Interferon therapy for COVID-19 in children: theory and practice

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In winter, it is difficult to find a more pressing topic than the prevention of influenza and ARVI in children under 1 year of age and older. There are at least two hundred viruses that provoke the development of respiratory diseases, and the immune system of children, especially younger ones, is just learning to recognize them and fight pathology. The task of each parent is to minimize the likelihood of infection by any available methods.

In a multidisciplinary clinic, you can consult with an experienced specialist on the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases during periods of epidemics.

General recommendations

There is a list of recommendations that includes publicly available measures to prevent ARVI and influenza in children, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed by the experience of ordinary people and doctors, including the authoritative specialist E.O. Komarovsky.

• Well-established life
  It is difficult to fight germs and bacteria when living conditions contribute to their proliferation. To clean your home as much as possible from harmful microorganisms, you need to adhere to the following rules:

  - do not allow the temperature in the room to exceed 22ºС, in the bedroom - above 19ºС; - do wet cleaning daily; - treat door handles and switches with an antibacterial agent; — maintain air humidity in the range of 50-70%; - reduce the number of things that retain dust (stuffed toys, carpets, souvenirs, etc.) - regularly ventilate the rooms.

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  In addition, if one of the family members is sick, it is necessary to reduce the number of direct contacts with him.

• Nutrition
  Physical condition directly depends on diet. This is especially important for a growing organism, so when organizing nutrition you need to:

  - adhere to a certain eating regimen; -create a balanced and varied menu; -eat small portions, 4-5 times a day; -limit the consumption of sweets, as well as foods high in unnatural additives.

  It is important to remember that simple meals made from basic foods and seasonal vegetables and fruits are the healthiest. It is also worth maintaining water balance in the child’s body. The child needs to consume enough fluids daily (children over 2 years old - about 1 liter of water). At the initial stage, when the first symptoms appear, drinking plenty of fluids helps to quickly cleanse the body of pathogenic microorganisms.

• Hygiene
  In addition to the basic rules of personal hygiene, you need to add special procedures that reduce the risk of colds:

  - wash your hands more often (mandatory if you cover your mouth with your palm when coughing or sneezing); - rinse the nasal passages and throat with special solutions; - do not touch your face with your hands and do not rub your eyes with them (use napkins); — during epidemics, use a disposable mask in places where people are present; - use your own personal items (toothbrush, comb, your own dishes and cutlery, etc.).

  These are generally accepted rules that should not be neglected, allowing the proliferation of bacteria and viruses. If it is not possible to wash your hands, you can use antiseptics that are convenient to take with you.

• Daily regime
  It is equally important to adhere to the routine:

  - night sleep should last at least 8 hours; — it is advisable to maintain a “quiet hour” during the day, especially for preschoolers; - Ensure adequate physical activity during the day.

  Adequate rest is necessary to activate protective functions, regardless of age.

• Walking outside
  To maximize your health in the fresh air, you must:

  - walk 3-4 hours daily (depending on weather conditions, you can adjust the time spent outside); - avoid hypothermia, especially long-term; - dress according to the weather, taking into account such factors as the presence of precipitation and ambient temperature, as well as the degree of activity of the baby; - if the child gets wet, return to the room as soon as possible, change into dry clothes and give him a warm drink.

For walks, it is better to choose parks and squares, pedestrian zones and areas located away from congestion of cars. In winter, it is advisable to avoid crowded places and give preference to a walk in the forest instead of visiting an entertainment center or cinema.

Polyoxidonium is a complex drug for combating viruses, bacteria, fungi

The immunomodulating agent is produced in Russia. Azoximer bromide was used as the main active substance. The component enhances immune defense and helps the body fight the pathogen.

Polyoxidonium enhances the body's response to attack by foreign microorganisms. Suitable for the treatment and prevention of diseases of viral etiology. The drug stops inflammatory processes, promotes the elimination of toxins, and exhibits antioxidant activity. When completing the course, the risk of complications from the respiratory system is reduced. Among the advantages are a convenient release form and dosage regimen. The downside is the high price.

Additional Information:

The medicine will be useful not only during the season of viral diseases, but also during the period of adaptation of the child to kindergarten. Polyoxidonium affects the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and the duration of the disease.

