Cold medicines. List of inexpensive flu and cold medications Cheap antiviral cold and flu medications

Recover from a cold without spending fabulous sums? It is quite possible if you know which inexpensive drugs are the most effective.

What is a cold?

It turns out there is no such disease. This is the general name for diseases caused by hypothermia. A cold in everyday life is called:

• rhinitis;
• flu;
• ARVI;
• pharyngitis;
• laryngitis.

Rather, they are caused by infection. Cold temperatures provoke a decrease in immunity and increase the body's susceptibility to pathogenic microorganisms.

Heal and not go broke

To recover and save your wallet from ruin, you need to remember the old cold medicines, inexpensive and effective. After all, the manufacturers themselves openly admit that in recent years no fundamentally new antipyretic and painkillers have been created. Therefore, you can always find a cheaper, but equally fast-acting analogue.

The easier it is, because you will have to purchase several drugs at once. When treating a cold, the patient faces two tasks:

The nose is stuffy, the head hurts, sores on the lips, chills - you need to deal with the first signs as soon as possible.

Against viruses

Pharmacy counters are full of an abundance of antiviral drugs, advertised and very expensive. Money down the drain - that’s what experts say about them.

1. they are effective when taken on the first day after the onset of cold symptoms;
2. The effectiveness of most of them has not been proven.

Products containing interferon have a proven effect. This is a protein that is produced by cells when viruses invade the body. It performs vital functions by preventing the proliferation of viruses and stimulating the immune system to fight them.

Medicines containing human recombinant interferon have undoubted advantages:

• fight viruses of various modifications;
• allowed for children from birth;
• safe for pregnant and lactating women;
• do not form habituation and dependence.

The only limitation is the high price, but it is justified. Ahead we will get acquainted with the most budget-friendly representatives of immunostimulants.

Action of Grippferon

Available in the form of nasal drops. After all, most often the penetration of viruses occurs through the nasal cavity. Grippferon also copes with the symptoms of the disease, so it does not require additional medications.

It is not recommended to take Grippferon simultaneously with vasoconstrictors, because it has a drying effect.

By taking it, you can reduce the duration of the disease by almost half. How to use the drops?

Among the contraindications and side effects of Grippferon is the possibility of allergic reactions due to intolerance to the components.

Genferon light

It is not fundamentally different from Grippferon, except in the form of release. Genferon light is produced in the form of rectal suppositories. One suppository contains human interferon alpha-2a, taurine and anesthesin. Due to the active components, the therapeutic effect is achieved:

Rectal administration helps increase the absorption of components and avoid some side effects. For a cold, suppositories are administered twice during the day, exactly 12 hours later.

Relieve the condition

Wait until interferon starts working? But what about severe headaches and high fever? Doctors advise dealing with symptoms and taking antipyretic and painkillers.

Among the wide variety, it is difficult to choose the best cold medicine, fast-acting and inexpensive, but it is possible. At the pharmacy, let's turn our heads to the most modest packages.

Paracetamol and its analogues

Time-tested Paracetamol will help out. It is on the list of essential drugs of the World Health Organization, and in Russia it is recognized as a vital and essential drug. Prices for Paracetamol are controlled by the state.

A Paracetamol tablet will help relieve headaches and reduce fever without irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa or disrupting water-salt metabolism. It is taken 1-2 hours after a meal.

You can repeat the dose only after 4 hours. The daily maximum should not be higher than 8 tablets.

Overdose can lead to liver failure.

The drug is prohibited for children under 3 years of age and for severe kidney and liver diseases, individual intolerance. Manufacturers emphasize that it should not be taken with alcoholic beverages.

Popular analogues of Paracetamol also have a very budget price. Alternatively you can buy:

During pregnancy and lactation, all paracetamol-containing drugs are used with caution.

Therapeutic effect of Ibuprofen

Simple Ibuprofen in tablets costs mere pennies, and yet it is a component of more expensive drugs - such as Nurofen, Ibufen, Dolgit, Ibuklin (in combination with paracetamol). Why overpay if the drugs have the same active ingredients?

Ibuprofen is also on the WHO list of essential medicines. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that simultaneously relieves fever and pain.

To relieve cold symptoms, take 1 tablet three times a day.

Ibuprofen should not be used simultaneously with acetylsalicylic acid.

The drug has a number of contraindications for patients with asthma, liver failure, pregnancy and lactation. Young children are best treated with pediatric forms of the drug.

Acetylsalicylic acid

Another vital drug that we used to call Aspirin. But if you really want to save money, then you need to turn your attention to tablets with exactly that name - Acetylsalicylic acid.

The drug is known for its analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, therefore it is classified as an NSAID. Used after meals. The maximum amount per day is 6 tablets.

Eliminate nasal congestion

From a runny nose, your nose feels like it’s bursting, you can’t breathe and you just don’t have the strength. Then a box of vasoconstrictor is placed in the bag with the purchased cold medications. In this case, how can you avoid being deceived by bright packaging and spending extra money?

Many vasoconstrictor drugs are made on the basis of xylometazoline. We discard the expensive DlyaNos, Otrivin, Rinomaris, Rinostop and Ximelin, and opt for the affordable Galazolin.

Galazolin is a combination drug in its action. At the same time, it constricts the vessels of the nasal mucosa, reducing redness and swelling. The effect after use is achieved within 5 minutes, and lasts for 5-6 hours or even more.

During the day, 2-3 drops are instilled into both nasal passages twice or thrice. For children from 2 to 6 years old, purchase drops labeled 0.05% and instill them 1-2 times a day. The maximum course of treatment is 2 weeks.

Price comparison

The time has come to take stock of the costs of a cold. To avoid spending too much, use the table of analogues and prices.

Drug name	Release form	Quantity, volume	Manufacturer country	price, rub.
Antiviral drugs containing interferon
Kipferon	Candles	10 pieces	Russia, Alpharm	669
Viferon	Candles	10 pieces	Russia, Feron	384
Genferon light	Candles	10 pieces	Russia, Biocad	330
Grippferon	Nasal drops	10 ml	Russia, Firn M	275
Antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs Paracetamol and analogues
Efferalgan	Effervescent tablets	16 pcs	France, UPSA	183
Children's Panadol	Candles	10 pieces		77
Tsefekon D	Candles	10 pieces	Russia, Nizhpharm	66
Panadol	Pills	12 pcs	UK, GlaxoSmithKline	52
Paracetamol	Pills	10 pieces	Russia, Pharmstandard	7
Ibuprofen and analogues
Nurofen for children	Suspension	100 ml		124
Nurofen	Pills	10 pieces	UK, Reckitt Benckiser	97
Ibuprofen	Pills	50 pcs	Belarus, Borisov plant	28
Acetylsalicylic acid and analogues
Aspirin-S	Effervescent tablets	10 pieces	Germany, Bayer	269
Aspirin Complex	Sachets	10 pieces	Germany, Bayer	454
Acetylsalicylic acid	Pills	20 pcs	Russia, Pharmstandard	17
Vasoconstrictor drugs
Otrivin	Spray	10 ml	Switzerland, Novartis	162
Rinostop Extra	Drops	10 ml	Russia, Lecco	137
Nazivin	Spray	10 ml	Germany, Merck	132
Rinomaris	Spray	10 ml	Croatia, Jadran	122
Galazolin	Drops	10 ml	Poland, Polfa	41

Now going to the pharmacy isn't so scary, is it?

With the onset of cold weather, many people suffer from viral diseases, colds and flu. We don’t always rush to the doctor when primary symptoms appear, so we choose our own pills for colds and flu. A list of effective drugs is given in our article.

Medicine for colds and flu: list and classification of drugs

If you start treating a cold or flu in a timely manner, you can completely get rid of the disease in 4-7 days. In the event of the development of complicated consequences against the background of an acute respiratory or viral disease, medical assistance cannot be avoided.

If you are in no hurry to visit your doctor when the primary symptoms of a cold appear and prefer to choose pharmacological medications yourself, approach this with all responsibility. Experts divide all medications against flu and colds into several categories. The list of these drugs by group classification is as follows:

• immunostimulants;
• antiviral pharmacological drugs;
• symptomatic medications;
• interferon-producing agents.

Immunostimulating pharmacological drugs are mainly fortified drugs that have a strengthening effect on the immune system. When you have a cold, you can take the well-known vitamin C.

The action of antiviral drugs is aimed at eliminating the causes that caused the development of influenza or colds. Before taking any drug that has an antiviral effect, you should consult with your healthcare professional.

Neuraminidase inhibitors are effective in the fight against influenza, in particular against viruses type A and B. Such pharmacological drugs eliminate the cause of the disease, as well as its symptoms, and significantly reduce the risk of developing complicated consequences. These drugs include:

• Oseltamivir (or Tamiflu);
• "Zanamivir".

However, such substances can only be taken after consulting a treating specialist, since they have side effects and a number of contraindications. So, for example, Oseltamivir should not be taken by people suffering from impaired renal function. Zanamivir is contraindicated in patients with asthmatic pathologies.
Another group of drugs called M2 viral protein blockers has gained great popularity in the fight against colds and flu. These medications include:

• "Rimantadine";
• "Ribavirin".

Most of all, these pharmaceuticals cope with group A viruses, but today there are many resistant viral strains. Another group is drugs that cause the production of interferon. These include:

• "Kagocel";
• "Amiksin";
• "Amizon";
• "Cycloferon";
• "Arbidol";
• "Groprinosin".

