Question #2493 | Topic: Gonorrhea | 05.11.2003

I am pregnant, and when tested for urogenital infections, one laboratory discovered gonococcus. Of course, I was shocked - my husband and I do not have any manifestations of gonorrhea, we have been married for 1.5 years. When tested in another laboratory, gonococcus was not detected. I had to retake the control test again at the 1st laboratory. They put a stamp “gonococcus not detected”, but on the smear in the columns “gonococcus” they wrote “yeast cells”. The doctor convinces me that I am a carrier of a hidden infection, and the 2nd laboratory simply could not detect it. My question is the following: aren’t they trying to “powder” my brains, trying to hide the first mistake, because of which they convince me of hidden gonorrhea? There is no discharge and there hasn’t been any, except for an odorless leucorrhoea, everything is definitely fine with my husband. The child is developing normally. My husband suffered from gonorrhea in 1999, treated it and cured it. Can there be such a hidden infection as gonococcus, how long will it be hidden (for now, it turns out, more than 3 years for my husband, 1.5 years for me), how can it harm? Thank you very much.

There are many myths surrounding gonorrhea. Some believe that the mode of transmission of the disease is exclusively sexual, others are sure of the opposite. But the number of patients with signs of gonococcal infection continues to increase. Therefore, it is important to know the true causes of infection.

Causes of gonococcal infection

Doctors divide the ways of transmission of gonorrhea into three categories:

  1. unprotected sex;
  2. household transmission;
  3. birth canal

Unprotected sex. In the case of contact with a sick partner, the likelihood of infection varies between men and women. If a woman has sex with a sick person, she will almost certainly become infected with a gonococcal infection. The vagina creates simply ideal conditions for her.

A man is more protected in this regard. It's all about the narrowness of the urethra, which does not allow the pathogen to quickly penetrate the channel. The risk of infection increases significantly with repeated contacts and in relationships with a menstruating partner. During menstruation, the infection “descends” along with the discharge, rushing towards the vagina, which allows the gonococcus to easily reach the male genitals.

Household transmission route. People often ask, is it possible to become infected with gonorrhea at home? In some cases, this route of infection has been recorded. The culprit may be:

  • underwear;
  • towel;
  • bed dress;
  • washcloth.
  • toilet.

It is noteworthy that gonorrhea infection occurs through personal hygiene items most often in women. A particular risk group includes girls who have not yet developed an immune system capable of suppressing infection.

For healthy people to become infected at home, several factors must coincide:

  • a large number of gonococcal pathogens;
  • weakened immune system;
  • elderly or children's age.

Gonococcus can be localized in the oral cavity, so care for toothbrushes must be careful.

Infection through the birth canal. During childbirth, a child can become infected from a mother suffering from an infection. In this case, the mucous membrane of the eye suffers. Complete blindness may develop. In newborn girls, the genitals are also affected.

Due to the vulnerability of the baby, infection can also occur after birth through saliva if a person with gonorrhea kisses the baby or touches it with untreated hands.

Infection by kissing

Many believe that oral sex is preferable and the chances of getting sick are significantly reduced. Gonorrhea is transmitted from the genital tract to the oral cavity and also vice versa. Therefore, unprotected oral contact with a sick partner can cause illness.

To the frequent question whether gonorrhea is transmitted through a kiss, doctors do not give a definite answer. But the likelihood of infection increases significantly if you kiss after oral sex.

The risk category includes people with damage to the oral cavity and with reduced immunity. Young girls, recent illnesses, older people, and those who are promiscuous are more at risk of contracting clap through kissing.

Symptoms of the disease

The incubation period of gonorrhea is quite short and lasts from 2 days to 2 weeks. All this time the person poses a sexual danger. The first signs of gonorrhea appear on the 5-6th day. Given these deadlines, you can find out the source of infection.

Doctors distinguish between acute gonococcal infection and the chronic course of the disease. In the acute course of the disease, the following signs can be observed in men:

  • yellowish-white discharge from the urethra;
  • burning and stinging during urination;
  • frequent urge to go small.

Women may also experience spotting.

The main danger of gonorrhea is that it can occur for a long time without any symptoms. During this time, a man can be sexually active and expose his partners to the risk of infection.

When infected with several types of sexually transmitted diseases, the treatment of gonorrhoea becomes more complicated. Gonococcal microorganisms successfully develop in the environment of other pathogenic bacteria.

Of particular danger is the simultaneous contraction of Trichomonas and gonorrhea. Gonococci integrate into pathogenic cells and remain resistant to antibiotic treatment.

Other concomitant diseases also become frequent companions of gonorrhea. Therefore, when it is detected, tests are prescribed for:

  • ureaplasma;
  • chlamydia;
  • candidiasis;
  • herpes;
  • trichomoniasis;
  • syphilis.

The danger of gonococcal infection is the weakening of the body's local defenses, which increases the likelihood of picking up other viral and bacterial infections.

Types of gonococcal infection

Classic signs of gonorrhea infection appear mainly in the genitourinary organs. But gonococcal infection can affect the lymph nodes, causing pharyngitis and proctitis.

Gonococcal proctitis. It manifests itself as pain during bowel movements and discharge from the rectum. Infection occurs through the practice of anal sex.

Gonococcal pharyngitis. Characterized by a sore throat and swollen salivary glands. You can become infected through oral contact.

The infection is insidious in that it quickly spreads throughout the body. Without proper treatment, microorganisms quickly rise to the bladder and kidneys and infect them.

In men, the infection penetrates into the testicles, in women into the fallopian tubes.

The main problem of gonorrhea is its possible asymptomatic course. At this time, a man can infect his partners.

Treatment of gonorrhea

Having learned how you can become infected with gonorrhea, you need to know how to get rid of it. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. In society, sexually transmitted diseases are considered shameful. Therefore, treatment can be carried out anonymously.

Having discovered the first signs of gonorrhea in men, it is necessary to notify your sexual partner and seek help from a venereologist.

During treatment, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of behavior to prevent infection of others. You should not visit public baths, saunas and swimming pools. Be sure to wash your hands after using the toilet. A man is prohibited from squeezing discharge from the urethra. This leads to the spread of infection.

Treatment of gonorrhea involves mandatory treatment with antibiotics. Treatment should not be stopped as soon as improvement appears. Be sure to follow all the doctor’s recommendations to the end.

Untreated infection leads to a chronic course of the disease. After a full course of treatment, regular visits to a venereologist are recommended to prevent relapses.

Preventive actions

The best protector against any sexually transmitted disease is a condom. Having sex with a regular partner reduces the risk of contracting gonorrhea. In case of casual relationships, you should use an antiseptic and thoroughly wash the genitals.

However, it is necessary to take into account that the gonorrhea is insidious and the measures taken may not be effective. Only compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, relationships with a regular partner and the use of a condom during casual relationships will protect against gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted problems.

Gonorrhea in men: symptoms

Symptoms of gonorrhea in men develop around the third day after infection. Appears:

  • pain during urination;
  • frequent urge to urinate;
  • burning sensation along the urethra;
  • purulent discharge from the urethra;
  • redness and swelling around the opening of the urethra.

Since the disease manifests itself rapidly, with pronounced symptoms, and the signs of the disease significantly affect the quality of life, most men consult a doctor in a timely manner.

If during the acute period treatment is not carried out or is carried out incorrectly, the disease becomes chronic. The chronic form is characterized by subsidence of vivid symptoms, however, it is much more dangerous than the acute form.

With chronic gonorrhea, concern:

  • mild burning sensation during urination;
  • slight discharge from the urethra in the morning.

Chronic gonorrhea can develop:

  • prostatitis;
  • orchitis;
  • epididymitis;
  • urethral stenosis.

These conditions are fraught with infertility, so you should not neglect the disease. Timely seeking qualified help helps prevent the development of complications.

Gonococcal pharyngitis and proctitis are most often asymptomatic. Such lesions rarely appear in men and are associated with unconventional methods of sexual intercourse.

In people with immunodeficiency, dissemination of gonococci throughout the body may occur, affecting all internal organs. In this case, the development of infectious-toxic shock and multiple organ failure is possible.

Often, gonorrhea occurs atypically, with uncharacteristic symptoms or with blurred clinical symptoms. The reason for this is considered to be a mixed infection, that is, a combination of gonococcal infection with other diseases, for example, chlamydia or trichomoniasis.

In such cases, it is unrealistic to make a diagnosis based only on symptoms, so all kinds of laboratory research methods are used. Only after accurately identifying the pathogen can treatment begin.