Prevention of ARVI and influenza in infants

Basic virus precautions for newborns are no different from general recommendations. But there are additional ways to protect the little ones:

• invite guests to your home less often to reduce the number of contacts;
• wash your hands thoroughly before interacting with your baby;
• provide the baby with his own hygiene supplies and separate dishes;
• refrain from introducing new products into complementary foods during epidemics;
• exclude unacceptable methods of “disinfection” (lick a fallen pacifier or spoon, etc.);
• Do not touch the child’s face with your hands on the street;
• bathe the baby daily in warm water (about 36ºС);
• Continue breastfeeding for at least 12 months.

Ingavirin to improve overall well-being

The Russian drug is produced on the basis of vitaglutam. This is a children's remedy for illness. In case of illness, its action is aimed at eliminating headaches and nasal congestion. The active component suppresses the virus and exhibits immunomodulatory properties. The product has a gentle effect on the body against parainfluenza, adenovirus, and influenza of the main types (A, B). Reviews note its ability to normalize body temperature. Symptoms become less pronounced or are completely eliminated by the drug.

Prevention of ARVI in children in kindergarten

In preschool institutions, sanitary and hygienic standards are constantly observed, and measures are taken to prevent the development of viral diseases, for example:

• air baths and hardening procedures (usually include gymnastic exercises, walking barefoot on a special surface);
• quartzing of premises.

It is equally important for parents to take precautions: if the baby shows the first signs of illness (stuffy or runny nose, coughing, etc.), you need to cancel your visit to the facility.

Ismigen for local immunity

The product is produced in Italy, its action is aimed at activating local immunity. The immunostimulant contains bacterial lysates.

Ismigen provides protection against respiratory diseases. Antibodies are produced in the blood, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics.

The combined drug is used from 3 years of age for laryngitis, otitis, and bronchitis. As parents note, the child has a runny nose (including after the flu). The effect is compared to vaccination.

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Prevention of influenza and ARVI in schools

To reduce the likelihood of the spread of viruses among schoolchildren, you need to:

• ventilate classrooms at least 5 times a day;
• at the end of the educational process, do wet cleaning of the room;
• Students must wash their hands, observing the rules of personal hygiene;
• children with cold symptoms should wear disposable respiratory masks;
• Use saline solution to rinse your nose and gargle.

If the educational institution is not located near your home, but within walking distance, it is better to walk and not use public transport. This way you can avoid unnecessary contact with potential carriers of the virus.

Orvirem for influenza (type A)

An inexpensive Russian drug based on rimantadine hydrochloride. Orvirem appears to be effective against influenza of various strains, which has been confirmed by clinical studies. The body recovers in a short time.

The medicine is suitable for use for preventive purposes after contact with infected people. Sweet syrup is convenient to use for treating very young children.

Drug protection

The list of drugs for the prevention of influenza and ARVI is constantly updated with new items. Despite the wide range, there are a number of medications that have proven themselves to be good protection against colds.

• Antiviral tablets
  To prevent the development of pathological processes, immunomodulators and interferon-based drugs are used. They are able to activate the immune system and compensate for the lack of their own interferons, which significantly increases resistance to viruses of various etiologies. Such drugs include Gripferon, Cycloferon, Kipferon and other medications.
• Drops for children for the prevention of ARVI
  Rinsing the nasal passages with saline or saline solution ensures the removal of pathological microorganisms, and as a result, protects against the penetration of viruses and bacteria. For the procedures, use pharmaceutical preparations: Aqualor, Aquamaris and others, or prepare a saline solution yourself, for which dissolve table salt in boiled water at the rate of ½ teaspoon of salt per glass of water.
• Sprays in the throat for the prevention of ARVI
  Antiseptic drugs in the form of sprays (Miramistin, Hexoral and others) should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Self-administration of such medications, instead of benefit, can harm your health.
• Ointments and gels for protection against colds
  Ointments and gels are usually used for the nose, since the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms occurs mainly through the respiratory tract.

  They recommend Fleming's ointment, Oxolinic and Tetracycline ointments, Golden Star balm, