In causal treatment, we try to eliminate the perpetrator of the disease, i.e. destroy the invading organisms of the real type A flu. Currently, this method is becoming the most effective method of treating influenza.
In the case of the real type A flu, two methods of causal control of the viruses causing the disease are used:
a / antiviral prophylaxis with a special flu vaccine
b / pharmacotherapy with drugs that destroy influenza viruses
Drug treatment with drugs that destroy influenza viruses
Known and used for several decades - amantadine and rimantadina - antiviral drugs called old generation (amantadine is registered in Poland). Unfortunately, the side effects of these drugs are very troublesome and discourage their ordination of patients and their doctors. Recently, new antiviral drugs have been introduced for treatment, more effective and, what is important, no undesired effects - neuraminase inhibitors. These drugs with chemical names - zanamivir and oseltamivir - destroy influenza A and B viruses (Zanamivir is registered in Poland).
What pathomechanism of virus attack inhibits medication?
When the genetic material of the influenza virus enters the interior of the human cell - contained in it nucleic acids (genetic information) subordinate to the genetic apparatus of the host cell, so that the viral, not the host, proteins begin to form. As a result, numerous new viruses are created and human cells are destroyed. The infection begins to develop intensively. However, before the virus subjugates the genetic mechanism of human cells and starts to produce its "children" replicates - it is necessary to "release and uncover" its genetic material (RNA) from a special envelope. Only then the genetic matrix of the influenza virus becomes active and can be exchanged with the help of special enzymes - on the genetic code imitating human, necessary for the reproduction (replication) of the virus.
How do antiviral drugs work?
It turns out that with the help of drugs with viral activity, it is possible to block the replication of influenza A virus RNA within a human cell. For example, with the help of drugs containing amantadine and rimantadine, intracellular metabolism can be blocked. This prevents the first stage of subordinating the genetic mechanism of our cells by the virus. This means stopping the proliferation of the most dangerous of influenza viruses - type A virus - and thus stopping the flu or significantly reducing its course.
Determinants of the use of amantadine and rimantadine.
Amantadine, in a health-safe concentration, is a drug capable of stopping or significantly reducing the development of influenza after infection. It works most effectively in the infection given from the beginning. It should also be known that amantadine does not affect the influenza virus type B, nor the viruses of pseudorabies and other RNA viruses - so using it by mistake in these cases and not achieving curative effects we will only find out that our disease is less dangerous than we thought. We should also take into account the specific action of the drug on the nervous system (ie the possibility of sleep disorders, nausea, vomiting, increased excitability, etc.). Rimantadine causes less side effects from the central nervous system, but it is more expensive. Elderly patients and patients with renal or hepatic impairment require appropriate dosage adjustments.
Antiviral drugs of the new generation
The above mentioned zanamivir and oseltamivir destroy both A and B viruses. Zanamivir has been approved in the US since 1999 for adults and children from 12 years of age. This significantly increased the treatment options for influenza A and B viruses.It was shown that in patients who received inhaled zanamir in the early period of infection, the symptoms of influenza subsided faster. Zanamivir is used twice a day for 5 days with a breathable plastic inhaler. Zanamivir is already registered in Poland, and the second drug (oseltamivir) is waiting for registration.
Who are the next generation of drugs recommended for?
Antiviral drugs are particularly useful in the prophylaxis of influenza in patients at high risk of health care workers who have not been vaccinated before the outbreak of the epidemic, especially people with immune deficiency who can not produce sufficient levels of specific antibodies after vaccination against influenza.
The basic principle of preventing influenza - protective vaccinations!
The reasons for the treatment of influenza, or destroying influenza viruses types A and B, the basic principle is to prevent - ie. Vaccinations. Antiviral drugs of the new generation and older should be used as a supplement to influenza vaccination and not as a substitute. The more so that the effectiveness of therapy with their help is conditioned by the start of treatment no later than within 48 hours of the disease. The latest generation drugs are also more expensive than the vaccines.
Vaccination against influenza
oprac.red. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Literature:
1. Inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and throat in children - prof. dr hab. med Grażyna Niedzielska from the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Medical Academy in Lublin; Medycyna Rodzinna 8 (4/1999)
2. Throat inflammation in children - Dr n. Med. Teresa Oleniacz; Department of Audiology, Phoniatrics and Laryngology IP-CZD; Warsaw; Health Service No. 3-4 2001
3. The role of purulent streptococci in pharyngitis and tonsillitis, Danuta Dzierżanowska, Lek_Sandoz-2004 website
4. Apothecary counseling - Treatment of colds - Doc. dr hab. Jadwiga Leszczyńska - Gazeta Farmaceutyczna 2000.
5. Cold and its treatment - Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz, MD Adam Kwiecienski; New drugs, 1996
6. Natural treatment of colds - Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz; My health; 1998
7. Encyclopedia of Medicines of Practical Medicine - online
8. Pharmindex