Drugs for the treatment of gonorrhea in men

Since gonorrhea is caused by microorganisms, the main drugs for its treatment are antibiotics. Several groups of antibiotics can be used to treat gonorrhea:

  • cephalosporins;
  • fluoroquinolones;
  • macrolides.

From the group of penicillins, the most commonly used are benzylpenicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin. If they are ineffective, cephalosporins (cefataxime, ceftriaxone) are used.

If individual intolerance to penicillins is observed, cephalosporins are not prescribed, since they are similar in their mechanism of action and can cause cross-allergic reactions.

Macrolides(azithromycin, clarithromycin) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin) are also highly effective against gonococci. These drugs are widely used when gonorrhea is combined with other sexually transmitted infections. Most often, gonorrhea occurs together with chlamydia.

In some cases, combination drugs consisting of sulfonamides and trimethoprim are used, for example, Biseptol, Septin, Bactrim.

In addition to antibacterial agents, general strengthening agents and immunomodulators are used.

Treatment course for gonorrhea in men

During treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided. This is due to both the possibility of infecting a partner and the likelihood of re-infection with gonorrhea or another sexually transmitted disease, which significantly complicates the treatment process.

It is also important to examine the sexual partner of a person with gonorrhea. If he also develops a disease, it is worth treating together. This way you can protect yourself from reinfection and significantly increase the likelihood of a complete recovery from the disease.

During therapy, diet is an important condition. It is necessary to exclude the intake of alcoholic beverages and hot, smoked, spicy foods. This is done to reduce irritation of the urethra, which in itself reduces the clinical manifestations of urethritis in gonorrhea. In addition, taking antibacterial drugs increases the load on the liver, so diet is also a means to prevent liver damage.

  • For acute uncomplicated gonorrhea, benzylpenicillin is prescribed intramuscularly every 4 hours or every 6 hours, first dissolved in 0.5 novocaine. Novocaine is used to dilute the dry drug and for pain relief.
  • Possible use of bicillin. This is also a penicillin antibiotic, but with a prolonged effect. It is administered intramuscularly once.
  • Fluoroquinolones and macrolides are prescribed in tablets either once, or the course dose is divided into 3-5 days.
  • If gonorrhea is combined with another infection, antibiotics are prescribed that are effective against all identified microorganisms. For example, in the presence of gonorrhea and chlamydia, doxycycline is used; for gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, macrolides are used in combination with metronidazole.
  • For chronic uncomplicated gonorrhea, courses of immunomodulatory therapy and local treatment are used along with antibacterial drugs.
  • If antibacterial drugs do not give the desired effect, an antibiotic is selected taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen. To do this, a bacteriological study of urethral discharge is carried out with further determination of sensitivity.
  • As a local treatment, the urethra is washed with weak solutions of boric acid or potassium permanganate. It is advisable to do this after urination.

After the acute process subsides, physical therapy can be performed. For the treatment of gonorrheal urethritis, the following is used:

  • ultrasound;
  • electrophoresis and phonophoresis using drugs;
  • inductothermy;
  • laser therapy.

The criteria for the effectiveness of treatment are the absence of clinical symptoms of the disease and negative laboratory results.

A week after the end of the course of treatment, a control study is carried out. This is necessary to ensure a complete cure. If laboratory tests show a negative result, provocative tests are performed.

They are:

  • instillation of lapis solution into the urethra;
  • intramuscular administration of gonovaccine;
  • drinking 0.5–1 liter of beer.

After this, 3 control studies are carried out over 3 days. If after this the results are negative, the last study is carried out a month later.

Gonorrhea is a disease that is highly treatable. However, there is one condition - you should not delay contacting a doctor and under no circumstances self-medicate.

It is always better to engage in prevention rather than treatment. To prevent infection with gonorrhea, it is necessary to avoid casual sexual contact and use barrier methods of contraception.

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Etiology

The cause of the disease is the penetration and reproduction in the human body of a special bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which was first described by A. Neisser in 1879. This pathogen is a gram-negative diplococcus, has a bean-shaped shape and is located in pairs. He does not have the ability to move independently.

The small villi (pili) present on the surface of the gonococcus contribute to its attachment to the surface of the mucous membranes and penetration into the cells. In addition, these pili carry antigenic information, which can change during the development of the disease and under the influence of factors unfavorable for the bacterium.

Gonococcus has the ability to transform into a protective L-form. This allows it to survive engulfment by phagocytes and insufficiently intensive antibiotic therapy. But the L-form does not protect against the action of antiseptics and environmental factors; outside the body, the gonococcus is quickly destroyed when the secretions dry out. Therefore, the household route of infection is rare; it is possible only when objects are heavily contaminated and there is a short period of time between the release of bacteria and their contact with another person.

Pathogenesis

Gonorrhea in men most often occurs during sexual contact with a partner with gonorrhea, who may not have obvious external pathological signs. The causative agent is contained in vaginal discharge and urethral secretion. During oral intercourse, the presence of gonococcal lesions of the nasopharynx is important, and during anal intercourse, gonorrheal prostatitis is important.

The homosexual partner transmits the pathogen with sperm and prostate secretions. Infection occurs in 25-50% of cases and is not associated with the activity of the immune system.

  • After entering the body of a man, gonococci attach to the surface of the mucous membrane, without migrating far beyond the zone of penetration.
  • In most cases, they affect the urethra and prostate gland, settle on sperm and sometimes enter the terminal portions of the vas deferens.
  • With concomitant infection with trichomoniasis, gonococci can penetrate into trichomonas, in which case antibacterial drugs are not dangerous for them.

A characteristic feature of gonococci is the ability to multiply inside leukocytes, which is called endocytobiosis. Therefore, the protective phagocytic reaction of the immune system of an infected person is ineffective and even leads to the spread of the pathogen. Inside the cells, gonococci exist for quite a long time in an inactive form, which can lead to an erased clinical picture of chronic gonorrhea in men.

  • Bacterial infection causes inflammation of the mucous membranes with purulent discharge.
  • The gradual destruction of the inner lining of the urethra leads to the release of gonococci into the lymphatic and blood vessels, spreading them to the underlying tissues.
  • In response to the penetration of pathogens, the immune system begins to produce antibodies, but they are not able to protect the man’s body from further development of the disease.
  • Gonorrhea does not lead to the formation of immunity; reinfection is often observed.

Symptoms of gonorrhea in men

The first signs of gonorrhea in men do not appear immediately. This is preceded by an absolutely asymptomatic period, although at this stage the pathogen strengthens on the surface of the urethra at its mouth, penetrates the cells of the mucous membrane and actively multiplies. Signs of the disease appear after the development of active inflammation against the background of a progressive increase in the number of bacteria. The incubation period usually lasts 3-5 days, but in some cases it extends to 2 weeks.

  • The first symptoms are discomfort along the urethra, quickly followed by itching and burning in this area.
  • Soon, mucous and then purulent yellowish-white discharge appears from the opening of the urethra.
  • The urethral sponges on the head of the penis become red and swollen, and painful nocturnal emissions are possible.
  • At first, suppuration is intermittent and is associated with pressure on the penis and the beginning of urination, then it becomes almost continuous.
  • With the rapid development of the disease, body temperature may increase with the appearance of nonspecific signs of general intoxication.

Symptoms of gonorrhea in men usually increase rapidly during the first week after the first manifestations, after which they often become dull and lose their severity. Self-treatment also contributes to an atypical course. Antibiotics, often taken haphazardly, without a doctor’s prescription and in insufficient doses, lead to a decrease in the activity of gonococci, but do not destroy them. As a result, the signs of the disease become erased, the man can consider himself cured, and the process becomes chronic. In this case, the suppuration is scanty, like a “morning drop”, changes on the head of the penis are poorly expressed.

In the first 2 months after infection, they speak of acute or fresh gonorrhea. If the disease is more than 8 weeks old, the chronic form is diagnosed. With an asymptomatic course of the acute process, gonorrhea is called torpid.

Possible complications

Over several weeks, inflammation can spread along the walls of the urethra to the bladder, prostate and seminiferous tubules. This causes complications of gonorrhea in the form of cystitis and prostatitis. Symptoms include frequent painful urination, nagging pain in the perineum during sexual arousal and ejaculation, and discomfort in the testicles. Prostatitis can lead to impotence and a decrease in the fertilizing ability of sperm.

