Russia (bbabo.net), - In conditions of simultaneous circulation of different respiratory viruses - influenza, SARS, various strains of coronavirus - there is a risk of contracting both COVID-19 and influenza at the same time, Rospotrebnadzor warned. Specialists of the Gabrichevsky Moscow Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology answered questions about how the disease proceeds with a "double" infection.
“The combination of two viruses that affect the respiratory system, as a rule, contributes to a more severe and prolonged course of the disease,” the agency said. “However, many other factors influence the severity of manifestations and their duration: vaccination, patient age, chronic diseases, timeliness and proper treatment."
For example, if a person has been vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu, then they are better protected against both infections. In those who have been vaccinated, "the likelihood of severe symptoms and a severe course is minimal, and the disease resolves more quickly," experts explain.
At the same time, the risk groups for the severe course of both influenza and COVID-19 are the same: these are small children, the elderly, as well as chronic patients with cardiovascular or bronchopulmonary pathology, diabetes mellitus.
It is not easy to determine the simultaneous infection with two viruses without laboratory diagnostics. But still, there are some differences in the clinical manifestation of various infections. For example, with influenza, the condition worsens rapidly - in just a few hours, the body temperature rises to 38-39 degrees or more, headaches and muscle aches appear.
With coronavirus infection, symptoms develop gradually. If after a certain period of time the loss of smell joins, taste sensations change, then the probability of a combined infection is high. However, if influenza infection occurred during the incubation period of a coronavirus infection, then the symptoms may occur almost simultaneously. In cases of omicron infection, symptoms such as changes in taste and smell are rarely recorded.
As for the treatment of the disease, in most cases, if influenza associated with coronavirus is detected, additional medications will not be required, Rospotrebnadzor experts note: “Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs used for COVID-19 work against both viruses, and symptomatic therapy is the same.”
It is important to follow general recommendations during treatment: drink plenty of water (this helps to reduce intoxication), gargle and rinse your nose with the solutions recommended by your doctor (this is necessary to reduce the viral load).
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