If you need tablets to prevent flu and colds, then the above list of pharmacological drugs can be taken as a basis. They have an excellent preventive and therapeutic effect. As you know, when pathogenic microbes enter the body, active production of interferon begins. It is this protein that suppresses the activity of viruses. The above pharmaceutical agents enhance the production of natural interferon and are perfectly combined with antiviral substances.

If a cold is accompanied by accompanying symptoms, for example, a runny nose, cough, sore throat, etc., then medications that are prescribed to treat the symptoms of the disease will come to the rescue. Treating specialists recommend a number of medications, in particular:

• antipyretic medications - for example, Aspirin, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen;
• nasal drops that have a vasoconstrictor effect, containing naphazoline, xylometazoline;
• medications for resorption, prescribed when complications occur with the respiratory tract;
• antitussive drugs - Glaucine, Prenoxdiazine, and Dextromethorphan;
• medicines that have an expectorant effect, such as Ambroxol, Acetylcysteine, Bromhexine, etc.

Despite the fact that most antiviral and anti-cold medications are available over-the-counter, you should not self-medicate. Any cold can lead to complicated consequences, so trust your health to your treating specialist. It is a competent doctor who will be able to prescribe effective medications for flu and colds. The list of such drugs may differ depending on the form of the disease and the reasons for its development.

In pharmacies you can find inexpensive flu medications, which are aimed at combating viral infections and colds. As a rule, pharmaceutical products differ not only in their component composition, but also in their price category.

Many people try to find cheap medicines for flu and colds. The list of inexpensive effective drugs is divided into several groups depending on the symptoms manifested. So, to reduce body temperature you can take:

• "Mefenamic acid";
• "Aspirin";
• "Acetylsalicylic acid";
• "Ibuprofen";
• "Paracetamol".

Mefenamic acid and Ibuprofen are considered complex drugs. They have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and analgesic effects.

The following can be taken as immunostimulating agents:

• "Echinacea";
• "Ascorbic acid."

If a sore throat occurs, you can use the following pharmaceuticals:

• "Chlorophyllipt";
• "Septefril";
• "Streptocide";
• "Miramistin solution."

For topical use in the fight against colds, many of us use:

• balm “Star”;
• mustard packets.

To relieve congestion in the nasal passages, you can purchase nasal drops at the pharmacy, in particular:

• "Naphthyzin";
• "Pinosol";
• "Galazolin";
• "Sanorin".

Many of us prefer to prevent a viral disease or cold than to treat such an illness later. In this regard, a completely logical question arises: what medications can be taken to prevent flu and colds. A list of a group of drugs that are indicators of interferon is presented below:

• "Arbidol";
• "Neovir";
• "Amiksin";
• "Cycloferon".

To replenish vitamin reserves, you can use the following complex medications:

• "Aevit";
• "Vetoron";
• "Gerimaks" and others.

To maintain the body's defenses, doctors advise taking the following medications:

• “Schisandra tincture”;
• "Eleutherococcus extract";
• "Gerimaks";
• "Immunal";
• "Bronchomunal";
• "Bioaron";
• "Imudon";
• "Lykopid" and others.

Of course, you can choose your own remedy for treating a cold or flu, but it is best to entrust this to your healthcare professional. Today, in pharmacies you can find suitable drugs both in terms of effectiveness and price category. You should not skimp on your health; you should protect it and take good care of it. Remember that preventing a cold or flu is easier than treating it. Be healthy!

Almost every person suffers from a cold at least once a year. No matter how strong the human body is, it cannot be completely protected from viruses and infections, especially if it is the off-season or winter. Manufacturers offer inexpensive cold and flu medications to combat illness. You should know which ones are not only cheap, but also effective.

Antiviral drugs are inexpensive but effective

All flu and cold remedies are divided into three broad categories:

1. Antiviral. These medications fight the virus and make the body's cells more resistant to its effects.
2. Immunomodulators. Preparations for correcting the body's defense reactions to natural levels.
3. For symptomatic treatment. Drugs in this group do not suppress infection, but simply relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu.

Antiviral tablets

The most famous drugs in this category:

1. Tamiflu, Oseltamivir. Adults and teenagers take 1 tablet twice a day for five days. The medicine is not recommended for those with kidney disease.
2. "Amiksin". Adults take two 125 mg tablets on the first day of illness, and then one tablet every other day. The dosage of the children's drug has been halved. The drug should not be taken by pregnant women.
3. "Ribavirin". A new generation drug, very effective. Adults take 0.2 g four times a day. Course – 5 days.

Immunomodulators

Inexpensive good cold and flu medicines in this category:

1. "Cycloferon". The drug is for adults and children who are already four years old. The course is 20 days, take one tablet every other day.
2. "Kagocel". This medicine can be combined with antibiotics. Adults take two tablets three times the first two days, and then one at a time. Kagocel should not be taken by pregnant women for the first three months.
3. "Anaferon". Homeopathic medicine. Adults take one tablet 3-6 times a day.

For symptomatic treatment

List of drugs that can remove signs of the disease:

1. Coldact Flu Plus. Capsules with paracetamol and excipients. You need to drink one every 12 hours. During treatment, you must categorically abstain from alcoholic beverages.
2. Coldrex. Helps with colds with wet cough. You need to take one tablet 3-4 times a day. You should not take this drug if you have diabetes or liver or kidney failure.
3. "Rinza." Tablets are taken 4 times a day. They should not be drunk by pregnant women, children under 15 years of age, or people with heart or vascular diseases. Course – 5 days.
4. "Fervex". The drug is produced in the form of sachets of powder, which must be dissolved in warm water. You should not use Fervex for more than three days. You should not drink more than 4 packets per day.

Cold remedies

Apart from pills, there are many other medications that effectively fight the disease. If you do not want to take antiviral medications for colds and flu, or drink complex symptomatic medications, then you can try another treatment tactic. The decision must be made based on the severity of the disease. There are many inexpensive cold and flu medications that can provide relief.

For sore throat

The following medications will help you relieve inflammation and irritation:

1. "Grammidin." Fast-acting lozenges with anesthetic. You need to take two of them 4 times a day, following a weekly course.
2. "Strepsils". They relieve pain and have an antiseptic effect. The tablets should be dissolved one at a time every three hours. Treatment with the drug is allowed for children over five years of age. A sore throat will be completely removed in three to four days.
3. "Faryngosept". A powerful medicine that should not be taken by children under six years of age. It is recommended to dissolve the tablets after meals and then not drink liquids for a while. Per day - no more than five pieces. The course of treatment is three days.

Nasal drops

The following medications will help you get rid of a runny nose:

1. "Sanorin". They have a vasoconstrictor effect. They do not treat nasal congestion, but temporarily eliminate it. These drops should not be used for more than five days in a row. Contains a reduced concentration of vasoconstrictors and eucalyptus oil.
2. "Pinosol." Medicinal drops that have a healing effect. They slowly fight the causes of a runny nose, but do not eliminate congestion.
3. "Aqua Maris" A product for moisturizing the nasal mucosa. Prevents blood vessels from drying out and speeds up the healing process. It is recommended to use moisturizing drops for any type of runny nose.
4. "Vibrocil." Antiviral drug. Drops remove not only a runny nose, but also its cause. They have a vasoconstrictor, antihistamine effect, kill bacteria, and relieve swelling.

Antipyretics

The following medications will quickly reduce the temperature:

1. "Paracetamol". A time-tested and inexpensive remedy that relieves heat, relieves pain and inflammation. It has virtually no side effects. Paracetamol is the main active component of many other drugs: Panadol, Fervex, Flucolda, Coldrex.
2. "Ibuprofen." This medicine is more of an anti-inflammatory, but it also lowers the temperature well. It should not be taken by those who have ulcers, kidney or liver disease. Included in Nurofen and Ibuklin.
3. "Aspirin" (acetylsalicylic acid). Antipyretic and analgesic. It should not be taken by pregnant women, children under 12, or those with reduced blood clotting. It is the main component of a huge number of other antipyretic drugs.

For herpes

The following ointments will help overcome this unpleasant symptom of a cold:

1. "Acyclovir". The most inexpensive remedy. Fights the virus and prevents it from multiplying. If you are pregnant or nursing a child, do not use the drug. If you get herpes often, it is better to alternate Acyclovir with another antiseptic ointment or cream so as not to become addictive.
2. "Zovirax". The cream contains propylene glycol, thanks to which the active substance penetrates cells faster and more efficiently. Absorbs well into the skin. Zovirax must be used strictly according to the instructions.
3. "Fenistil Pentsivir." A very powerful medicine that eliminates herpes instantly. Prevents wounds from becoming scars. The drug should not be used by pregnant, nursing mothers, or children under 12.

Against cough

Table of drugs:

Inexpensive drug analogues

If you cannot afford even the cheapest antiviral drugs, use Paracetamol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen. For symptomatic treatment, use local remedies: Naphthyzin or Farmazolin nasal drops, Septifril tablets for treating sore throat, cough medicine. Gargling with Chlorophyllipt will also be effective.

Medicines to prevent flu and colds

To protect yourself from the disease, rather than cope with its manifestations, it is best to use drugs with an immunomodulatory effect. The rules for preventive use are described in the instructions for each of them. You can try Broncho-munal capsules, which can be combined with almost all medications. Medicines such as Ribomunil, Immunal, Rimantadine, Arbidol, and Amizon have a good preventive effect.

Video: homemade Coldrex for colds

Reviews

Olya, 27 years old: At the first symptoms of the flu, I always take some symptomatic medicine, for example, Rinza or Coldrex. This prevents the infection from getting worse. I have never taken immunomodulators because of the high price. And I try to treat the child with folk remedies, only I bring down his temperature with Paracetamol. I trust domestic drugs more.

Lena, 35 years old: Nowadays the pharmacy offers so many names of cold medicines that it’s hard not to get confused. I try to use antipyretic drugs, for example, Aspirin or Paracetamol. If a runny nose starts, I use Pinosol. It helps a lot, although it doesn't pierce the nose. If a sore throat starts, I use Chlorophyllipt.

Tanya, 24 years old: My ARVI always goes away with fever and cough. I drink Fervex powders and also buy ACC. Thanks to this treatment, my illness goes away in three or four days. Last winter I took Arbidol for prevention, but I still got sick, so I don’t accept medications to correct the immune system. I am being treated when the cold has already started.

New medications for flu and colds

When a person has a cold and gets an infection, he certainly wonders which modern medications will help, what to take for the flu? Scientists are developing new means, because viruses mutate every year, and more effective formulas are needed to combat them. A new generation of flu and cold medicine – what are its features? Find out how these drugs differ and what determines the effectiveness of drugs to combat various diseases.

Modern remedies for flu and colds

Today, pharmacology truly offers a wide selection of new drugs. Their advantages are obvious: they have a wide spectrum of action, have fewer side effects, they are convenient for the patient to use at home, or you can even vaccinate yourself so as not to get sick during the ARVI epidemic. When choosing medications, do not forget that not all advertised drugs are effective.

The price of medicines whose packaging regularly appears on TV includes the cost of these commercials. If we compare the instructions, almost all expensive imported drugs have inexpensive domestic analogues. Thus, Coldrex (price 150-240 rubles) and Fervex (315-590 rubles) contain paracetamol. Paracetamol tablets can be bought at a pharmacy for 3-5 rubles, and most doctors even consider them the safest medicine for acute respiratory infections during pregnancy and lactation.

Effective cold medicines

The modern pharmaceutical industry produces cold remedies that work in two directions and complement each other. One group of medications are those that help cope with the manifestations of the disease: runny nose, cough, headache, fever, sore throat. Another segment of drugs exhibits immunomodulatory and antibacterial effects.

For adults

Check out examples of medications that are used for colds:

What does it affect?	Group of drugs	Examples of drugs
Eliminate the cause	Antiviral.	Tablets "Acyclovir", "Amantadine".
	Antibiotics (used as a last resort when the body itself cannot cope with pathogenic bacteria).	Tablets and powders for injections “Ampicillin”, “Levofloxacin”.
Strengthen immunity	Immunomodulators.	"Amiksin", "Cycloferon".
	Vitamin complexes, preparations based on medicinal herbs.	"Ascorutin", "Aevit".
Relieve symptoms	Antipyretics, relieve body aches.	Coldrex, Paracetamol, Rinza tablets, Teraflu powder in sachets, Solpadeine effervescent tablets.
	Medicines to relieve cough.	Syrups “ACC”, “Ambroxol”, “Alteyka”.
	Vasoconstrictors for the nose for a runny nose.	"Oxymetazoline", "Polydex with phenylephrine".
	To soothe the throat.	Sprays "Kameton", "Orasept", Ingalipt" "Chlorophyllipt".

For children

When choosing children's antibacterial drugs, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and not self-medicate. They can help you:

• antibiotics "Amoxiclav", "Zinnat" "Suprax";
• to relieve fever - Panadol syrup, Paracetamol tablets;
• for a runny nose - Otrivin spray, Nazivin drops;
• as prevention – vitamin complexes “Alphavit”, “Pikovit”.

Modern flu drugs

What are the similarities and differences between the new generation of flu and cold medications? For both illnesses, medications are taken to relieve the symptoms of the disease. Antibiotics are not prescribed for the flu, because they are effective only against bacteria that cause colds, and have no effect on virus strains. Consider the pharmacological groups of modern antiviral drugs against influenza depending on their mode of action.

Etiotropic

Such antiviral medications for influenza act in a targeted manner, preventing the replication of viruses. These include:

• "Oseltamivir" - the active ingredient oseltamivir phosphate inhibits (inhibits) neuraminidase, a key enzyme involved in the replication (reproduction) of influenza viruses, and disrupts their ability to penetrate into cells.
• "Remantadine" - the active substance rimantadine hydrochloride is effective against influenza A2 and B viruses.
• "Arbidol" - umiferon included in the capsules has an immunostimulating effect.

Immunotropic

Antiviral drugs of immunotropic action are interferons or their inducers (pathogens), which help the body’s natural defense system fight the disease by destroying the virus at the initial stage of reproduction. They are effective in the first two days after the onset of flu symptoms. Check out the names and brief descriptions of these medications:

Name	Active substance	Effect of use
"Viferon"	Tocopherol, ascorbic acid	Stimulates the immune system, fights the virus.
"Ridostin"	Interferon inducer	Immunomodulatory effect.
"Hiporamine"	Sea buckthorn leaf extract	Antiviral effect, induces the production of interferon in blood cells.
"Amiksin"		Inducer of human interferon, suppresses the synthesis of viral proteins.
"Reaferon"	Interferon	Prevents the penetration of the virus into the cell and the synthesis of viral proteins.
"Ingavirin"	Vitaglutam	Suppresses the reproduction of the influenza virus, anti-inflammatory effect.
"Interferon"	Human interferon	A powerful immunomodulator, an effective antiviral drug, stimulates macrophages. It increases the body’s resistance to the penetration of viruses, and when it enters a cell, it blocks their reproduction. The mechanism of action is not directed against a specific type of virus, therefore this medicine is universal.
"Cycloferon"	Meglumine acridone acetate	Strong immunomodulator, antiviral effect, effective against influenza and herpes.

Pathogenetic

Such anti-influenza drugs act on the mechanism of development of the disease, helping to overcome the infection and preventing the development of complications. These include:

Symptomatic

These powders, drops, sprays, and flu tablets are fast-acting remedies against the symptoms of viral intoxication:

Group of drugs	What does it affect?	Examples of drugs	Active substance
Mucolytics	Promotes the removal of mucus and regeneration of the bronchial mucosa.	"Fluditek"	Carbocysteine
		"Flavamed"	Ambroxol
Secretolytics	Relieves inflammation of the respiratory tract mucosa.	"Sinupret"	Plant based
To treat a runny nose	Reduces the amount of discharge and swelling of the mucous membrane.	"Nazivin"	Oxymetazoline
	Vasoconstrictor anticongestive substance.	"Sanorin"	Naphazoline

Video about choosing the right flu medicine

Reviews

Albina, 26 years old: Since childhood, when I have a cold, a fever, a headache, I take Paracetamol for 3-4 days. At one time I fell for advertising and drank instant Coldrex and Rinza. After I read on one forum what active ingredient was being sold at an incredible price, I returned to the proven cheap remedy.

Zoya, 32 years old: Before pregnancy, I often had colds on my lips, and I was afraid that herpes would appear while carrying a child. The doctor prescribed me the anti-herpes drug “Hiporamin”. I immediately liked that it was plant-based. I took it for two months and the pills really helped.

Tatyana, 47 years old: My child was prescribed Interferon. I read the instructions for the ampoules, I was confused that it is actually produced from the blood of donors, and also the list of its side effects. I diluted the medicine and dripped it into my son’s nose according to the instructions. I didn’t notice any particular results, I won’t use it anymore.

Fast-acting antiviral agents

A cold can strike each of us when it is completely unacceptable to get sick. When you need to be as focused and full of energy as possible, your nose suddenly starts running and your throat feels sore. They are followed by sneezing and coughing, accompanied by weakness and high fever. In this situation, urgent measures are required. A quick-acting cold remedy will get you back on your feet in time.

How to quickly cure a cold at home

The key to quick healing is to take all necessary measures at the first alarm bell. If the illness occurs for an obvious reason, due to inattention to the immune system or hypothermia, and the symptoms are not a manifestation of the influenza virus, then you can use the following home treatment tips and quick-acting cold remedies.

1. Take your temperature. If the mark on the scale has not reached 38 degrees, then you should not take antipyretics for a cold.
2. Vitamin C. At the beginning of the disease, a large dose of ascorbic acid will effectively help the body with a cold for a speedy recovery. The best option would be an effervescent vitamin - it is absorbed faster and warms. Five oranges a day will be a natural alternative to pills or capsules and will help treat colds.
3. Drink a lot of water, tea, compotes, fruit drinks. They must be warm, this will help remove toxins, which is important for colds.
4. Get as much sleep as possible. After drinking a warm drink and crawling under the covers, wearing warm socks and clothes, get as much sleep as possible. Sweating while sleeping is an important part of recovering from a cold. It is better to observe bed rest while in hospital. The room should be frequently ventilated.
5. Stay warm. If there is no high temperature, then you can steam your feet and take a hot shower.
6. Take your vitamins. Such support will be useful for the body during colds. It is best if he gets it from fruits, but if this is not possible, they should be replaced with pills from the pharmacy.
7. Medicines to treat colds. Quick-acting cold remedies sold in the form of diluted teas and powders that should be poured into hot water are suitable. It is permissible to consume three or four of these sachets during the day, but the course should not last more than three days. Powders for colds with Paracetamol reduce fever, eliminate chills, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Immunostimulating medications will help in treatment. Antiviral medications for colds and flu help kill the infection. If the disease drags on, switch to antibiotic injections.
8. Remedies for runny nose, cough and sore throat. If your palate hurts, you can choose either lollipops or mixtures, rinses and sprays. Drops will help you cope with a runny nose, among which it is better to choose not powerful vasoconstrictors, but medicines containing herbs. A sea salt solution will be useful for rinsing the nose. A cold often does not produce sputum, so regular cough suppressants will suffice. If phlegm does appear in the bronchi, you should use a means to remove it.
9. Fluid intake. Warm tea, compote or juice promotes sweating and recovery, while removing toxins that prevent the body from fighting a cold. Plain water will not be the best remedy, and carbonated drinks will not help your recovery. You should drink as much as you feel necessary, without overpowering yourself.
10. Vodka. Alcohol should be warmed up a little and rubbed all over the body. This remedy will help quickly relieve high fever.