  • Gonorrheal epididymitis appears when the epididymis is involved in a specific inflammatory process.
  • It is usually acute and proceeds violently.
  • This causes fever, redness and swelling of the scrotum, and sharp pain on the affected side.
  • Epididymitis can be unilateral or affect both testicles to varying degrees.
  • The development of epididymitis threatens subsequent cicatricial narrowing of the lumen of the vas deferens with the development of infertility.

Long-term urethritis, leading to deep lesions of the wall of the urethra, can be complicated by urethral stricture. Difficulty in the outflow of urine contributes to congestion in the bladder, reflux of urine into the ureters and ascending infection of the excretory system.

Massive penetration of the pathogen into the bloodstream leads to the generalization of gonorrhea. In this case, sepsis develops, foci of inflammation appear in other organs, and the heart valves are often affected.

Factors contributing to the development of complicated gonorrhea in men:

  1. the presence of concomitant acute or chronic diseases of the genitourinary system (cystitis, urolithiasis, prostatitis,);
  2. infection with other STDs;
  3. weakened local immunity, repeated infection with gonorrhea (reinfection);
  4. eating spicy food;
  5. frequent sexual arousal;
  6. use of coitus interruptus as a method of contraception;
  7. excessive physical activity;
  8. alcoholism.

Often, a man suffering from gonorrhea consults a doctor not with the initial symptoms of anterior gonorrheal urethritis, but after the development of complications. In this case, even after intensive complex therapy, the consequences of gonorrhea often develop in the form of narrowing of the urethra, infertility, etc.

Diagnostics

In the classic course of the disease, the doctor may suspect the presence of gonorrhea already at the initial visit of a sick man, based on the existing symptoms of anterior urethritis with suppuration. The diagnosis must be confirmed by microbiological examination of a smear from the urethra and a portion of urine. Serological diagnosis of gonorrhea is rarely performed.

To begin treatment, it is sufficient to detect paired bean-shaped bacteria by microscopy of urethral discharge. But even in this case, culture is carried out on nutrient media, which makes it possible to confirm the diagnosis and determine the sensitivity of the isolated pathogen to the main antibiotics. Gonococci grow best on nutrient media with ascitic fluid and blood plasma, forming transparent round colonies with smooth edges.

  • A test for gonorrhea in men is taken not only in the presence of obvious clinical signs.
  • It is carried out when other STDs are detected, in the presence of chronic prostatitis and urethritis of unknown etiology.
  • In addition, the examination is carried out according to epidemiological indications, when tests are taken from all sexual partners of the sick woman.
  • And on the initiative of the man, a smear is taken for gonorrhea after unprotected sexual intercourse with an unfamiliar woman.
  • This takes into account how long it takes for gonorrhea to manifest itself and how long it takes for gonococci to penetrate the urethral mucosa and begin to reproduce.
  • Therefore, the analysis is carried out a few days after questionable sexual intercourse.

To increase the reliability of the result, it is important to correctly obtain the material for the study. Before taking a smear from the urethra, a man must not urinate for 4-5 hours, not use topical antiseptics or take antibiotics. A smear is taken with a Volkmann spoon or a bacteriological loop. If the discharge is scanty, a preliminary massage of the prostate is performed.

Chronic gonorrhea often causes difficulties in laboratory diagnosis; a false-negative examination result in this case is mainly due to the intracellular location of the pathogen. Therefore, before taking smears, a provocation is necessary - stimulation of the release of gonococci during an artificially induced exacerbation of chronic urethritis. For this purpose:

  1. instillation of silver nitrate solution;
  2. bougienage of the urethra, urethrography;
  3. heating the inflamed area using inductothermy;
  4. eating food with a lot of spices;
  5. intramuscular administration of gonovaccine.

The provocative method followed by taking a smear is also used to monitor the treatment.

How to get rid of the disease

Treatment of gonorrhea in men consists of etiotropic antibacterial therapy, symptomatic measures to reduce the severity of symptoms, sexual rest and diet. It is necessary to avoid physical activity, cycling, drink plenty of fluids and avoid the use of spices.

  • Antibiotics for gonorrhea are prescribed in a course; the duration of therapy depends on the nature and duration of the disease and is determined by the doctor.
  • You should not stop taking medications after the condition improves, which usually happens after 2-3 days of antibiotic therapy.
  • This can create resistance of gonococci to the drug used and will contribute to the preservation of the pathogen in the body intracellularly or in the L-form.

For the treatment of gonorrhea, preference is given to penicillin antibiotics and 3rd generation cephalosporins. If the pathogen is insufficiently sensitive to them or there are contraindications, drugs from other groups are used, based on the data of bacteriological research.

Systemic antibiotic therapy is supplemented with sanitation of the urethra. To do this, rinsing and instillation with various solutions with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects are carried out. When acute inflammation subsides, physiotherapy is prescribed: UHF, phonophoresis and electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, inductothermy, ultraviolet exposure. In case of chronic, recurrent and torpid course, immunotherapy is indicated, which can be specific (using gonovaccine) and nonspecific.

After 7-10 days and then immediately after completion of the course of treatment, a control bacteriological examination is carried out, which is repeated a month later.

Since it is necessary to treat gonorrhea in men together with the sexual partner, an epidemiological study is being conducted. All women who have been in contact with the sick person are sent to a gynecologist and dermatovenerologist; if they are diagnosed with gonorrhea, they also undergo specific therapy. In case of refusal of treatment, non-compliance with recommendations and the presence of a generalized infection, hospitalization is recommended.

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First symptoms

The first symptoms of gonorrhea in men may appear as early as the second day after contact with a carrier of the infection. It is then that unpleasant sensations appear in the urethra. However, usually the first signs of gonorrhea in men appear after 3-5 days. Then purulent discharge from the penis appears - both voluntary and flowing out when pressing on the head, as well as itching in the man’s groin.

Opinions about what the first sign of gonorrhea in men is vary from patient to patient. Often, men infected with gonococci experience painful nocturnal erections; less often, there is a general deterioration in the body’s condition and an increase in body temperature.

Discharge

The main symptoms of the disease include discharge from gonorrhea in men. First of all, leucorrhoea begins to secrete profusely, leaving purulent yellow spots on the linen that have a foul odor. The peak of discharge, accompanied by painful sensations during urination, occurs in the first or second week after infection.

Subsequent development of symptoms

How does gonorrhea manifest in men? Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) begins. The inflammation is painful, and the urge to urinate occurs more and more often. The color of the urine changes and it becomes cloudy. The urethra takes on a painful and dense appearance, with pronounced redness visible near the opening of the urethra.

Gonorrhea in a man can cause a complication such as prostatitis. It is often accompanied by inflammation of the seminal vesicle (vesiculitis).

Asymptomatic gonorrhea in men

According to statistics, gonorrhea without symptoms in men is quite rare - only in 20% of cases. Such patients do not have to rejoice, because in such cases the disease manifests itself later, but in a much more severe form. Lack of timely treatment leads to the fact that asymptomatic gonorrhea in men becomes chronic, and over time the symptoms become much stronger than with acute gonorrhea.

Incubation period

The incubation period of gonorrhea in men is short - from 2 to 5 days. The first symptoms may appear within the first week after infection. In case of decreased immunity or antibiotic therapy with irrational dosage, the incubation period may increase to 3 weeks.

Often this period increases in those patients who self-medicated with folk remedies for gonorrhea. That is why it is so important to contact specialists in a timely manner - a venereologist or andrologist.

Forms of gonorrhea

Acute gonorrhea

Acute gonorrhea in men is characterized by pain on palpation, swelling and redness of the penis. Involuntary yellow-green purulent discharge from the urethra appears, and erosion on the head of the penis may also develop.

If treatment is not carried out, and the amount of discharge gradually decreases, and the signs of the disease disappear, then this indicates the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Hidden gonorrhea

The greatest danger is latent gonorrhea in men, which occurs in an asymptomatic form. It is extremely difficult to diagnose it yourself, therefore, as a rule, after 2 months the disease becomes chronic.

Also, a latent form of gonorrhea can be caused by self-administered treatment, when the infection is not completely destroyed and becomes less noticeable and more difficult to cure. That is why it is so important to contact an experienced doctor in time, who can recognize the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.

Is gonorrhea curable?

Today, the answer to the question of whether gonorrhea can be treated in men can be answered in the affirmative. The early stages of the disease are highly treatable and often proceed without complications. In any case, it is strictly not recommended to self-medicate; this can provoke the disease to become chronic, threatening various complications.

How long to treat

It is impossible to say exactly how long gonorrhea in men is treated - this value is individual for each case. Treatment should begin only after a visit to a venereologist. Based on the results of tests for gonorrhea, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment. The timing of treatment mainly depends on how quickly the patient sought help, as well as on the form of the disease.

Detection and initiation of treatment for gonorrhea immediately after the incubation period ensures a rapid cure - within 5-7 days. Treatment of asymptomatic gonorrhea can take a longer time, up to several months.

Scheme and course of treatment for gonorrhea

Treatment of gonorrhea in men is carried out after examination and examination by a venereologist (dermatologist). Only a qualified doctor can prescribe the correct course of treatment. The main direction is the fight against gonococci and the complete destruction of the infectious agent in the body.

Treatment regimens for gonorrhea in men vary depending on the severity of the disease. As a rule, doctors prescribe antibiotics in the form of tablets, supplementing treatment with ointments for topical use. When treated with antibiotics, the positive effect of therapy is achieved quite quickly. In addition, sexual intercourse is prohibited during the entire therapy.

Medicines for gonorrhea in men

Almost any remedy for gonorrhea for men, as well as for women, belongs to antibiotics of one group or another. An important condition for treatment is abstinence from sexual relations.

It is worth noting that there are no specific drugs to treat gonorrhea in men. In addition, any patient who has a regular sexual partner is strongly recommended to be tested and undergo treatment with him.

Treatment regimens prescribed by a doctor are identical for patients of both sexes. Minor differences apply only to specific drugs. Thus, medications for gonorrhea in men that complement the main treatment are solutions or ointments for application directly to the genital organ. For women with gonorrhea, additional medications include vaginal suppositories and creams.

In some cases, medicine for gonorrhea in men may be prescribed in the form of intramuscular injections. Antibiotic injections included in the treatment regimen for gonorrhea are given for at least 5 days, 3-4 times a day.

Gonorrhea pills for men

According to most doctors, the most convenient dosage form is gonorrhea tablets for men and women. The most reliable drugs that have proven themselves over many years of therapeutic use are penicillin tablets. These include oxacillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ampiox and carfecillin.

If the disease occurs with complications or has already become chronic, then doctors prescribe tetracycline antibiotics: doxycycline, metacycline, tetracycline, rondomycin.

Most often, treatment of gonorrhea in men with tablets is prescribed when the infection is detected immediately and is fresh. In this case, experts prescribe azalides, the most modern drugs that can fight many strains of gonococcal infection. This group includes azithromycin (Main article: “ Azithromycin for gonorrhea"), josamycin and roxithromycin.

Macrolides, which include macropen, erythromycin, oletethrin and erycycline, have the fewest possible side effects. Often they are prescribed even to pregnant women who have been diagnosed with gonococci.

Antibiotics

Whatever the stage of the disease, the most appropriate treatment is considered to be antibiotics for gonorrhea in men and women.

  • As a rule, 95% of cases of gonorrhea of ​​any stage are successfully treated with antibacterial tablets.
  • The remaining 5% occurs in the chronic form of the disease and in those cases when, after completing a course of antibiotics, a smear still shows the presence of gonococci in the body.
  • Then doctors can use sulfonamide tablets.

Antibiotics can be taken in a weekly course or once. One way or another, the doctor prescribes the dosage and treatment regimen.

Consequences

The consequences of gonorrhea in men can manifest themselves in various forms of complications. This is an inflammation of the glans penis and the inner layer of the foreskin (and balanitis); inflammation of the urinary tract and paraurethral canals

  • In addition to those listed, complications can be more serious: vesiculitis (inflammation of the seminal vesicles), epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis).
  • Epididymitis develops particularly quickly, which is accompanied by fever and severe pain in the testicle - to the point that the patient can no longer move.
  • If gonorrhea affects both testicles, this can lead to infertility. Another complication is prostatitis. Its chronic form threatens impotence.

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1) Acute gonorrheal epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis

The infection spreads from the urethra along the vas deferens. It begins with swelling of the testicle and such sharp pain in the scrotum that the man actually cannot move. Then pain appears in the lower back, moving to the side of the abdomen and to the groin area. The pain is stronger on the side where the inflammation is more intense. As swelling increases, the epididymis increases 2-4 times in just a couple of hours; At the same time, pain during urination increases, and blood appears in the urine.

The temperature is understood, the person feels a strong chill, the pulse quickens. The main complications of epididymitis are the formation of an epididymal abscess and the spread of infection to the testicle (orchitis). The normal functions of the epididymis are limited to transporting, storing and maturing sperm. When the ducts become inflamed, they narrow or are completely blocked by adhesions, resulting in infertility. With unilateral epididymitis - in 35% of cases, with bilateral - in 87%.

2) Gonorrheal prostatitis

Gonococci enter the prostate through the ducts connecting the gland to the urethra. Acute inflammation is characterized by pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, radiating to the scrotum and groin areas. The prostate gland swells and can compress the urethra, making it difficult to urinate; mucus and blood appear in the urine. Chronic forms develop unnoticed, but ultimately lead to adhesions inside the ducts, acute forms lead to purulent inflammation with the formation of an abscess. In both cases it is possible

3) Gonorrheal inflammation of the periurethral canals and glands, foreskin, head of the penis

They can be complicated by narrowing of the urethra and its opening, fusion of the internal layers of the foreskin, and erosions on the skin of the genital organs.

Gonorrheal epididymitis and prostatitis are diagnosed by a smear from the urethra, and appropriate antibiotics and restoratives are prescribed. Purulent complications are treated in a hospital, chronic and subacute forms are treated on an outpatient basis, also with the use of antibiotics and then physiotherapy. To reduce pain, it is suggested to put a suspensor on the testicles; if urinary retention occurs, drink a decoction of parsley and make local baths with chamomile or sage.

  • Limitation of activity with temporary cessation of sexual activity.
  • Also from cycling and horse riding.
  • Diet with limited fats and spices, without alcoholic beverages.

Detection of the disease

The first point of the diagnostic algorithm is patient interview. The doctor finds out what exactly is bothering you at the moment, when the problems started and what they may be associated with, whether such symptoms existed before.

  • Then proceeds to inspection, urological or gynecological, if necessary, evaluates the condition of the genital organs by palpation (palpation).
  • In women with an acute form of gonorrhea, hyperemia of the cervical canal is visible, and liquid yellowish-milky pus is released from it.
  • In men, the discharge is in the form of a drop, the color is the same, there may be an admixture of blood.
  • Chronic gonorrhea gives a more modest picture: there is little discharge, they appear after pressing on the opening of the urethra.

Gonorrhea smear taken with a sterile loop or swab.

If gonorrheal inflammation outside the genital organs is suspected, material is obtained from the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat, from the anus, and from the corners of the eyes.

With standard localization of gonorrhea: in women - from the urethra, cervical canal, vagina and the mouth of the Bartholin glands, in men - from the urethra.

If necessary, a sample of discharge from the prostate gland is additionally examined. To do this, the doctor massages the prostate through the rectum, and the patient holds the test tube near the opening of the urethra. The procedure is unpleasant, but goes quickly. With normal inflammation, the prostatic secretion contains only leukocytes and columnar epithelium, with gonorrhea - leukocytes, epithelium and gonococci, and Neisseria are located inside the cells.

Culture method

This involves inoculating material from the area of ​​inflammation on nutrient media, isolating gonococcal colonies and determining their sensitivity to antibiotics. Used as a definitive diagnosis of gonorrhea to prescribe specific treatment.

Antibiotic sensitivity test: gonococci isolated from colonies are mixed with a nutrient medium, which is placed in a special container (Petri dish). Pieces of paper, similar to confetti, soaked in solutions of various antibiotics are placed on the surface in a circle. After the growth of gonococci in it, the medium becomes cloudy, and only round transparent areas are visible around the “confetti” with certain antibiotics. They are measured, with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm, the sensitivity of a given microflora to an antibiotic is considered average, a diameter of 2 cm or more indicates high sensitivity. It is this medicine that can successfully cope with the infection.

The disadvantage of the method is the long execution time; it takes 7 to 10 days for colonies to grow successively on two media. Plus – detection of gonorrhea in 95% of cases.

Smear microscopy

The material to be studied is placed on a glass slide, the preparation is stained and examined under a microscope. The causative agents of gonorrhea are found in the form of bluish-violet diplococci, located mainly inside other cells. The technique is not complicated, but depends on the qualifications of the laboratory doctor, so its accuracy is only 30-70%. Microscopy is used to make a preliminary diagnosis.

Analyzes

Blood for general clinical research, for PCR and ELISA tests.

  1. General clinical analysis reveals signs of inflammation: leukocytosis, increased lymphocyte count, ESR, and possibly increased platelets.
  2. PCR, polymerase chain reaction. The method is highly sensitive and is based on the determination of gonococcal DNA. Used for preliminary diagnosis, it is often false positive. For confirmation it is supplemented by a cultural method.
  3. ELISA test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The results may be distorted by concomitant autoimmune diseases. In general, the method has a confidence level of 70%, is inexpensive and can be done quickly.

Hardware methods are used after treatment to assess the severity of the consequences of gonorrhea for the internal genital and other organs. In women, sclerosis (replacement of active tissue with scar tissue) of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is possible, in men – of the seminal ducts and urethra. In both cases, infertility occurs.

Treatment with antibiotics

The main principle: be sure to treat sexual partners, in whom gonococci were detected using the culture method. Acute and chronic gonorrhea require an etiotropic approach, that is, an impact on the cause of the disease.

Sexual contact and alcohol are prohibited for the entire treatment period!

Therapy with antibiotics taken orally is always carried out against the background hepatoprotectors(karsil) and probiotics(Linex, yogurt). Local remedies with eubiotics (intravaginal) - acylact, lacto- and bifidumbacterin. It would also be useful to prescribe antifungal drugs (fluconazole).

It is better to stop the temptation to heal yourself immediately, since the antibiotic may not work and gonorrhea will become chronic, and medications are increasingly causing allergies and its complication - anaphylactic shock - develops at lightning speed. And most importantly: only a doctor can reliably diagnose gonorrhea, based on objective data.

Acute uncomplicated gonorrhea of ​​the lower genitourinary system is treated literally according to instructions compiled on the basis of official recommendations. Preferably one of the following antibiotics is prescribed:

  • tablets for gonorrhea, single dose - azithromycin (2 g), cefixime (0.4 g), ciprofloxacin (0.5 g);
  • intramuscularly, once - ceftriaxone (0.25 g), spectinomycin (2 g).

Exist alternative schemes, in which ofloxacin (0.4 g) or cefozidime (0.5 g), kanamycin (2.0 g) intramuscularly, once are used (once, orally). After treatment, it is necessary to monitor the sensitivity of gonococci to antibiotics.

Acute complicated gonorrhea of ​​the lower and upper parts of the genitourinary system requires long-term treatment.

The antibiotic is changed after a maximum of 7 days, or the drugs are prescribed in long courses - until the symptoms disappear, plus another 48 hours.

  1. Ceftriaxone 1.0 IM (intramuscular) or IV (intravenous), x 1 per day, 7 days.
  2. Spectinomycin 2.0 IM, x 2 per day, 7 days.
  3. Cefotaxime 1.0 IV, x 3 per day or Ciprofloxacin 0.5 IV, x 2 per day - until symptoms disappear + 48 hours.

After the acute manifestations of gonorrheal inflammation have been relieved (the temperature should return to normal, discharge is scanty or undetectable, there is no acute pain, local swelling has decreased), antibiotics continue to be used. Twice a day - ciprofloxacin 0.5 or ofloxacin 0.4 g.

In the presence of a mixed infection of gonorrhea and chlamydia, the regimen is expanded by adding azithromycin tablets (1.0 g once) or doxycycline (0.1 x 2, 7 days). Trichomoniasis can be treated with metronidazole, ornidazole, or tinidazole. Syphilis accompanying gonorrhea is treated with penicillins or tetracyclines. If you are allergic to these groups of drugs, erythromycin or oleandomycin is prescribed, which are also active against mycoplasmosis and chlamydia.

izppp.ru/zabolevaniya/gonoreya/#h2_5

Europe: incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Gonorrhea (gonorrhoea)

Influenza is an acute viral disease that can affect the upper and lower respiratory tract, is accompanied by severe intoxication and can lead to serious complications and deaths, mainly in elderly patients and children. Epidemics appear almost every year, usually in autumn and winter, and more than 15% of the population is affected.

Influenza is part of the group of acute respiratory viral infections -. A person with influenza poses the greatest infectious danger in the first 5-6 days from the onset of the disease. The route of transmission is aerosol. The duration of the disease, as a rule, does not exceed a week.

We will look in more detail about the causes, first signs and general symptoms in adults, as well as treatment and complications in this material.

What is the flu?

Influenza is an acute respiratory viral infection caused by viruses of groups A, B or C, occurring with severe toxicosis, fever, and damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Many people mistake the flu for a common cold and do not take appropriate measures to stop the effects of the virus and prevent infection of persons in contact with a sick person.

In winter and autumn, the increase in the incidence of this virus is explained by the fact that large groups of people stay indoors for a long period of time. Initially, an outbreak of infection is observed among preschool children and among the adult population, and then the disease is registered more often in older people.

Prevention of influenza epidemic largely depends on the consciousness of an already sick person, who needs to avoid public places with large crowds of people, for whom the sick person, especially coughing and sneezing, poses a potential risk of infection.

Types of influenza virus

Flu is divided into:

  • type A (subtypes A1, A2). The cause of most epidemics is the influenza virus type A, its varieties are numerous, it is capable of infecting both people and animals (bird flu, swine flu, etc.), and is also capable of rapid genetic changes.
  • type B. Type B influenza viruses often do not cause epidemics and are much more easily transmitted than type A influenza.
  • type C. Occurs in isolated cases and occurs in a mild or completely asymptomatic form.

Once inside the cell, the virus begins to actively multiply, provoking an acute viral respiratory infection called influenza. The disease is accompanied by a feverish state, intoxication of the body and other symptoms.

The influenza virus is extremely variable. Every year, new subtypes (strains) of the virus appear that our immune system has not yet encountered and, therefore, cannot easily cope with. This is why flu vaccines cannot provide 100% protection - there is always the possibility of a new mutation of the virus.

Causes

Influenza is caused by a group of viruses belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. There are three large genera - A, B and C, which are divided into serotypes H and N, depending on which proteins are found on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin or neuraminidase. There are 25 such subtypes in total, but 5 of them are found in humans, and one virus can contain both types of proteins of different subtypes.

The main cause of influenza- viral infection of a person with subsequent spread of the microorganism throughout the human body.

The source is an already sick person who releases the virus into the environment by coughing, sneezing, etc. Having an aerosol transmission mechanism (inhalation of droplets of mucus, saliva), the flu spreads quite quickly - the patient poses a danger to others within a week, starting from the first hours of infection.

In each epidemic year, influenza complications claim an average of from 2000 to 5000 people. These are mainly people over 60 years of age and children. In 50% of cases, the cause of death is complications from the cardiovascular system and in 25% of cases complications from the pulmonary system.

How is influenza transmitted?

Like all infectious diseases, influenza spreads from a source to a susceptible organism. The source of influenza is a sick person with obvious or subtle clinical manifestations. The peak of contagiousness occurs in the first six days of the disease.

Mechanism of transmission of influenza– aerosol, the virus spreads by airborne droplets. Excretion occurs with saliva and sputum (when coughing, sneezing, talking), which in the form of a fine aerosol spreads into the air and is inhaled by other people.

In some cases, it is possible to implement a contact household route of transmission (mainly through dishes and toys).

It has not been established precisely due to what protective mechanisms the virus stops reproducing and recovery occurs. Usually after 2-5 days the virus stops being released into the environment, i.e. a sick person ceases to be dangerous.

Incubation period

The incubation period of influenza is the period of time that the virus needs to multiply in the human body. It begins from the moment of infection and continues until the first symptoms appear.

As a rule, the incubation period leaves from 3-5 hours to 3 days. Most often it lasts 1-2 days.

The smaller the initial amount of virus that enters the body, the longer the incubation period of the flu will be. This time also depends on the state of the person’s immune defense.

First signs

The first signs of the flu are as follows:

  • Body aches.
  • Headache.
  • Chills or fever.
  • Runny nose.
  • Trembling in the body.
  • Pain in the eyes.
  • Sweating.
  • Unpleasant feeling in the mouth.
  • Lethargy, apathy or irritability.

The main symptom of the disease is a sharp rise in body temperature to 38-40 degrees Celsius.

Flu symptoms in adults

The duration of incubation is approximately 1-2 days (possibly from several hours to 5 days). This is followed by a period of acute clinical manifestations of the disease. The severity of an uncomplicated disease is determined by the duration and severity of intoxication.

