March is perhaps one of the most treacherous months in epidemiological terms: with the onset of warming, it seems that viruses are receding, which means you can relax and forget about the flu and ARVI until the fall. However, this is a dangerous misconception.
In practice, changeable March weather is in many ways even more favorable for the spread of respiratory infections than persistent winter frosts. The situation is aggravated by puddles, which make it easy to get your feet wet, as well as pronounced daily temperature changes: during the day you can overheat in warm clothes, and in the evening you can freeze in lighter ones. Therefore, early spring becomes a period of increased risk, especially against the backdrop of fatigue accumulated over the winter and a decrease in the body’s protective resources.
Spring virus threats
Different seasons have their own set of pathogens. By data Rospotrebnadzor, in mid-March, A(H3N2) strains predominated among influenza viruses, while there was a tendency for the share of A(H1N1)pdm09 and B to increase. Among other respiratory infections, RS viruses and metapneumoviruses are often recorded. The circulation of COVID-19, which has become a seasonal infection, also continues.
It is important to take into account that respiratory viruses spread quickly in the body, and a sick person can become infectious to others already in the first days of illness. In addition, in the spring, viral infections often become a factor that can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases, especially if the body is weakened after an illness.
What to consider when choosing therapy: expert advice
In the vast majority of cases (up to 98%), respiratory diseases are of a viral nature. The diversity of respiratory viruses makes it difficult to accurately determine the pathogen: symptoms for different infections largely coincide. Therefore, doctors focus on the use of direct-acting antiviral drugs that can act on various pathogens without the need to accurately identify them. In the updated clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, these drugs are considered as first-line treatment for ARVI.
One of the representatives of this group is umifenovir, known in Russia under the trade name Arbidol. Chief pediatric allergist-immunologist of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, professor Andrey Prodeus notes that the drug acts directly on the virus, preventing its penetration into cells and further reproduction, without directly interfering with the functioning of the immune system. This approach is consistent with modern international practice, where the focus is on direct antiviral agents rather than additional stimulation of the immune response, the publication writes riamo.ru.
Professor Prodeus points out that during the acute period of infection, additional stimulation of the immune system can have an unpredictable effect, especially in children, elderly patients and people with chronic diseases. That is why in clinical recommendations such drugs are considered as reserve drugs and require careful use.
According to the specialist, not only the timely initiation of direct antiviral therapy when the first symptoms appear is important, but also compliance with the full course of treatment — usually for at least 5-6 days. Premature cessation of therapy may lead to resumption of viral activity and worsening of the condition. In addition, if the viral load remains high, a person remains a source of infection for others longer, while correctly selected therapy helps reduce this risk.
Rospotrebnadzor reminds
In the context of the ongoing epidemic season, preventive measures are of particular importance.
Experts recommend washing your hands thoroughly after returning from the street, regularly ventilating rooms, disinfecting gadgets (primarily smartphones), and, if possible, limiting contact with sick people.
When the first symptoms of a respiratory disease appear, it is important to consult a doctor promptly. This is especially important in families with children, elderly people or patients with chronic diseases, for whom respiratory infections can be more severe, accompanied by complications and provoke an exacerbation of existing health problems.
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