List of the best new generation flu and cold medicines

1. “Arbidol”, “Ozeltamivir”, “Amiksin”, “Viferon”, “Ocillococcinum”, “Ingavirin”, “Kagocel”, “Anaferon” (antiviral).
2. “Theraflu”, “Coldrex”, “Fervex”, “Antigrippin”, “Grippferon”, “Anvimax” (antipyretic and sore throat, against influenza and ARVI)
3. "Acetylcysteine", "Ambroxol", "Bromhexine", "Carbocysteine" (expectorants)
4. “Butamirate”, “Glaucin”, “Prenoxdiazine”, “Levodropropizine” (drugs for dry cough).
5. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin (antipyretics).
6. Drops based on xylometazoline, naphazoline (vasoconstrictor for a runny nose).

Review of fast-acting remedies for colds on the lips

Colds that occur on the lips are often herpes - the Herpes Simplex virus, which affects 95 percent of the world's population. Once in the body, it exists unnoticed and “turns on” when the human body is weakened by hypothermia, lack of vitamins, nutrients or other diseases. There are many effective ointments to combat herpes. These products should be applied to areas of the lips affected by colds several times a day, the course should not exceed 5 days.

You should not use your fingers when applying the product due to the risk of transferring the virus to another place. Among the common names of ointments for colds, the best ones include “Acyclovir”, “Gerpferon”, “Zovirax”, “Gerpevir”. The main active substance in them is acyclovir, which prevents the multiplication of the virus. Tromantadine-based ointments are available, such as Viru-Merz.

What antiviral drugs can children take?

If a child exhibits symptoms of ARVI and if for some reason a doctor is unavailable, measures should be taken to combat the disease in order to prevent complications. If, after all the simple remedies have been tried, the disease does not recede, you will have to resort to antiviral drugs, but only those that are specifically intended for children. Tamiflu, Remantadine, Relenza, Amantadine are considered acceptable.

If bronchitis occurs in infants, then Ribavirin will help, and if the child’s body is weakened or has heart problems, Synagis will be the best choice. Tamiflu is acceptable for use by children over the age of one year, and Arbidol flu tablets can be given from three years of age. “Interferon” for solution is used at any age, as well as homeopathic drugs such as “Aflubin”, “Anaferon”, “Oscillococcinum”. To lower body temperature, Paracetamol or Nurofen and Ibuprofen syrups are suitable.

Effective folk remedies and herbs

1. Blackberry tea. Grind dried blackberry leaves (1 tbsp), pour boiling water over them, strain after a couple of hours. Drink 30 minutes before eating. A good cough suppressant.
2. Herbs (cough remedy). One tablespoon of wild strawberry leaves, raspberries, three tablespoons of blackberry leaves, dry crushed tricolor violet (1 tsp). All this needs to be mixed, use a tablespoon of the composition per glass of boiling water, let it brew covered for half an hour, strain. Reception: a glass a couple of times a day.
3. Potato. This vegetable will help bring down the temperature. Grate two raw potatoes and mix with a tablespoon of vinegar (apple vinegar). Use the mixture to make compresses on the forehead.
4. Viburnum and honey. A mild remedy for colds and runny nose. Mix one tablespoon of viburnum juice and honey, take half an hour before meals.
5. Nettle, sage and lemongrass. The herbal tea is good for colds and flu. Mix dry crushed nettle leaves (3 tbsp), the same amount of schisandra chinensis shoots and sage (1 tbsp). Pour a teaspoon of the composition into a glass of boiling water, strain after a couple of hours. Reception: one glass in the morning and evening. If desired, you can add honey.

What is an inexpensive and effective remedy for preventing colds?

Very often, a cold in an adult occurs as a result of a weakened immune system. Exposure to external factors, poor nutrition, and lack of vitamins can lead to a loss of effectiveness of the immune system and increase the likelihood of infections entering the body. To avoid this, interferon inducers can be used. They will ensure the production of natural defenses by the body, which will allow it to successfully resist colds. This type of drugs includes:

• "Arbidol";
• "Cycloferon";
• "Amiksin".

The body needs vitamin support. To prevent colds, Vetoron, Gerimax, and Aevit will help. Preparations that help cope with the effects of the external environment - adaptogens - include extracts of lemongrass, eleutherococcus, and leuzea. Immunomodulators, such as Bioaron S, Immunal, Likopid, will help restore the strength of the immune system and will be useful for the prevention of colds and flu.

Antiviral medications used to prevent colds will help give the body additional strength in the fight against pathogens. The best are “Grippferon”, “Viferon”, “Arbidol”, “Amiksin”. Don't forget about honey and vitamin C - they will prevent the development of a cold. Echinacea is a cheap, simple preventative. Get more rest, give up cigarettes and don’t forget to take seasonal vitamins.

Video: what to do at the first sign of a cold

Antiviral drugs for colds are the main remedy in the fight against this category of ailments.

As you know, during the period of intensification of colds, it is better to prevent them, and not to bring them to a state where treatment is already necessary. Activating your immune system during the cold season is the most effective measure to protect yourself from colds. Then the disease will not develop, or at least the situation will not become severe.

If the disease is of a viral nature - acute respiratory viral disease (ARVI) - then treatment is indispensable. And the best way to deal with the problem in this case is antiviral drugs. The essence of their action is their impact on the virus itself, which is the etiological factor.

Antiviral drugs are used to treat ARVI and influenza. These medications affect the replication of the virus in such a way as to stop it from multiplying. Antiviral drugs have a synthetic or natural base. They are used both in the fight against the disease and for its prevention. Different stages of a cold may be affected by antiviral drugs. Today, modern science knows about five hundred causative agents of different types of colds. There are few antiviral drugs to combat them.

Basically, viral diseases are treated with three types of drugs:

• broad spectrum flu medications;
• drugs to treat herpes infections.
• means to combat cytomegalovirus.

In case of a severe form of the disease, antiviral drugs are taken; in case of a mild form, the use of interferons is permissible. Within a day and a half after the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to urgently start taking an antiviral drug. If the virus is allowed to multiply to such a scale that it colonizes the entire body, then it can be reached to the point that taking medications will not have any effect.

Effect of antiviral drugs for colds

With the help of antiviral drugs, the causes of the occurrence and development of acute respiratory disease are eliminated. The results of this action are:

• reducing the risks of exacerbations of chronic diseases (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.);
• reducing the duration of a cold by several days, alleviating its symptoms;
• reducing the risk that severe complications will develop after suffering an acute respiratory illness.

Antiviral drugs for colds are also used as emergency prevention when one of the family members is sick and the risk of infection to healthy people needs to be reduced.

Antiviral tablets for colds

In the class of synthetic antiviral drugs that work well against the influenza virus, there are two groups of effective drugs. The essence of the action of M-channel blockers is to block the virus so that it cannot penetrate cells and multiply. Some of the proven drugs against viruses in this category are “Amantadine” (“Midantan”), as well as “Rimantadine” (“Remantadine”). For the desired effect, they must be taken as soon as the disease begins to manifest itself. Another drawback is that it is not always possible to understand what kind of virus a person has fallen ill with. And these antiviral drugs are indicated during an epidemic against the influenza A virus. In addition, bird and swine flu are resistant to them. It is important to remember that taking an antiviral drug for a cold should be done not only by the sick person himself, but also by all members of his family.

An effective antiviral remedy for colds

But neuraminidase inhibitors act on influenza A and B viruses. The essence of their action is to suppress the enzyme that is responsible for the reproduction of the virus. Representatives of this group of drugs are Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza). You can start taking them within two days from the initial manifestations of the disease.

List of antiviral drugs for colds

• "Tamiflu";
• "Relenza";
• "Grippferon";
• "Anaferon";
• "Amiksin";
• "Kagocel";
• "Remantadine";
• "Viferon";
• "Arbidol";
• "Ribavirin";
• "Amizon";
• "Cycloferon".

Antiviral drug for colds "Zanamivir"

Zanamivir is prescribed for influenza in adults and children over 5 years of age, 5 mg inhalation twice a day for 5 days. The total daily dose reaches 10 mg. The drug is not combined with other inhaled drugs (including bronchodilators), due to the fact that exacerbations are possible in patients with bronchial asthma and other nonspecific lung diseases. A number of people without pulmonary pathology may experience signs of irritation of the nasopharynx, which in rare cases reaches the appearance of bronchospasm.

Antiviral drug for colds "Ozeltamivir"

For influenza for adults and children over 12 years of age, the recommended dose of Oseltamivir is 75 mg 2 times a day for at least 5 days. Oseltamivir is prescribed to children over 1 year old - with body weight less than 15 kg - 30 mg, from 15 to 23 kg - 45 mg, from 23 to 40 kg - 60 mg, over 40 kg - 75 mg twice a day for five days.