In the first days, a person with the flu looks as if he was in tears, there is pronounced redness and puffiness of the face, shiny and reddish eyes with a “sparkle.” The mucous membrane of the palate, arches and walls of the pharynx is bright red.

Flu symptoms are:

  • increased temperature (usually 38-40o C), chills, fever;
  • myalgia;
  • arthralgia;
  • noise in ears;
  • headache, dizziness;
  • feeling tired, weak;
  • adynamia;
  • dry cough accompanied by chest pain.

Objective signs are the appearance in the patient:

  • hyperemia of the face and conjunctiva of the eyes,
  • scleritis,
  • dry skin.

High fever and other manifestations of intoxication usually last up to 5 days. If the fever does not subside after 5 days, bacterial complications should be assumed.

Catarrhal phenomena continue a little longer - up to 7-10 days. After their disappearance, the patient is considered recovered, but for another 2-3 weeks the consequences of the disease may be observed: weakness, irritability, headache, possibly.

In the absence of complications, the disease lasts 7-10 days. During this time, its symptoms gradually subside, although general weakness may persist for up to two weeks.

Flu symptoms that require calling an ambulance:

  • Temperature 40 ºС and above.
  • Maintaining a high temperature for more than 5 days.
  • Severe headache that does not go away when taking painkillers, especially when localized in the back of the head.
  • Shortness of breath, rapid or irregular breathing.
  • Impaired consciousness – delusions or hallucinations, forgetfulness.
  • Cramps.
  • The appearance of a hemorrhagic rash on the skin.

If the flu has an uncomplicated course, the fever can last 2-4 days, and the disease ends in 5-10 days. After the disease for 2-3 weeks, post-infectious asthenia is possible, which is manifested by general weakness, sleep disturbance, increased fatigue, irritability, headache and other symptoms.

Disease severity

There are 3 degrees of severity of influenza.

Easy degree Accompanied by a slight increase in temperature not exceeding 38°C, moderate headache and catarrhal symptoms. Objective signs of intoxication syndrome in the case of mild influenza are a pulse rate of less than 90 beats per minute with unchanged blood pressure. Respiratory disorders are not typical for mild cases.
Average Temperature 38–39 °C, there are pronounced symptoms, intoxication.
Severe degree Temperature above 40 °C, convulsions, delirium, and vomiting may occur. The danger lies in the development of complications, such as cerebral edema, infectious-toxic shock, hemorrhagic syndrome.

Complications of influenza

When the virus attacks the body, the resistance of the immune system decreases, and the risk of complications (a process that develops against the background of the underlying disease) increases. And you can quickly get over the flu, but suffer from its consequences for a long time.

Influenza can be complicated by various pathologies both in the early period (usually caused by an associated bacterial infection) and later. Severe complicated course of influenza usually occurs in young children, elderly and weakened individuals suffering from chronic diseases of various organs.

Complications are:

  • , (frontal sinusitis, sinusitis);
  • bronchitis, pneumonia, ;
  • , encephalitis;
  • endocarditis, .

Typically, late complications of influenza are associated with the addition of a bacterial infection, which requires antibiotic treatment.

People prone to complications

  • elderly (over 55 years old);
  • infants (from 4 months to 4 years);
  • people with chronic diseases of an infectious nature (having chronic otitis media, etc.);
  • those suffering from heart and lung diseases;
  • people with immune system disorders;
  • pregnant women.

Flu unfortunately affects all vital systems of the human body, which is why it is one of the most unpredictable diseases.

Diagnostics

If flu symptoms appear, it is necessary to call a pediatrician/therapist to your home, and if the patient’s condition is serious, an ambulance, which will take the patient for treatment to an infectious diseases hospital. If complications of the disease develop, consultations are held with a pulmonologist, ENT doctor and other specialists.

Diagnosis of influenza is based on a typical clinical picture. In case of a sharp rise in temperature, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Observation by a doctor during influenza is very important, because... it will allow timely detection of the onset of possible bacterial complications.

When the temperature rises sharply, the following is required:

  • medical examination;
  • taking anamnesis;
  • general blood analysis.

Flu treatment

In adults, treatment of influenza, in most cases, is carried out at home. Only severe illness or the presence of one of the following dangerous symptoms requires hospitalization:

  • temperature 40°C or more;
  • vomit;
  • convulsions;
  • dyspnea;
  • arrhythmia;
  • decrease in blood pressure.

As a rule, when treating influenza the following are prescribed:

  • drinking plenty of water;
  • antipyretics;
  • immune support products;
  • drugs that relieve catarrhal symptoms (vasoconstrictors to facilitate nasal breathing, antitussives);
  • antihistamines if there is a threat of an allergic reaction.

To combat fever, antipyretic drugs are indicated, of which there are a lot today, but it is preferable to take paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as any drugs that are made on their basis. Antipyretic drugs are indicated if body temperature exceeds 38°C.

For the flu it's important to drink more fluids- it will help to quickly remove toxins from the body and alleviate the patient’s condition.

Treatment regimen for influenza in adults

The treatment regimen for influenza includes sequential procedures to relieve current symptoms of the disease and neutralize viral cells.

  1. Antiviral. Antiviral medications for influenza are indicated to kill viruses. So, you should take: Arbidol, and Anaferon. Taking antiviral drugs for influenza will not only help shorten the duration of the disease, but also prevent the development of complications, so they should be used in people with reduced immunity. Antiviral drugs are also used to treat complications.
  2. Antihistamines. Special antihistamines are prescribed for influenza - these are medications used in the treatment of allergies, since they reduce all signs of inflammation: swelling of the mucous membranes and nasal congestion. Drugs belonging to the first generation of this group - tavegil, suprastin, diphenhydramine - have a side effect such as drowsiness. The next generation of drugs - fenistil, Zyrtec - do not have a similar effect.
  3. Antipyretic. To combat fever, antipyretic drugs are used, of which there are a great variety today, but it is preferable to use paracetamol and ibuprofen, as well as drugs made on the basis of these substances. Antipyretic drugs are used when the temperature rises above 38.5 o C.
  4. Expectorants. In addition, you should take expectorants for the flu (Gerbion, Ambroxol, Mucaltin).
  5. Drops. To relieve symptoms such as a stuffy nose, vasoconstrictors are used: Evkazolin, Naphthyzin, Tizin, Rinazolin. Drops are instilled three times a day, 1 drop into each nasal passage.
  6. Gargling. Periodic gargling with herbal decoctions, soda-salt solutions, regular plenty of warm drinks, rest and bed rest are also recommended.

With influenza, as with other acute respiratory viral infections, there is no need to prescribe antibiotics; they are advisable only if the bacterial nature of the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is suspected.

To prevent complications from developing, always strictly follow the prescribed treatment, maintain bed rest during the acute period, do not stop taking medications and treatment procedures prematurely.

To cure the flu at home it is worth observe the truisms:

  1. Bed rest is required.
  2. Taking antiviral drugs and other drugs to support immunity.
  3. Ventilate the room daily, wet cleaning of the room if possible is advisable. A patient with flu symptoms is wrapped up and a warmer environment is created. You shouldn’t freeze the room, but you should do regular ventilation.
  4. You need to drink plenty of fluids. About 2-3 liters per day. Compotes, fruit drinks, tea with lemon, with fruit will be the best helper.
  5. To prevent the development of complications on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, maximum rest is necessary; any intellectual stress is contraindicated.
  6. During the period of illness and for several weeks after it, it is necessary to take the utmost care of your health; taking vitamin-mineral complexes and consuming vitamin-containing foods is recommended.

Nutrition and diet

A flu diet is a prerequisite for a quick recovery. However, do not be alarmed when you see this word. You don't have to starve yourself if you have the flu. The list of foods that are best to eat during illness is quite extensive.

  • Decoctions of medicinal herbs;
  • Fresh fruit juice;
  • Warm broth, chicken broth is especially useful;
  • Baked fish or lean meat;
  • Light vegetable soups;
  • Dairy products;
  • Nuts and seeds;
  • Legumes;
  • Eggs;
  • Citrus.

As you understand, nutrition for the flu consists not only of those foods that you can eat, but also those that are not recommended to eat. The latter include:

  • fatty and heavy foods;
  • sausages and smoked meats;
  • confectionery;
  • canned foods;
  • coffee and cocoa.

Sample menu:

  • Early breakfast: semolina porridge with milk, green tea with lemon.
  • Second breakfast: one soft-boiled egg, cinnamon rosehip infusion.
  • Lunch: vegetable puree soup with meat broth, steamed meat balls, rice porridge, pureed compote.
  • Afternoon snack: baked apple with honey.
  • Dinner: steamed fish, mashed potatoes, fruit juice diluted with water.
  • Before bed: kefir or other fermented milk drinks.

