Medicus, Vol. 24 No. 2 ASK niske doze, 2015.
Review article
Common Cold and Influenza: Incidence and Symptomatic Treatment
Ilija Kuzman
Abstract
Acute respiratory infections (ARI), i.e. viral inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, are the most common human infections and diseases. The patients with ARI, and especially those with upper respiratory infections, are the most frequent visitors of paediatric and other primary care units. The incidence is especially high amongst small children, who may fall ill up to ten times per year. The reason for such a high incidence of ARI lies in the structure and position of the respiratory system, which is one of the most exposed organ systems of the human body, as well as in a myriad of easily transmitted pathogens (by droplet or direct contact) and modest possibilities of ARI prophylaxis and treatment. ARI are manifested in a number of syndromes and degrees of severity. Most often, they are mild viral infections of the upper respiratory system (common cold, febrile respiratory catarrh). Influenza is a severe disease which occurs every year in the form of an epidemic, and it is accompanied with numerous complications, especially in small children and chronic patients. Although prescribed very often, antibiotics have no effect on viral respiratory infections and the unnecessary antibiotic therapy results in a number of adverse events. Antibiotic therapy is reserved to secondary bacterial infections. There are no antiviral drugs for respiratory infections, except for the influenza virus and that, however, with limited effect. The basic treatment of ARI is symptomatic and includes rest, drinking large quantities of liquids, and the administration of antipyretics and possibly cough medicines and decongestants. Children should not be given salicylates due to their association with influenza viruses in the development of Reye’s syndrome. The efficiency of vitamin C and that of zink and herbal preparations in the treatment and prevention of viral respiratory infections has not been fully evaluated.
Keywords
acute respiratory infections; common cold; influenza; symptomatic treatment
Hrčak ID:
148031
URI
Publication date:
4.11.2015.
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