Antiviral drugs for flu and colds

Types of diseases: ARVI, flu, colds

Autumn, winter and spring are the times when you most often catch a cold. It should be noted that there is no diagnosis of a cold. This collective concept most often includes infectious viral diseases that have identical symptoms and affect the upper respiratory tract. Official medicine calls such diseases ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections).

The causative agents of such diseases are pneumotropic viruses, of which there are more than 300 species (including adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, reoviruses and others).

ARVI symptoms:

• sneezing;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• pain in the head, eyes and throat;
• state of weakness.

Another seasonal disease of viral etiology is influenza. Today, there are about 2000 different variants of the influenza virus, differing in their antigenic spectrum. This disease can cause symptoms similar to ARVI, but the pathogen penetrates the blood faster. As a result, with influenza, muscle pain and fever may develop within the first day after infection.

For preventive therapy and treatment of infectious viral lesions, immunostimulants and antiviral drugs are used.

How do antiviral drugs affect the immune system?

Immunomodulators are a widely used antiviral drug for colds. They fight infection by stimulating the human immune system. The drugs do not invade cells, but cause their own interferons to act. Their use causes activation (a surge) of one’s own immunity, which helps fight infection.

But such medications should be taken with caution by those who have hereditary autoimmune diseases (only as prescribed by a doctor). But for children and people at high risk of such diseases, it is better to avoid them.

When antiviral drugs do not work as expected

Although most modern drugs have a broad spectrum of action, drugs against viruses usually cannot affect bacteria. This means that for bacterial sore throat, bronchitis and pneumonia, antiviral drugs will not have the desired effect.

However, in some cases, antiviral drugs (both expensive and budget) may be useless in the fight against viruses that are resistant (immune) to this drug. Moreover, these can be either strains that are immune in principle to the active substance, or in a specific case (they do not affect a specific person).

How do immunomodulators and antivirals work?

Immunomodulators are substances that affect the immune system. They are used for the nonspecific treatment of infections caused by viruses. The principle of action of such drugs is based on regulating the functioning of the immune system by activating immunocompetent cells. Immunomodulators for acute respiratory viral infections increase your own immunity, which helps the body cope with the infection and prevent possible complications.

Medicines that act directly on the virus itself and the mechanism of its replication (reproduction) are called antiviral. By introducing themselves into the structure of the virus, such substances disrupt cellular metabolic processes from the inside and lead to the death of viral cells.

When should you use an antiviral drug for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, and do doctors recommend this?

Many people, under the influence of certain media, are sure that there is no point in taking medications for ARVI. After all, as the old proverb says, a cold goes away in a week without treatment, and in seven days with treatment. This means that this disease can be survived without medication. However, unfortunately, statistics speak of disappointing facts. According to the World Health Organization, up to 650 thousand people die annually from respiratory diseases associated with seasonal influenza infection.v Not everyone knows that influenza infection and colds can negatively affect the heart. This reduces the average life expectancy by several years.vi After a severe course of ARVI, serious damage to the respiratory system, including pneumonia, is often diagnosed. Also, after acute respiratory viral infections, diseases of the blood vessels and the central nervous system are often detected.

Therefore, the main argument in favor of taking anti-viral medications is the need to reduce the high risks that accompany influenza infection. The second reason is due to the fact that timely and adequate treatment shortens the duration of the disease and weakens its symptoms. If you take a good flu antiviral when you develop symptoms of influenza infection and colds, you may experience a shorter period of runny nose, headaches, and fever.

Pros and cons of antivirals

The use of antiviral drugs, like any treatment, has its positive and negative sides. Numerous clinical trials confirm the effective effects of such drugs for the treatment of viral diseases. But the lack of timely treatment for infections can lead to complications. That is why it is very important to start treatment on time to fight colds and flu.

Before seasonal epidemics of colds and flu, doctors recommend procedures to boost immunity and timely vaccination.

Like any medicine, antiviral drugs may have contraindications, which is a significant disadvantage for therapy. However, the correct selection of the remedy will avoid side symptoms and speed up recovery.

ANTIVIRAL DRUGS FOR COLDS: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

So, you or your child feel that ARVI or influenza is already “knocking on the door”, and the symptoms of the disease are increasingly “taking hold”: a sore throat, an “itch” in the nose, a fever, a body ache and a headache. .

Of course, the main property that proper treatment should have is its antiviral nature. If the source of the disease is viruses, then treatment aimed primarily at eliminating the cause of the disease will be effective.

Of course, effective treatment is treatment that will help cope with the symptoms of the disease, because it is they that cause the main “life inconveniences”.

Another necessary attribute of effective treatment: it must certainly have a positive effect on the body’s own immunity.

And the argument, although not entirely medical, is important in our time: it is extremely desirable that the treatment be inexpensive.

Can I run to the pharmacy? In no case!

The first and only correct action for symptoms of ARVI and influenza is to consult a doctor. Only a doctor can establish the correct diagnosis, and for this, in addition to examining the patient, he may require additional tests. And only after this the doctor decides which treatment will be effective in this particular case.