Drink

You need to drink, on average, at least 2 liters of fluid per day, periodically, without waiting for thirst to appear. Tea, rosehip decoction, tea with lemon or raspberry, herbal teas (chamomile, linden, oregano), and dried fruit compote are good to drink. It is advisable that the temperature of all drinks be approximately 37-39 °C - this way the liquid will be absorbed faster and help the body.

Folk remedies for flu

Folk remedies in the treatment of influenza are used to restore the patient’s immunity, supply his body with vitamins and medicinal extracts that promote recovery. However, the greatest effect will be achieved if you combine the use of folk remedies with the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

  1. Pour a glass of milk into the pan, add 1/2 tsp. ginger, ground red pepper, turmeric. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Let cool slightly, add 1/2 tsp. butter, 1 tsp. honey Take a glass 3 times a day.
  2. Make viburnum tea with linden petals! Take 1st tbsp. spoon of dried linden flowers and small viburnum fruits, pour ½ liter of boiling water and let the tea brew for one hour, then strain and drink half a glass 2 times a day.
  3. The most active remedy for influenza is black currant in all forms, with hot water and sugar (up to 4 glasses per day). Even in winter you can prepare a decoction from currant branches). You need to break the branches finely and brew a full handful of them with four glasses of water. Boil for a minute and then steam for 4 hours. Drink 2 glasses with sugar in bed very warm at night. Carry out this treatment twice.
  4. Required: 40 g of raspberry fruits, 40 g of coltsfoot leaves, 20 g of oregano herb, 2 cups of boiling water. Grind the collection and mix. Take 2 tbsp. l. the resulting mixture, pour boiling water into a thermos, leave for 1 hour, strain. Drink a warm infusion of 100 ml 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
  5. When you have a runny nose, put fresh aloe juice (agave) into your nose, 3-5 drops into each nostril. After instillation, massage the wings of the nose.

Vaccination

Flu vaccination is a way to prevent infection. It is indicated for everyone, especially risk groups - the elderly, children, pregnant women, people of social professions.

Vaccination is carried out annually, before the start of the epidemic season, from September-October, to form stable immunity by the time of the epidemic. Regular vaccination increases the effectiveness of protection and the production of antibodies to influenza.

Vaccinations are especially recommended for:

  • small children (up to 7 years old);
  • elderly people (after 65);
  • pregnant women;
  • patients with chronic diseases, weakened immune systems;
  • medical workers.

Prevention

To avoid getting the flu, try to strengthen your body throughout the year. Let's look at some rules for preventing the flu and strengthening your body:

  1. Prevention should first and foremost consist of preventing the influenza virus from entering your body. To do this, as soon as you come home from the street, be sure to wash your hands with soap, and it is recommended to wash your hands almost up to the elbows.
  2. Nasal rinsing will be very useful for preventing influenza in children and adults. Rinsing can be done with a warm saline solution of water, or with a special spray.
  3. Before eating food that was previously on the counter, be sure to rinse it thoroughly under running water.

To maintain normal immunity you should:

  • Eat well, and most importantly, eat right: food should contain a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins. During the cold season, when the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed in the diet is significantly reduced, an additional intake of a complex of vitamins is necessary.
  • Exercise regularly in the fresh air.
  • Avoid all kinds of stress.
  • Quit smoking, because smoking significantly reduces immunity.

To summarize, let us recall that influenza is an infectious, contagious disease that can lead to various complications. The likelihood of infection increases in autumn and winter.

The disease is included in the group of acute respiratory viral infections (so-called acute respiratory viral infections). Occurs regularly in the form of epidemics(among the country's population at levels higher than normal) or pandemics (epidemics in several countries or even throughout the entire world). It is not only a medical, but also a social problem.

Influenza was first described by Hippocrates in 412 BC. e. They were noted to be highly infectious, fever, muscle pain and catarrhal symptoms. Later, many references were made to the flu as the “Italian fever” of the Middle Ages, and the end of the First World War was marked by the “Spanish flu”.

The virus itself was discovered in the 30s of the 20th century.

Causes

The influenza virus is the only cause of this disease. It is transmitted from a sick person by airborne droplets(aerosol), less often - household and airborne dust. The incubation period ranges from several hours to three days. A person is contagious from the first hours of illness until the 5th-7th day. During this period, viral cells lead an active life in the human respiratory tract, significantly inhibiting the ciliated epithelium, which acts as a natural filter for the lungs. Due to damage to the epithelium, other viruses can easily penetrate into the lungs and cause inflammation or bronchitis.

Classification

For influenza virus characterized by a high ability to mutate, so today more than 2000 of its types are known. They differ in their set of antigens. The division is carried out according to a combination of internal (M1 and NP) and external (HA - hemagglutinin and NA - neuraminidase) proteins.

The combination of external proteins gives combinations such as H1N1 and others. Based on the combination of internal proteins, the virus is divided into types - A, B, C:

  • The influenza A virus is the most virulent; it is the one that provokes epidemics and pandemics. It is capable of infecting people and animals (birds, pigs, horses), and thanks to rapid mutations it manages to bypass immune defenses. It is characterized by a course of moderate or severe severity.
  • Influenza B virus is moderately variable. Infects only humans and is milder than influenza A.
  • Influenza C virus is the most stable. People who have been ill once remain immune to it. Children are more often infected (the adult body is already familiar), the course is mild.

Along the way, there are four forms of influenza:

  • light;
  • moderate severity;
  • heavy;
  • hypertoxic.

Symptoms and treatment in adults

Flu symptoms are:

  • increased temperature (usually 38-40o C), chills, fever;
  • myalgia;
  • arthralgia;
  • noise in ears;
  • headache, dizziness;
  • feeling tired, weak;
  • adynamia;
  • dry cough accompanied by chest pain.

The main symptom of the disease is a sharp rise in body temperature to 38-40 degrees Celsius. The infection occurs with the development of general intoxication, which is characterized by chills, general weakness, muscle aches, and increased sweating. Localization of headaches is usually observed in the temples, forehead, and superciliary arches.

Flu symptoms in adults also include soreness and tearing of the eyeballs, intensifying with their movement. At the initial stage of the disease, there is a feeling of dryness in the throat and mouth, then inflammation develops with mucous discharge. A dry cough is accompanied by soreness in the chest, pain or sore throat.

Symptoms of the disease are sometimes nausea and vomiting. With the classic manifestation of influenza, there is no runny nose; on the contrary, the patient notes dry mucous membranes.

The sense of smell is dulled, and the perception of sounds and light is heightened. Against the background of a high temperature in a severe form of the disease, disorders of consciousness may appear - delirium, hallucinations and convulsions.

Diagnostics

During an epidemic, diagnosing influenza is made easier by the presence of a set of symptoms that are similar to many people around the patient.

When the temperature rises sharply, the following is required:

  • medical examination;
  • taking anamnesis;
  • general blood analysis.

The following will help confirm the diagnosis and differentiate from other acute respiratory viral infections:

  • Specific serological tests. They are performed quickly and help to prescribe adequate treatment in a timely manner. The most popular are R(H)IF - reaction of (indirect) immunofluorescence and ELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To do this, you need a swab from your nose or throat.
  • PCR - polymerase chain reaction.
  • The virological method is the isolation of the virus from embryonic chicken eggs or a nutrient medium.

For additional diagnostics, an x-ray of the lungs and consultation with a pulmonologist or otolaryngologist may be necessary.

Treatment

Treatment of influenza in adults and children performed on an outpatient basis, in severe cases and as a result of complications - inpatient.

Indications:

  • bed rest;
  • warm drinks in large quantities;
  • antiviral drugs (they are effective as prophylaxis in the early stages, but in the later stages they are practically ineffective);
  • vitamin preparations;
  • antipyretics, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors - if necessary.

A person is treated with neuraminidase inhibitors, amantadines, interferon drugs, as well as anti-influenza gamma globulin, which contains high titers of antibodies.

Etiotropic treatment of the virus is most effective at the initial stage of the disease, during the first two days.

Treatment of influenza in an adult should be carried out by a specialist who prescribes specific antipyretic drugs, taking into account the patient’s age and the presence of other concomitant diseases. Prescribing acetylsalicylic acid to adolescents and young children is not recommended due to the possible development of Reye's syndrome. Other symptomatic drugs - antihistamines, local vasoconstrictors, expectorants and others, should be taken strictly according to indications. To increase the stability of a weakened body a vitamin complex is prescribed, which necessarily includes vitamins P and C.

