrement);
• through insect bites, bodies of water (for example, E. coli).

Viral infection enters the body and begins its development inside various organs or systems. Viral infection has fundamental differences, which are expressed in the following aspects:

• incubation period (can range from several days to ten years);
• prodrome period (activation of the virus after incubation);
• the height of the disease.

This scheme is suitable for any type of infection, from the usual ARVI to AIDS or hepatitis. Infectious diseases are very contagious, so the epidemiology of the disease is always large-scale. Treatment of viral infections should be carried out in hospitals, since at the height of the disease there are only two outcomes: recovery or death of the patient. A common viral infection in adults lasts from 7 to 10 days.

Paradoxically, when this carrier reproduces, it dies, and the patient begins to feel much worse. When a virus enters the body, especially during the prodrome, malaise is felt throughout the body. It is rare for a patient to clearly indicate the location of pain and discomfort. Usually all organs and systems are affected to one degree or another.

Main types

All viral infectious agents can be roughly classified into rapid and slow. The slower the reaction or intensity of development of the pathology, the more dangerous the virus is to human life. This is due to the long absence of symptoms, which means a great destructive impact. Among the main and common viruses are:

• Herpetic infections. The herpes virus exists in the tissues of any human body, but becomes aggravated only in the presence of provoking mechanisms. Some people are completely unaware of this disease until the end of their lives. A characteristic feature herpes is the appearance of blisters on different areas bodies.
• Encephalitis. Encephalitis affects the membranes of the brain, causing irreversible damage to the central nervous system, human consciousness. The mortality rate of the disease is high. The disease is often accompanied by coma, convulsive syndrome, paralysis of the limbs and the whole body. Encephalitis provokes the development of multiple organ failure and the death of the patient in almost 90%.
• ARVI. The ARVI virus infects the human respiratory system, causing the characteristic symptoms of colds and flu. These signs are known to almost all patients. The danger of viral infection lies in the chronicity of the disease or dangerous complications(bronchitis, pneumonia).
• Viral hepatitis. The disease is characterized by damage to the liver and hepatic structures. Against the background of the development of pathology, persistent impairments in the functionality of the organ are formed, serious complications that can lead to the death of the patient.
• Meningitis. Meningococcal infection localized in the subcortical part of the brain, infects the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream. Despite adequate therapy, persistent disturbances of consciousness and atrophy persist muscle structure limbs.
• Polio. The development of the disease is accompanied by severe convulsions, loss of consciousness, and inflammation of the spinal cord. Paralysis often occurs. Usually the disease leads to profound disability for the patient.
• Measles. Measles is characterized by the appearance of a red rash on different parts of the body, persistent hyperthermia, and cough. The measles virus is a relatively harmless condition, but often provokes complications such as meningitis or encephalitis.
• Sexual infections. Frequent view infections known during the formation of any society. Today, this type of infection is highly treatable, provided it is detected early.

Each group of infections represents a huge list of diseases. The nature of the disease determines the degree of danger infectious agent. Timely diagnosis, attention to one’s own body, and preventive vaccination protect children and adults from the dangerous consequences of infection.

General signs

Signs of a viral infection in adults directly depend on the nature of the infecting agent, its location and extent of spread. TO common features include:

• slight chills;
• muscle weakness and soreness;
• sensitive skin to contact;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• persistent body temperature;
• disruption of the functioning of certain organs;
• lacrimation, sore throat, cough.

The main difference between ARVI and regular flu is the manifestation in the first case of symptoms of infection, followed by the addition of disorders of the respiratory system. Respiratory diseases usually begin immediately with laryngitis or pharyngitis. For example, during exacerbation herpetic infection patients experience the appearance of blistering formations in different parts body, the state of health worsens, irritability and pain appear in the areas of the blisters. Meningococcal infection manifests itself with severe symptoms with pain in the head, confusion, severe deterioration in health and other characteristic signs.

Indications for hospitalization

If the usual signs of ARVI do not frighten many patients and they are able to give an objective assessment of their condition, then the following are the symptoms of a viral infection in adults, which require immediate medical attention:

• maintaining high temperature;
• fainting, loss of consciousness:
• confusion, tremors in the limbs;
• cough with sputum;
• fever;
• pain behind the sternum, insufficient inspiration;
• the appearance of a rash (redness, large blisters, large spots);
• severe headache radiating to the neck;
• coughing up blood;
• pasty face or swelling of the limbs.

Such symptoms can be regarded as a complication of a common acute respiratory viral infection, the onset of a serious brain disease. If your immune system is unstable and your condition worsens due to colds, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnosis of viral infections is as follows:

• visual examination of the patient;
• studying the patient’s clinical history;
• immunological study:
• chest x-ray;
• urine, blood, stool tests.

Differential diagnosis consists of excluding life-threatening conditions. If necessary, doctors prescribe an MRI of the brain, additional blood tests for various enzymes, and other studies. A timely visit to a doctor will save the patient’s health and life.

Treatment tactics

The treatment tactics for viral infections consist of following the following algorithms:

• elimination of the cause of the disease (provoking mechanisms);
• elimination of unpleasant symptoms (pain, dyspeptic disorders, respiratory disorders, other factors);
• bed rest and special diet.

Drug treatment of a viral infection begins after an accurate diagnosis and clarification of the provoking factors. So what should you take for this disease? A typical ARVI involves prescribing the following medications:

• non-steroidal drugs (relieve inflammation, reduce high temperature, relieve pain);
• antihistamines (have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effects);
• local nasal drops (vasoconstrictors for runny nose, swelling and severe congestion nose);
• throat remedies (relieve redness, swelling, disinfect and soothe irritated mucous membranes);
• antitussives (promote the separation of sputum, eliminate spasms during the cough reflex, reduce irritation in the bronchi and disinfect).

For other mechanisms of pathology, appropriate drugs are prescribed to increase local immunity and eliminate characteristic symptoms. For example, for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections it is prescribed local drugs specific administration for men and women; for herpes infection, it is necessary to prescribe local and internal use. Enteroviral intestinal infection requires special drugs from the group of absorbents. It is important to understand that taking antibiotics for viral infections is not only pointless, but also very dangerous for the condition of the kidneys, liver or stomach.

The right thing to do is to drink plenty of fluids. Proper and nutritious nutrition, healthy image life, absence bad habits , increasing local immunity allows you to maintain the health of any patient for a long time. In case of a burdened clinical history, it is important to undergo regular examinations and preventive vaccinations

. Preventing a disease or episodes of its exacerbation during a chronic course is much easier than starting to treat it. During the cold season in our climatic conditions often happen colds . Almost everyone is familiar with this pathology. After hypothermia, or even seemingly without reason, a sore throat, runny nose, headache, and symptoms of intoxication appear. Soon a rise in temperature occurs, and a cough often occurs. It seems not particularly serious illness

, but you have to change your plans and treat yourself at home for several days. The features of the treatment of such pathology will be discussed in this article. Trying to get rid of the disease as quickly as possible, many begin to take various drugs

- antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics. Despite such intensive treatment, there is no improvement and the disease drags on. Why is this happening? The thing is that they are usually caused by a viral infection. Viruses - special shape organisms, they are not able to reproduce by division. To reproduce, viruses must invade the cells of the body, and only after this there is a sharp increase in their number, which is manifested by the clinical picture of the disease. It must also be remembered that a viral infection, the treatment of which is insufficient, is insidious in that it is often complicated by the development bacterial inflammation

. Accession leads to prolongation of the disease and requires the prescription of other medications. Treatment of a viral infection has its own characteristics. Many people are accustomed to using antibiotics for colds, but these drugs have no effect on viruses at all. Moreover, the use of such potent drugs

A natural question arises: what should be the treatment for a viral infection? At the first symptoms of the disease, you need to start taking such drugs now in pharmacies. These are drugs such as Arbidol, Amizon, Remantadine and others. It is even better to start taking this group of medications prophylactically during epidemics of various acute respiratory viral infections and influenza.

It should be remembered that it should be taken only if the temperature exceeds 38 C. At a temperature of 37-38 C, the body actively produces substances necessary to fight viruses - antibodies and interferon. Therefore, treatment of a viral infection cannot begin with the use of antipyretic drugs, as this will lead to inhibition of the activity of the body's defenses. To enhance the activity of the immune system, mild immunostimulants and immunomodulators can be used.

Many viruses affect the vascular walls, causing increased bleeding and appearance on the skin. In this regard, in complex treatment viral infection, you need to include vitamin C and rutin.

In addition to taking pharmaceutical drugs, it is of great importance non-drug methods treatment. A patient with a viral infection must be on bed rest for several days. Meals should be frequent, in small portions, easily digestible and high in calories. It is recommended to increase the amount of fluid you drink. It is good to take various vitamin teas: with lemon, black currant, raspberry, ginger. The simplest physiotherapeutic thermal procedures - mustard plasters, inhalations, foot baths - have a positive effect.

Treatment in children should begin as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear. The onset of ARVI in a child is manifested primarily by a change in behavior, which every mother can easily notice. The child becomes lethargic, capricious, and drowsy. Application antiviral therapy, started in a timely manner, will shorten the duration of the disease and prevent the development of complications.