The drug is prescribed with caution in case of renal failure; it may cause nausea and vomiting when taken.

Antiviral drugs for colds with a wider spectrum of action are “Ribavirin” (“Ribarin”) and “Inosin Pranobex” (“Groprinosin”).

Antiviral drug for colds "Ribavirin"

"Ribavirin" acts on influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, rhinoviruses. A special feature of the drug is its high toxicity, so it is used only if respiratory syncytial infection is confirmed, which often leads to bronchiolitis in children.

Ribavirin is used to treat influenza in adults over 18 years of age (200 mg 3-4 times a day with meals for 5-7 days) in the absence of pregnancy, renal failure and hemolytic anemia.

Antiviral drug for colds "Inosine pranobex"

"Inosine pranobex" fights influenza viruses, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses. This antiviral drug for colds stimulates the human body's defenses. For the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, it is recommended to take it: adults, 2 tablets 3-4 times a day at regular intervals for 5-7 days; For children, the daily dose is 50 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Take the daily dose in 3-4 doses at equal intervals. The duration of treatment is 5–7 days.

Interferons and interferon inducers

Another large group of antiviral drugs for colds are interferons and interferon inducers. Interferons are protein substances that the body synthesizes as a response to infection, making the body more resistant to viruses. They have a wide spectrum of action, which makes them stand out from many other synthetic drugs. But some experts argue that they are not very effective for ARVI. In case of colds, they are prescribed as nasal drops and rectal suppositories. Native leukocyte interferon is instilled four to six times a day, Reaferon (interferon alfa-2a) two drops two to four times a day. Viferon (alpha-2b interferon) usually comes as suppositories; adults usually use Viferon 3 and 4.

There are also interferon inducers. These are drugs that stimulate the body to produce its own interferons. Colds are treated with Tiloron (Amiksin), Meglumina acridone acetate (Cycloferon) and a number of other antiviral drugs for colds.

Antiviral drug for colds "Amiksin"

For the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections, Amiksin is prescribed orally after meals, two tablets of 0.125 g for adults and 0.06 g for children over 7 years of age on the first day of illness and then 1 tablet every other day.

For a course of treatment - up to 6 tablets. Contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 7 years of age.

Antiviral drug for colds "Cycloferon"

"Cycloferon" is used for the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections in the form of intramuscular injections at a dose of 250 mg (12.5% ​​2 ml) two days in a row, then every other day or 1 tablet 0.15 g every other day for 20 days.

Antiviral drug for colds "Kagocel"

"Kagocel" is an interferon inducer with direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

It is usually prescribed for influenza and acute respiratory infections in adults, 2 tablets 3 times a day in the first two days (daily dose is 72 mg), then 1 tablet 3 times a day (daily dose 36 mg). In total, a 4-day course contains up to 18 tablets.

Antiviral drug for colds "Arbidol"

An antiviral drug such as Arbidol is effective in treating colds. It acts against viruses A, B, and also treats parainfluenza, syncytial infections, and adenoviruses. The essence of the drug’s action is to stimulate the production of endogenous interferon; it has an antioxidant effect and strengthens the immune system.

Arbidol for colds without complications is prescribed: children from 3 to 6 years old - 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old and adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days. With the development of complications (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.), children from 3 to 6 years old take Arbidol 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old, adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours ) for 5 days, then a single dose once a week for a month.

Antiviral drug for colds "Amizon"

The antiviral drug for colds "Amizon" is an inducer of endogenous interferon and has antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Adults take Amizon 2–4 times a day after meals for moderate influenza and acute respiratory infections, 0.25 g, for severe cases, 0.5 g for 5–7 days; The course dose of treatment is 3–6.5 g. Children aged 6–12 years drink 0.125 g 2–3 times a day for 5–7 days.

Antiviral drug for colds "Anaferon"

"Anaferon" refers to homeopathic remedies with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. It is also used to treat colds and flu. Directions for use for adults: 1 tablet, sublingually from three to six times a day, depending on the severity of the disease.

Treatment begins at the first respiratory symptoms. After improvement of the condition, it is recommended to switch to taking the drug once a day for 8-10 days. For children from six months to three years old, dissolve one tablet in 15 ml of water and give it to drink. For prophylaxis, Anaferon is prescribed one tablet once a day for one to three months.

Antiviral drug for colds "Grippferon"

"Grippferon" is an immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drug for intranasal use. The duration of the course of use and dose of the drug "Grippferon" is usually determined by the attending physician.

The recommended dose for children under 1 year of age is 500 IU (1 drop of the drug) 5 times a day; for children from 1 to 3 years old is 1000 IU (2 drops of Grippferon) 3-4 times a day; from 3 to 14 years old is 1000 IU (2 drops of the drug “Grippferon”) 4-5 times a day. The recommended dose for adults is 1500 IU (3 drops) 5-6 times a day. The duration of the course of application is 5 days.

Herbal antiviral drugs for colds

Some medicinal herbs also have antiviral effects. The action of many herbal preparations is directed against viruses belonging to the herpes family. Colds are often accompanied by herpetic rashes, in addition, the course of cytomegalovirus infection also often occurs with the same symptoms as ARVI. Alpizarin belongs to this category of drugs. The active ingredient in it is an extract of plants such as alpine kopek, yellow kopek, and mango leaves. The antiviral drug "Flacozide" contains an active substance that is obtained from Amur velvet and Laval velvet. For external use, use the ointments “Megozin” (cottonseed oil), “Helepin” (aerial part of Lespedeza kopecky), “Gossypol” (obtained when cotton seeds or cotton roots are processed).

Antiviral drugs that are used for colds also include Altabor. It is based on an extract of gray and black (sticky) alder fruits.

Turf pike and ground reed grass give life to the drug “Proteflazid”; it is also used in the treatment of colds, flu and for their prevention. The German drug “Imupret” has an antiviral and immunomodulatory effect. It contains horsetail, walnut leaves and oak bark.

Price of antiviral drugs for colds

The price range for antiviral drugs for colds is quite wide - from 20 to 200 hryvnia (of course, it still depends on the packaging and the number of tablets). In any case, it is better to consult with your doctor, who will prescribe the drug that will be most effective in a particular case.

If we name the approximate prices for the main antiviral drugs used to treat colds, in Ukrainian pharmacies they are: “Amizon” - from 20 UAH, “Arbidol” - from 50 UAH, “Amiksin” - from 30 UAH, “Anaferon” - from 40 UAH, "Remantadine" - from 11 UAH, "Kagocel" from 70 UAH, "Viferon" - from 70 UAH - from 110 UAH.

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds, which are often prescribed by doctors and are widely used - “Amizon”, “Amiksin”, “Anaferon”. For 20-40 hryvnia you can buy 10 tablets. But once again, please note: before deciding to purchase an antiviral drug for a cold, you should consult with your doctor.

With the help of antiviral drugs, it is not the consequence, but the cause of the cold that is eliminated. This is a great advantage of antiviral drugs in the treatment of colds, and this also explains their effectiveness. Antiviral drugs shorten the duration of a cold by two to three days and make it easier. Due to the use of antiviral drugs for colds, the risk that other chronic diseases will worsen (exacerbation of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases) is reduced, and various complications will not arise, as often happens with other drugs. In addition, antiviral drugs for colds have an excellent effect in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, including among healthy family members when a sick person is at home.

There is probably not a single person who has not suffered from colds at least once in their life, at least in childhood. Therefore, there is no person who would not be concerned about the question of what to take for a cold.

Colds may have different names, but they are based on one reason - infection of various parts of the body and, in particular, the upper respiratory tract, by pathogens. These microorganisms are divided into two main categories – bacteria and viruses.

Treatment of acute respiratory diseases can be either symptomatic, aimed at alleviating the manifestations of the disease, or etiological, aimed at eliminating the root cause of the disease. Fortunately, antibacterial drugs, or antibiotics, have long been used successfully to treat diseases caused by bacteria. But in the case of diseases caused by another group of infectious agents - viruses, the situation is not so favorable. And there are several reasons for this.

Respiratory diseases caused by viruses

What acute respiratory diseases are caused by viruses? These include, first of all, influenza and ARVI.

The term ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) refers to various infections caused by viruses that are not related to influenza. These viruses include:

• adenoviruses,
• rhinoviruses,
• parainfluenza viruses,
• coronaviruses,
• respiratory syncytial viruses.

Respiratory symptoms are also characteristic of some other viral diseases:

• measles,
• rubella,
• chickenpox,
• whooping cough

However, they are not usually classified as viral respiratory diseases.

Symptoms of parainfluenza and ARVI

Symptoms of diseases caused by different types of viruses often differ little from each other. And it is usually possible to determine the type of disease only by identifying the type of pathogen, which is not always easy.

Typically, ARVI is characterized by symptoms such as cough, runny nose, high temperature (sometimes low-grade, below +38º C), sore throat, headaches, and frequent sneezing. Sometimes symptoms may be accompanied by signs of intoxication - nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Most experts are of the opinion that when treating ARVI in people with normal immunity and not a weakened body for some reason, no antiviral drugs are needed. These diseases, with the right approach to their treatment, go away on their own and do not cause any complications. Therefore, treatment of these diseases is mainly symptomatic. The only exception is syncytial infection, which can be fatal in infants.

Treatment for diseases such as ARVI comes down mainly to bed rest, creating normal conditions for recovery - the absence of drafts and hypothermia. It is also necessary to drink a lot of liquid, always warm, for example, tea with lemon. Taking vitamins and antioxidants also helps with healing. To treat a runny nose, you can use anti-inflammatory or clearing nose drops; to treat the bronchi and throat, you can use inhalations based on herbal infusions that relieve inflammation. Good nutrition is also an important element of therapy.

Photo: Nestor Rizhniak/Shutterstock.com

Flu and its characteristic symptoms

Symptoms of influenza are often different from those of other viral respiratory diseases. However, this difference may not always manifest itself. Often, in the case of high immunity or a weakened type of virus, the symptoms of influenza are practically no different from the symptoms of ARVI. And, nevertheless, there are several main signs that you should pay attention to.

First of all, most varieties of influenza are characterized by a very high temperature, which can rise to +39.5 – +40ºС. The temperature usually rises to high levels in a short period of time. Thus, if the temperature is initially low-grade, and then, after a couple of days, rises to high values, then this most likely does not mean the presence of influenza, but some kind of secondary infection such as pneumonia.

Also, with the flu there is such a characteristic symptom as subtle pain in the muscles of the body, especially in the limbs (ache). This symptom can be characteristic both of the early stage of the disease, appearing several hours before the temperature rises, and for the period when the temperature has already risen. Respiratory symptoms with influenza are usually erased compared to ARVI. In most cases, with the flu there is no runny nose, but a severe cough may be present.

Influenza, unlike ARVI, is dangerous due to its complications affecting other organs - the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver. A severe form of influenza is very dangerous - toxic flu, in which death from intoxication of the body is possible.

Influenza is usually transmitted by airborne droplets, from sick to healthy people. The influenza virus is quite resistant to external influences and can persist in the external environment for a long time. The incubation period of the disease usually ranges from several hours to several days.

Experts believe that influenza most often manifests itself at ambient temperatures ranging from –5ºС to +5ºС. At these temperatures, the virus can persist for a long time. In addition, such a temperature regime helps dry out the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and makes them more susceptible to the virus.

There are several types of influenza virus. And not all drugs are able to affect all these types. Treatment of influenza is mainly symptomatic. Taking antiviral drugs for influenza is indicated in cases of severe disease, as well as in cases of weakened immunity. These can be both etiotropic drugs and drugs that stimulate the immune system. Thanks to their use, it is often possible to shorten the duration of the disease and avoid possible severe complications.

How does a viral disease develop?

Unlike diseases caused by bacteria, viruses that enter the body directly attack human cells. The virus is usually very simple. As a rule, it is a single DNA molecule, and sometimes a simpler RNA molecule containing genetic information. In addition, the virus also contains a shell of proteins. However, some types of viruses - viroids - may not have it either.

Viruses are able to integrate into the genetic apparatus of cells and reconfigure it to release their own copies. Viruses cannot reproduce without the help of cells from other organisms.

Structural features of viruses that cause ARVI and influenza

Most viruses included in this group are RNA viruses. The only exception is an adenovirus, which has a DNA molecule.

Influenza viruses are divided into three main serotypes - A, B, and C. Most often, diseases are caused by the first two types. The type C virus causes illness only in immunocompromised people, children and the elderly. There are no epidemics of diseases caused by this type of virus, while epidemics caused by viruses of types A and B occur very often - once every few years in a certain area.

The surface of the RNA molecule of the virus is covered with several protein molecules, among which neuraminidase should be highlighted. This enzyme facilitates the penetration of the virus into the cell and then ensures the release of new viral particles from it. Influenza viruses primarily infect epithelial cells lining the surface of the upper respiratory tract.

Of course, the immune system is not sitting idle either. Immune cells, having detected the presence of strangers, produce special substances - interferons, which suppress the activity of viruses and prevent their penetration into cells. In addition, special types of lymphocytes - T-killer cells and NK lymphocytes destroy cells affected by viruses.

However, viral diseases, including those caused by influenza viruses, claim many lives every year.

The peculiarity of viruses is their increased ability to mutate. This leads to the fact that protein molecules on the surface of viruses can very quickly change their composition, and as a result, immune forces are not always able to recognize them in time as a previously encountered object.

Therefore, scientists have long wanted to develop agents that would be active against various viruses. However, such a task faces many difficulties. They consist, first of all, in the fact that viral particles are very small and have an extremely primitive structure, even compared to bacteria. This means that they have very few vulnerabilities.

However, some antiviral agents have been developed. In particular, many of them are active against viruses that cause ARVI and influenza.

Types of antiviral drugs

Antiviral agents aimed directly at combating viruses can be divided into four main groups:

• vaccines;
• immunostimulants and interferon inducers;
• drugs containing interferon;
• direct acting antiviral drugs (etiotropic).

There are many antiviral agents belonging to different groups, and it is not easy to identify the most effective drug among them.

Antiviral vaccines

Vaccination was invented at the end of the 18th century. Over time, it began to be widely used as a prophylactic agent to combat various diseases, including viral ones.

The essence of vaccination is to give the body's immune system information about the infectious agent in advance. The fact is that the immune system often recognizes the danger too late, when the infection has already spread throughout the body. And if the immune system is configured in advance to fight the desired agent, then it will instantly enter into a fight with it and easily neutralize it.

When vaccinated against viruses, a vaccine is injected into the blood - a substance containing the protein shells of viruses, or somehow weakened viruses. These components are unable to cause disease, but are capable of training immune cells to fight invaders. Thus, if real viruses enter the body, then, as a rule, they are neutralized very quickly. Immunity obtained through vaccines can last for many years.

As for influenza, there are several types of viruses that cause this disease. There are vaccines for most of them.

Vaccines can be of several types. There are vaccines containing live but weakened viruses. There are also vaccines containing inactivated virus components. Typically, one vaccine contains material from several varieties of viruses, which is regularly updated in accordance with the mutations to which the substances that make up the shells of these infectious agents undergo.

Flu vaccination, first of all, should be given to people in certain risk groups:

• Age over 65 years;
• Having respiratory diseases;
• Taking drugs that suppress the immune system, cytostatics, corticosteroids;
• Patients with diabetes;
• Children;
• Women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.

Unlike influenza, there are currently no vaccines to prevent ARVI.

Influvac A vaccine designed to protect the body from infection by influenza viruses. Contains proteins - hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, characteristic of two strains of influenza type A (H3N2 and H1N1) and one strain of type B. Each component is contained in an amount of 15 mg per 0.5 ml. Release form: injection suspension, equipped with disposable syringes. Indications: prevention of influenza. Contraindications: tendency to allergic reactions during injections, acute diseases. Application: The vaccine can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The standard dose is 0.5 ml for adults and children over 6 years of age, 0.25 ml for children under 6 years of age. For people who have a weakened immune system or have not previously been vaccinated, the vaccine is administered twice with a break of a month, in other cases - once. The procedure is recommended to be carried out in the fall.

Antiviral agents that enhance immunity

Any virus that enters the body encounters its protective forces - immunity. Human immunity is divided into two types: specific and nonspecific. Specific immunity is developed against a specific type of infectious agent, while nonspecific immunity has a universal effect and can be directed against any type of infection. Antiviral drugs based on enhancing immunity use its nonspecific variety.

Preparations with interferons

This class of antiviral agents contains interferons, special substances secreted by immune cells to fight viruses. Typically, interferon in such antiviral drugs is obtained artificially using special bacteria. Interferon attaches to cell walls and prevents viruses from entering them. On the other hand, viruses are able to block the production of interferon from cells, thereby facilitating their penetration into them. Thus, drugs containing interferon are designed to compensate for the lack of natural interferon observed during viral infections.

Information about the effectiveness of antiviral drugs of this class is contradictory. Many people claim that they helped them, although the results of clinical trials do not allow us to speak with confidence about these drugs as an effective remedy. In addition, they have many side effects. Among them, it is worth noting the high likelihood of allergic reactions.

The list of popular drugs of this type includes Grippferon, Alfarona, Interferon, Viferon, Kipferon.

Viferon

The drug contains interferon type alpha 2b. Escherichia coli bacteria were used in the synthesis of this substance. The drug also contains vitamins C and E. The drug can be used as an antiviral medicine. It is active against pathogens of major respiratory infections, as well as hepatitis and herpes viruses.

Kipferon

A drug for the treatment of influenza and ARVI. The medicine is available in the form of suppositories. Contains immunoglobulins and human leukocyte interferon. Fat and paraffin are used as additional components. The drug is active not only against viruses (ARVI, influenza and hepatitis viruses) but also against a number of bacterial infections, in particular chlamydia.

Grippferon

Available as a solution for nasal use, it contains human leukocyte interferon and has immunomodulatory properties. It also contains some excipients. Intended mainly for the treatment of viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.

Grippferon An immunomodulatory drug for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, also active against influenza viruses. Contains human interferon alpha-2b. The therapeutic effect is due to the effect on the body’s cells, which become immune to the introduction of viral particles. Can be used to treat infants. Release form: bottles of 5 and 10 ml, equipped with a dropper. Indications: influenza and ARVI, treatment and prevention. Contraindications: severe allergic diseases. Application: The drug is instilled into each nasal passage. Dosage for treatment: up to one year – 1 drop 5 times a day; 1-3 years – 2 drops 3-4 times a day; 3-14 years – 2 drops 4-5 times a day; over 14 years old - 3 drops 5-6 times a day. When preventing the disease (in case of contact with a patient or a high probability of infection), the dosage is similar to the dosage for treatment at the appropriate age, but instillation is performed only 2 times a day.

Antiviral immunostimulating agents

Unlike interferons, antiviral immunostimulating agents do not attack viruses directly, but stimulate the immune system to produce its own interferons. These are inexpensive but quite effective means. The advantage of this type of drugs, compared to drugs containing interferon, is that they are much less likely to cause side effects in the form of allergic reactions. Examples of such drugs are Ingavir, Kagocel, Cycloferon, Lavomax, Tsitovir. It is difficult to say for sure which of them is most effective for acute respiratory viral infections. They all differ somewhat in their effects and contraindications, and in order to know which one to choose, it is best to seek advice from a specialist.

The effectiveness of antiviral immunostimulating agents, judging by reviews, is quite high. However, many people who are passionate about such remedies do not think about how often they can drink them. Doctors warn about the harm that can result from uncontrolled use of immune stimulants. The fact is that with regular use of stimulants, the functioning of one’s own immunity occurs. The body gets used to the stimulation and is unable to respond to the infection on its own, which can cause complications of infectious diseases. The second danger associated with immune stimulants is that immune cells can begin to attack the body's own tissues, which is the cause of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus erythematosus, and some others.

Tsitovir

Contains bendazole, a substance that stimulates the formation of interferons. Other active substances are ascorbic acid and thymogen, which increase the body’s resistance to infection. Available in three main dosage forms - capsules, syrup and powder for solution. Can be used as a medicine to help against influenza and ARVI.

Kagocel

One of the best-selling drugs on the Russian market. Developed in the late 1980s. in Soviet Union. One of the main active ingredients is obtained from cotton and is a gossypol copolymer. Another component is cellulose glycolic acid. The combination of these components leads to increased secretion of interferon by immune cells. It should be noted that pure gossypol is known as a drug that negatively affects male spermatogenesis. And although the developers claim that the preparation contains an insignificant amount of this substance in its pure form, this circumstance makes us wary.

Amiksin

A drug that stimulates the production of various types of interferons - leukocyte (alpha type), gamma, and fibroblast interferon. A powerful remedy that is active against various viruses, including viruses that cause ARVI, herpes and hepatitis. The drug was developed in the United States about half a century ago, but was soon banned there due to its side effects. In particular, it was found that the main component of the drug can cause damage to the retina. However, in the countries of the former USSR this drug is actively sold under various brand names.

Cycloferon

Currently, this is one of the most popular drugs from the class of immunostimulants on the market. The active substance is meglumine acridone acetate. The drug can be administered into the body parenterally or taken in tablet form. Judging by the reviews, the drug has a high effect. However, it is interesting to note that the main active ingredient was originally used in veterinary medicine. But just a few years after the start of its use in this capacity, the drug was registered as a drug for the treatment of infectious diseases in humans. At the same time, manufacturers recommend using the drug even for treating children over 4 years old.

Kagocel Antiviral tablets belonging to the class of interferon inducer drugs. Stimulates the activity of the immune system against bacteria and viruses. Release form: tablets containing the active substance (kagocel) in a dosage of 12 mg, as well as calcium stearate, starch, lactose, povidone. Indications: treatment and prevention of influenza, ARVI, acute respiratory infections, as well as herpes simplex. Contraindications: pregnancy and lactation, age under 3 years. Side effects: allergic reactions are possible. Application: 2 tablets 3 times a day in the first two days of the disease, in the next two days - 1 tablet 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 4 days. Taking the drug is not associated with food intake.

Antiviral etiotropic drugs (direct-acting drugs)

This type of drug acts directly on influenza or ARVI viruses. In this case, mechanisms may be used that impede the replication of the virus or its penetration into cells. Some drugs may also have a mild stimulating effect on the immune system.

Amantadins

These are first-generation antiviral etiotropic drugs, otherwise called M2 channel blockers. The mechanism of their action is based on disruption of the functioning of certain enzymes that ensure the reproduction of the virus in the cell. The main drugs of the class are deytiforin, amantadine, midantan and rimantadine. Amantadines are also effective against some other types of viruses, such as adenoviruses and herpes viruses.

Remantadine

One of the first representatives of the group of direct-acting antiviral drugs. At the time of its introduction (early 1960s), it seemed like a real breakthrough in the fight against influenza. The medicine has shown its effectiveness in many clinical trials.

The drug was developed in the USA, but in the Soviet Union the pharmaceutical industry also quickly launched the production of this drug. With its help, it was possible to significantly reduce the time spent on treating patients with influenza, which resulted in significant cost savings throughout the Soviet economy.

However, it soon became clear that influenza viruses quickly developed resistance to this drug and mutated in such a way that they became practically invulnerable to it. Recent studies show that more than 90% of influenza viruses are resistant to rimantadine, which makes it practically useless in the treatment of this disease.

In addition, the drug was initially active only against influenza virus type A and did not affect type B viruses. Thus, rimantadine in terms of treating influenza today is of rather historical interest. However, this medicine cannot be called completely useless, since it turned out that it is effective against the tick-borne encephalitis virus.

Remantadine is available in two main dosage forms - 50 mg tablets and syrup. The standard duration of treatment is 5 days, under certain conditions this time can be extended to two weeks.

Neuramidase inhibitors

These are more modern and effective direct-acting antiviral drugs. Their antiviral mechanism is based on blocking an enzyme that allows the virus to leave the infected cell and also penetrate healthy cells. Since the virus cannot penetrate the cell, it is easily destroyed by the body’s immune forces. Today, drugs in this group are most often used among direct-acting viral etiotropic drugs intended to combat influenza.

The main representatives of the class are oseltamivir, marketed under the brand name Tamiflu, and the drug Relenza (zanamivir). There is also a new generation drug - Peramivir (Rapivab), which has shown high effectiveness against uncomplicated influenza. This drug is intended primarily for parenteral administration.

However, it is worth noting that drugs in this group have a number of disadvantages. In the case of mild, uncomplicated flu, their effectiveness is usually relatively low, but the number of side effects is quite high. Neuramydiase inhibitors are also quite toxic. The incidence of side effects when taking them is 1.5%. Medicines are prescribed with caution to patients with a tendency to bronchospasm. In addition, they cannot be classified as cheap drugs.

Tamiflu

This drug was developed in the USA in the late 1980s. Initially it was planned to be used in the fight against the AIDS virus, but then it turned out that oseltamivir is not dangerous to this virus. However, instead, the drug was found to be active against influenza types A and B. The drug is most effective in severe forms of influenza due to its ability to suppress the formation of cytokines and prevent inflammation and an excessive immune response in the form of a cytokine storm. Today, this drug probably leads the rating in terms of effectiveness among other etiotropic drugs.

When choosing a dosage, you should take into account the patient’s condition, the nature of the disease, and the presence of chronic diseases. The standard duration of treatment is 5 days, dosage is 75-150 mg.

However, it is worth noting that the drug does not act against ARVI pathogens. In addition, an overdose of the drug and its uncontrolled use, including for preventive purposes, can lead to very serious health consequences, for example, mental disorders.

Relenza

Like Tamiflu, it belongs to the group of neuramidase inhibitors. This is an effective antiviral drug, a structural analogue of sialic acid. Unlike oseltamivir, this flu medicine is not produced in tablets, but in special blisters intended for use in an inhaler - a diskhaler. This method allows you to deliver the drug directly to the respiratory tract affected by the virus and ensure the most effective effect of the drug on the infectious agent.

Relenza Etiotropic antiviral agent. Active against influenza types A and B. The active substance is zanamivir, which belongs to the category of neuramidase inhibitors. Release form: powder for inhalation, as well as a special device for inhalation - diskhaler. One dose contains 5 mg of active substance. Indications: treatment and prevention of viruses type A and B in adults and children. Contraindications: use the drug with caution in patients prone to bronchospasms. Application: Diskhaler is used for inhalation. Blisters with the drug are inserted into a special disk on the disc haler. Then the blister is punctured, after which the drug can be inhaled through the mouthpiece.

Tamiflu Etiotropic antiviral drug. Designed to destroy influenza viruses types A and B. The active ingredient is oseltamivir. Release form: Gelatin capsules with a dosage of 30, 45 and 75 mg, as well as powder for the preparation of a suspension in 30 g bottles. Indications: prevention and treatment of influenza. The drug is recommended for use starting from the age of 1 year. In some cases (during disease pandemics), treatment of children from 6 months is allowed. Contraindications: age under 6 months, chronic renal failure, low creatinine clearance (less than 10 ml/min). Side effects: headaches, insomnia, convulsions, dizziness, weakness, cough, nausea. Application: It is better to take the drug with food, although this is not a strict recommendation. Children over 13 years of age and adults are prescribed 75 mg 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 5 days. The daily dosage for children under 12 years of age depends on body weight: More than 40 kg – 150 mg; 23-40 kg – 120 mg; 15-23 kg – 90 mg; less than 15 kg – 60 mg. The daily dose must be divided into two doses.

Arbidol

A domestic drug that was developed back in the 1980s. The active substance is umifenovir. Unlike neuraminidase inhibitors, the action of umifenovir is aimed at inhibiting another viral protein, hemagglutinin. However, this method also prevents the virus from entering cells. In addition, the drug is capable of providing moderate stimulation of the body's immune forces. Arbidol can also treat not only the flu, but also ARVI. A structural analogue of this drug, Arpetol, is produced in Belarus.