Perhaps the doctor will recommend Ergoferon as a treatment. This modern antiviral drug is designed specifically to combat various types of ARVI and influenza viruses. At the same time, the drug can help relieve inflammation, weaken all the main symptoms of a cold and strengthen the body's immunity.

When treating colds in children, the drug is approved for use from the age of 6 months. And during periods of a “seasonal surge” of colds, it can be taken as a means of prevention.

The most effective drugs against viruses

Let's look at the best antiviral drugs, based on numerous reviews

Amizon

Amizon is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is an active oral inducer of endogenous interferon. It has antipyretic and analgesic effects.

The medicine does not have hemo- and nephrotoxic effects, does not have embryotoxic, mutagenic or teratogenic properties, and does not cause allergic manifestations.

Indications for use:

• stimulation of immunity during infectious and inflammatory processes in the lower respiratory tract; viral hepatitis A (in the acute period);
• neuralgia;
• meningoencephalitis;
• relieving inflammation and pain from herniated discs, osteochondrosis and arthritis;
• prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI in adults and children.

The maximum daily dosage is 2 g of Amizon.

For adult patients, when treating viral infections, use 1-2 tablets (0.25-0.5 g) 2 to 4 times a day.

Children from 6 to 12 years old are prescribed ½ tablet (0.125 g) 2 to 3 times a day.

The duration of therapy is from 5 to 7 days.

Amizon therapy is well tolerated by patients and causes virtually no side effects. Very rarely, mild swelling of the mucous membranes of the throat and mouth may develop, as well as a bitter taste.

Contraindications to the use of the product are:

• first three months of pregnancy;
• age up to 6 years;
• individual intolerance to iodine-containing substances.

Asinis

Asinis is a homeopathic remedy that exhibits anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.

Indications for use:

• Prevention and therapy of ARVI and influenza;
• sinusitis;
• rhinitis (chronic and acute);
• otitis.

Children from 3 years of age are prescribed 3-4 drops of the drug, diluted in a spoon of boiled water.

Children from 5 years of age are prescribed 5 to 7 drops of Asinis.

For patients over 12 years of age, the dosage is 10 drops of cold medicine.

Reception is carried out three times a day for 7-14 days. For chronic infections, it is possible to increase the therapeutic course to 2 months.

During therapy, in extremely rare cases, mild allergic manifestations are possible.

Contraindications:

• individual sensitivity to drugs containing chromium;
• age up to 3 years.

Mercurid

Mercurid exhibits immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and detoxification effects. Increases the body's nonspecific resistance to infections and activates the immune system.

Indications for use are infectious and inflammatory processes of the following localization:

• respiratory system;
• lymphatic system;
• genitourinary system;
• gastrointestinal tract;
• endocrine system;
• musculoskeletal system.

It should be noted that Mercurid is used in complex therapy with other drugs.

The standard dose for adults is 7 granules three times a day. Children over 6 years old can take 3 granules three times a day.

The duration of the therapeutic course is from 21 to 28 days.

The medicine is well tolerated by patients and has no side effects.

Contraindications:

• Individual sensitivity to the substances included in the drug.

Trachisan

Trachisan is a combination product consisting of three components: tyrothricine, chlorhexidine and lidocaine. They provide antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic effects.

Indications for use:

• inflammatory processes of the throat and oral cavity;
• preventive therapy before oral surgery.

The drug is used in the following dosage: 1 tablet every 2 hours. The maximum daily dose for patients over 12 years of age is 8 tablets. Children from 6 to 12 years old are allowed to take up to 6 tablets per day.

The duration of therapy is 5-7 days. If there is no improvement during this time, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice. The maximum therapeutic course of Trachisan is 14 days.

Antiviral cold tablets are generally well tolerated by patients. In very rare cases, allergic manifestations may occur, which are expressed in redness of the skin, swelling of the mouth and pharynx, as well as itching.

Contraindications:

• individual fructose intolerance;
• hypersensitivity to substances included in the drug;
• lesions of the oral mucosa of an erosive nature;
• the presence of fresh wound surfaces in the pharynx and oral cavity.

Respibron

Respibron is an immunomodulatory agent consisting of a lysate of bacteria that increases the resistance properties of the human body to infections. The drug has a double effect:

• Provides activation of nonspecific protective properties (rapid protection against infections, formed within 14-28 days from the start of therapy).
• Activates specific immune defense with a duration of several years.

Indications for use:

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, acute, recurrent and chronic.

Therapy with Respibron reduces the frequency of acute respiratory infections and the number of attacks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The medicine is prescribed to adults and children over 2 years of age.

For the treatment of the acute stage of the disease, 1 tablet should be dissolved once a day. Duration of therapy – 10 days.

For prevention, you need to carry out 3 standard courses of treatment with a break of 20 days. During this period, the maximum immunomodulatory effect of the drug will be obtained.

The therapy causes virtually no side effects. Very rarely, mild allergic manifestations may occur.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to substances contained in the drug.