It is advisable to treat the disease with antibiotics only after the addition of a secondary bacterial infection; they do not treat the flu itself.

When treating influenza, donor blood serum containing high concentrations of antibodies can also be used.

Prevention

The traditional way to prevent influenza, recommended by WHO, is vaccination. The composition of the vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organization twice a year, for the northern and southern hemispheres. As a rule, it contains the three most characteristic strains of the virus (trivalent) - two subtypes A and one B. In recent years, a quadrivalent vaccine has been developed for the northern hemisphere - two subtypes A and two B.

Vaccinations are especially recommended for:

  • small children (up to 7 years old);
  • elderly people (after 65);
  • pregnant women;
  • patients with chronic diseases, weakened immune systems;
  • medical workers.

Good results are shown by such social measures as quarantines in preschool and school institutions, cancellation of public events. It is recommended to avoid large crowds of people, especially in confined spaces, and use public transport less.

Compliance with personal hygiene rules is also important:

  • Wash your hands, face, and nose as often as possible with saline solution;
  • when in a group at work or on public transport, wear a mask and change it at least once every 3 hours; a sick person, wearing a mask, protects others from infecting others;
  • do not touch handrails, railings, door handles;
  • regularly carry out wet cleaning of premises using disinfectants.

Forecasts

In most cases, the prognosis for the course of influenza favorable. Cure occurs in 6-8 days, unless secondary diseases occur. As complications, the development of pneumonia, sinusitis, myocarditis and thrombophlebitis from the cardiovascular system is often observed. Chronic processes may become more active and their course may worsen.

The prognosis is complicated for young children, pregnant women (possible termination of pregnancy), and elderly people with concomitant diseases.

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Europe: incidence of sexually transmitted infections

Russia in the 1990s experienced an outbreak of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For example, the incidence of syphilis for the period 1990-1997. increased by 52 times. The harmful effects of STIs on the human reproductive system are well known. It manifests itself in diseases of the genitourinary system, including infertility, deterioration in the health of offspring, etc. Obviously, the increase in STIs in Russia was associated with the liberalization in the sexual sphere that occurred after the collapse of the USSR and a complete unpreparedness for it.

What was the situation with STIs in Europe, which was relatively prosperous in terms of reproductive health, where the sexual revolution took place much earlier than in Russia? The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control released the Report “Sexually transmitted infections in Europe 1990-2009”, which provided an overview of trends in the prevalence of five infections - syphilis, congenital syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum - in 30 countries of the European Union / European Economic Area.

A centralized surveillance system for STIs in EU countries was created in 2009. It should be noted right away that data collection methods, as well as the definitions of infection cases themselves, differ in different EU countries today, so any comparisons must be approached with caution. Nevertheless, general patterns can be traced. United Europe aims to harmonize statistics in this area and encourages countries to follow common protocols, so that acceptable comparability of national data is likely to be achieved in the future. The Report is accompanied by a description of current infection surveillance systems in EU/EEA member countries.

Let us dwell on the main conclusions of the Report concerning the three most common sexually transmitted infections (excluding HIV) - chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Chlamydia

Figure 1. Number of reported cases of chlamydia per 100,000 population in countries with a continuous surveillance series over several years

Note: The UK introduced a new chlamydia surveillance system in 2008, expanding the range of organizations providing testing information.

  • Gonorrhea is a less common infection than chlamydia; in 2009, 29 thousand cases of gonorrhea were recorded in the region (data for 28 countries) or 9.7 per 100,000 population (rate calculated for 22 out of 30 countries). 58% of reported gonorrhea cases in 2009 were in the UK. A total of 725 thousand cases have been reported in the region since 1990. Two countries do not provide data on gonorrhea.
  • The general trend for the EU/EEA over the last decade is a slight decrease, which hides two opposite trends: 1) a decrease in the incidence of gonorrhea in a number of countries where its growth rates were very high in the 1990s (Estonia, Latvia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania) , and 2) growth or fluctuations in the remaining countries (Fig. 2).
  • The incidence of gonorrhea varies greatly between European countries. The highest rates in 2009 were recorded in the UK (27.6 per 100,000), Latvia (18.5), Malta (15.0), Iceland (14.7), Lithuania (11.7) and Denmark (10.2). ). The lowest (less than 1.5 per 100,000) are in Greece, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia. In Russia in 2009, the incidence of gonorrhea was 48.1 per 100,000 - this is higher than in all EU member states.
  • Gonorrhea is much more common among men than among women (in 2009, 15.9 and 6.3 per 100,000, respectively).
  • Almost half of those diagnosed with gonorrhea in 2009 (44%) were aged 15 to 24 years. The age distribution has changed little over the past ten years.
  • A quarter of all gonorrhea cases in 2009 (24%) were associated with homosexual contacts, 18% with heterosexual contacts. In 60% of cases, the route of transmission is unknown. The share of homosexual transmission of infection ranges from less than 1% (Lithuania, Romania) to more than 50% (France, the Netherlands) (Fig. 3).

Figure 2. Number of reported cases of gonorrhea per 100,000 population in countries with continuous records since 1990 (Ireland since 1995, Iceland since 1997)

Note: Portugal and Greece are excluded because they have very low scores. Russia - according to Rosstat.

Figure 3. Proportion of gonorrhea cases reported among men who have sex with men as a share of total gonorrhea cases in 2009

  • As the authors of the Report suggest, data on the incidence of syphilis are the most complete compared to data on other STIs. In 2009, over 18 thousand cases of syphilis were registered in the region (data for 28 countries), or 4.5 per 100,000 population. A total of 319 thousand cases have been recorded since 1990.
  • Men are three times more likely to get syphilis than women (in 2009, 6.6 and 2.2 per 100,000, respectively).
  • Most of the cases were over 25 years of age; youth from 15 to 24 made up 17% in 2009.
  • Half of the reported cases of syphilis (51%) with a known route of infection were associated with homosexual contact. The share of homosexual transmission of infection ranges from less than 1% (Lithuania, Cyprus) to more than 70% (Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway) (Fig. 4).
  • Incidence trends vary greatly between countries in the region. The European average fell from 8.2 per 100,000 in 2000 to 4.5 in 2009. This was mainly due to a significant decrease in the incidence of syphilis in countries that had very high rates of infection growth in the 1990s (Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Bulgaria). According to the Report's authors, incidence rates may be declining in these countries due to changes in healthcare organization, diagnosis and reporting. In certain European countries in the 2000s, there was an undoubted increase in incidence, and it is most likely associated with the spread of syphilis among men who have sex with men (Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Great Britain) (Fig. 5 ).
  • In 2009, the highest rates of syphilis were reported in Romania (15.0 per 100,000 population), Lithuania (9.7) and Latvia (7.3). The lowest rates (less than 2 per 100,000) are in Portugal, Norway and Sweden. In Russia in 2009, the incidence of syphilis was 53.3 per 100,000 - significantly higher than in all EU member states.

Figure 4. Proportion of syphilis cases reported among men who have sex with men as a share of total syphilis cases in 2009

Figure 5. Number of reported cases of syphilis per 100,000 population in countries with continuous surveillance records since 1990

Russia - according to Rosstat.

Summary figures for the three infections in the EU/EEA region in 2009 are shown in the table:

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Syphilis

Incidence, per 100,000 people

Number of countries reporting

Change for 2006-2009

Male to female ratio*

Share of youth 15-24 years old*

Proportion of cases among MSM*

*by countries that provided relevant data.
MSM are men who have sex with men.

The general conclusion is that different STIs correspond to different risk groups in the population. Europe is characterized by great diversity both in terms of infection surveillance systems and in terms of infection prevalence. It is likely that actual STI incidence rates are higher than those recorded by official statistics, since data in most countries is based only on reports from specialized clinics.
The incidence of STIs (at least two of them - syphilis and gonorrhea) in Russia is obviously higher than in any of the countries in the EU/EEA region under consideration.

Source: European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
Sexually transmitted infections in Europe, 1990-2009. Stockholm: ECDC; 2011.

1 - Morbidity in this case is the number of patients registered during the year with a diagnosis established for the first time in life.
2 - http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/Forms/ECDC_DispForm.aspx?ID=679
3 - Healthcare in Russia. 2009: Statistical collection/Rosstat. - M., 2009, p. 61.

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