Reviews about the drug are mostly positive. However, one cannot help but be alarmed by the fact that the only serious study of the effectiveness of the drug was sponsored by its manufacturer, the Pharmstandard company. Therefore, today Arbidol cannot be unambiguously classified as a drug with proven effectiveness.

Arbidol Antiviral drug. The active ingredient is umifenovir. Combines etiotropic action and stimulation of the immune system. Active against influenza types A and B, coronaviruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Release form: Capsules containing 50 mg of umifenovir. Indications: Prevention and treatment of influenza, ARVI, SARS. Contraindications: age under 3 years, individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Side effects: allergic reactions Application: The drug is taken before meals. Dosage depends on age: Adults and children over 12 years old – 200 mg; 6-12 years – 100 mg; 3-6 years – 50 mg. When preventing influenza and ARVI during epidemics, the indicated doses are taken 2 times a week. The maximum duration of the course of prophylaxis is weeks. When treating influenza and ARVI, the indicated doses are taken 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Rebetol

This drug is not designed to fight influenza viruses, but to fight other viruses such as rhinosyncytial virus. This infection most often occurs in children, in whom it occurs in a complex form. However, it can also be used as an anti-influenza drug, although with less effect. In addition, the drug can be used in the treatment of herpes. For acute respiratory viral infections, the drug is administered to the site of inflammation using inhalation. Other names of the drug are Virazol and Ribavirin. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Symptomatic drugs

Contrary to popular belief, these drugs are not antiviral. They are intended only to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of influenza and ARVI - pain and fever. However, this does not deny the fact that symptomatic medications are a good remedy for colds. They usually contain anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs - paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, sometimes antioxidants - ascorbic acid, and less often - antihistamines and vasoconstrictors such as phenylephinephrine. Thus, they have no effect on influenza or ARVI viruses. Although the names of many such drugs can mislead the inexperienced person. For example, the symptomatic drug Theraflu can be confused with the etiotropic drug Tamiflu.

There are also combination drugs, including etiotropic and symptomatic drugs - for example, Anvivir, containing rimantadine and paracetamol.

It should be noted that the simultaneous prescription of interferon inducers and antipyretics, which is practiced by some doctors, does not make much sense. Indeed, when the temperature rises, on the contrary, there is an increase in the production of interferon, and an artificial decrease in temperature reduces this process to nothing.

Homeopathic remedies

It is worth noting such a type of medicine as homeopathic remedies for the treatment of viral diseases of the upper respiratory tract. There are fierce debates around homeopathy; it has both supporters and opponents. However, it is indisputable that almost all homeopathic medicines do not directly affect viruses, and therefore it is very difficult to classify them as antiviral. For example, such a popular French anti-flu drug as Oscillococcinum contains liver components from musky duck as an active component. In this case, it is not entirely clear on what basis such a component was classified as an effective remedy against influenza and colds. Nevertheless, the drug is actively sold and enjoys traditional popularity, including in our country. Needless to say, this kind of drugs is an obvious example of the use by clever businessmen of the self-hypnosis effect (placebo effect) characteristic of people.

Antiviral drugs for influenza and ARVI - benefit or harm?

In our country, the incidence of respiratory diseases is especially high, given the cold climate, long winter and off-season. All this creates a demand for drugs for colds and flu. Of course, pharmaceutical manufacturers cannot ignore such a potentially huge market. And they fill it with drugs of sometimes dubious quality and dubious effectiveness, promoting them with the help of aggressive advertising, claiming that the best drug today is this particular drug and no other. Currently, a person who comes to a pharmacy, as a rule, has no difficulty in choosing antiviral drugs. There are a lot of them, for every taste, and among them there are many drugs that are affordable. But, as you know, free cheese only comes in a mousetrap.

As shown above, there are no ideal antiviral drugs. Interferon drugs have many side effects, and these are of a kind that can appear after a long time. Nowadays, more and more information is accumulating that their regular use increases the risk of autoimmune diseases - lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, psoriasis, insulin-dependent diabetes and even cancer. Particular caution should be exercised by those patients who have relatives suffering from autoimmune diseases. Also, drugs of this type should be used with caution when treating children.

In addition, drugs containing interferon can cause severe allergic reactions. In addition, their effectiveness is highly questionable. In principle, the same can be said about antiviral immunostimulants. It is worth noting that in most Western countries such drugs are practically not used. The concept of treating respiratory diseases widespread there recognizes only etiotropic or symptomatic treatment, and antiviral immunomodulators are prescribed to patients only in exceptional cases.

As for etiotropic drugs, they also cannot be called an ideal choice. Although they have a much greater evidence base, their effectiveness is often greatly exaggerated due to advertising by manufacturers. In addition, such old drugs as rimantadine have already lost a significant share of their effectiveness due to the formation of a huge number of virus strains resistant to their action.

Neuramidase inhibitors appear to be most effective. However, they are highly toxic and have a limited spectrum of action, covering only influenza viruses. Therefore, given that they are most effective in the first days after the onset of the disease, they can be used only when there is complete confidence that the disease is caused by the influenza virus and not by something else. And needless to say, at the onset of the disease it is usually not possible to determine the type of pathogen. Otherwise, using these drugs will simply be a waste of money. By the way, this type of drug cannot be called cheap.

The only way to combat viral infections with antiviral drugs that has minimal side effects is vaccination. However, it cannot be considered a panacea. It has some limitations, since there are a huge number of flu strains and it is absolutely impossible to come up with a vaccine that would be effective against everyone. To some extent, however, this is compensated by the fact that the biological material contained in vaccines is constantly updated.

Therefore, you should think about whether it is worth using this kind of treatment at all, which can bring more problems than the disease itself. It should be noted that most people underestimate the strength of their own immunity. Following simple rules - bed rest, plenty of warm drinks, taking vitamins and a proper diet in most cases puts a person on his feet in about the same time as treatment with new-fangled antiviral drugs. Their use may still be justified for influenza with high fever, but the use of the same immunomodulators in the treatment of ARVI is not recommended at all.

Also, do not overuse symptomatic medications. After all, the same high temperature is the body’s protective reaction to the invasion of viruses and bacteria. At high temperatures, the production of interferons increases, making the body's cells immune to viral infection. By artificially lowering the temperature, we actually prevent the body from fighting infection. Therefore, you should not lower the temperature, at least if it does not cross the critical mark of +39º degrees.

The situation is further complicated by the peculiarities of our mentality. It is no secret that many people, faced with acute respiratory infections and the flu, do not strive to be cured, but simply to quickly return to their normal lives, go to work, etc. This not only leads to the fact that everyone around them becomes infected, but also to the fact that as a result the person does not treat the disease, which becomes chronic. A cold suffered on the legs has a much more harmful effect on the body than refusing to take antiviral medications.

However, most people understand that this behavior is not correct, but resort to another, seemingly more correct, remedy - swallowing packs of antiviral agents. And at the same time, it seems that he is really getting better, but at the same time he is destroying his body. Meanwhile, it’s worth thinking about the fact that health is much more valuable than a couple of extra days spent on sick leave.

Of course, these tips are suitable for people with healthy immune systems. However, not everyone can boast of it. Nowadays there are many people whose immunity is weakened. In them, the disease may drag on, which ultimately threatens various complications. In this case, taking antiviral tablets is justified. However, the fact of having a weakened immune system should be established not on the basis of individual sensations - I have a runny nose every month, which means I need to buy drugs with interferons or immunomodulators, but on the basis of thorough research into the state of the immune system. The selection of antiviral drugs must also be careful. The doctor should advise which one is best suited in a particular case. The drug must be used in accordance with its recommendations and instructions.

And, of course, treatment with these drugs should not be perceived as natural. Having been cured once with the help of antiviral drugs, you should not rely on the fact that miracle drugs will help get rid of the disease the next time. Measures should be taken to strengthen the immune system. There are many natural ways to do this - hardening, regular walks in the fresh air, proper nutrition and daily routine, proper rest, physical education and sports.

Also, measures aimed at preventing diseases should not be ignored. It should be taken into account that influenza and ARVI viruses are quite resistant to unfavorable factors and can exist in the external environment for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly carry out hygiene procedures, especially during periods of increased morbidity - wash your hands after coming from the street, regularly rinse your mouth and rinse the nasal cavity, avoid communicating with patients with respiratory diseases. Chronic diseases should also be treated promptly, since it is well known that viruses multiply most intensively in the body, weakened by the fight against chronic diseases. And, of course, it’s worth getting rid of bad habits. After all, it is well known that smoking significantly weakens the immune forces of the tissues of the upper respiratory tract, which leads to increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, including viral ones.

It is also necessary to take into account that it is necessary to start antiviral therapy with drugs as early as possible, at the first signs of the disease. Otherwise, the treatment will not be effective.

In addition, before starting treatment with antiviral drugs, you should make sure that the respiratory disease is actually caused by viruses and not bacteria. Otherwise, antiviral therapy will be completely useless.

Popular antivirus products, type

A drug	Type
Alfarona	interferon drug
Amiksin	immunostimulant
Arbidol	etiotropic drug
Vaxigrip	vaccine
Viferon	interferon drug
Grippferon	interferon drug
Ingavirin	immunostimulant
Interferon	interferon drug
Influvac	vaccine
Kagocel	immunostimulant
Kipferon	interferon drug
Lavomax	immunostimulant
Oscillococcinum	homeopathic remedy
Relenza	etiotropic drug
Rimantadine	etiotropic drug
Tiloram	immunostimulant
Tamiflu	etiotropic drug
Cycloferon	immunostimulant
Tsitovir	immunostimulant