Paxeladine

Paxeladine belongs to the group of antitussive drugs that exhibit central action.

Indications for the use of the drug are the presence of a non-productive cough in the following diseases:

• flu, ARVI, colds;
• bronchitis;
• pharyngitis, tracheitis, laryngitis;
• whooping cough.

The use of the product for productive cough should be limited, as this may cause difficulty in the release of bronchial secretions.

The drug is prescribed to children from 2.5 years of age (with a body weight exceeding 15 kg) and adults.

For children weighing from 15 to 20 kg, the dosage is 2.5 ml 3-4 times a day with an interval of 4 hours.

For children weighing from 20 to 30 kg, the dosage is 5 ml 2-3 times a day with an interval of 4 hours.

For children weighing from 20 to 50 kg, the dosage is 5 ml 3-5 times a day with an interval of 4 hours.

For adults, the dosage is 5 ml 4-5 times a day with an interval of 4 hours.

Therapy is carried out short-term, in the first few days after the onset of cough.

The medicine is well tolerated and in rare cases can cause allergic reactions.

Contraindications:

• hypersensitivity to the components that make up Paxeladine.

Echinacin Madaus

The active substance of the drug is Echinacea purpurea juice. The product has nonspecific immunostimulating properties that increase the protective properties of the human body.

Indications for use of Echinacin Madaus:

• preventive therapy for ARVI and influenza;
• prevention of frequent colds;
• prevention of immunodeficiency states.

For children 4-6 years old, 1.25 ml of the product is prescribed.

For children 6-12 years old, 2 ml should be used.

Adult patients and children over 12 years of age are prescribed 2.5 ml. All categories of patients should take the medicine 3 times a day. The duration of therapy is 14 days.

In very rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during therapy.

Contraindications:

• hypersensitivity to substances included in Echinacin Madaus;
• progressive systemic diseases (multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis and others);
• oncological pathologies;
• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and HIV infection;
• immunodeficiencies;
• autoimmune diseases.

Altabor

Altabor is a remedy for systemic use against viruses. The main active ingredients are extracts from sticky alder and sulfur alder.

Indications for use:

• Preventive therapy and treatment of respiratory infections and influenza.

The medicine is prescribed from the age of 14.

For preventive therapy, use 2 tablets three times a day.

For treatment, Altabor is prescribed in a dosage of 2 tablets four times a day.

In both cases, the duration of therapy is one week.

Antiviral drugs for adults can cause allergic reactions and nausea.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to substances contained in the product.

PREVENTION OF ARVI AND FLU: EFFECTIVE REMEDIES. AND INEXPENSIVE!

Yes, finding an effective antiviral drug for colds is important. But perhaps even more important is to make sure that you have to look for it as little as possible. But the means to protect yourself and your loved ones from colds are literally “within walking distance”!

Fresh air product. Take it daily, come to the appointment dressed appropriately for the weather. It is best taken in combination with properly selected physical activity.

“full sleep” remedy. A chronically sleep-deprived, overtired child is a “target” for ARVI and influenza.

Means “proper, varied nutrition.” Supplies the immune system with essential vitamins and microelements.

Hardening procedures: a contrast shower not only has a tonic effect, but also properly “trains” the internal thermoregulation system.

Occupational and rest hygiene: regular ventilation of premises, wet cleaning.

And one more remedy, completely inexpensive and, at the same time, extremely effective - just a good mood. Take it in the treatment of ARVI and influenza, and, of course, as a means of preventing them!

How to choose a drug

In order to correctly choose effective drugs whose antiviral properties will help cure influenza or ARVI, you need to accurately diagnose the disease. After this, you should make sure that there are no contraindications for using the product. It is also important to remember that different medications are used at different stages of a cold.

Take special care when choosing antiviral drugs and then you can help your body overcome a cold in the shortest possible time.

Source: ICD-10

Source: Sologub T.V., Tsvetkov V.V., Golobokov G.S. Possibility of complex therapy of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections with the inclusion of combination drugs. Medical Council, 2020, 16: 103-105.

Didenko Oksana Mikhailovna

Therapist of the highest qualification category, Candidate of Medical Sciences

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Antiviral drugs for influenza: main mechanisms of action

By introducing themselves into the cells of the respiratory tract, viruses cause damage to structures that perform barrier functions. Antiviral for flu and colds blocks some stages of viral infection:

• At the stage of infection and penetration into the cell, the drug blocks viral activity. The medicine can slow down or prevent the process of bringing viral particles closer to the cell membrane.
• At the second stage, if the virus does become close to the cell, the viral genome is copied. By using anti-viral drugs, the replication of viral DNA and RNA is blocked.
• During the synthesis of viral proteins and at all stages of virus assembly, various drugs are used: interferon-based, protease inhibitors and structural protein inhibitors.
• When the virus comes out and tries to invade other cells, it can be defeated with drugs based on neuraminidase inhibitors and antibodies.

The incubation period of the influenza virus in the body is on average three days. In order to choose the right treatment and antiviral for influenza and ARVI with minimal side effects, it is important not to confuse these diseases.iv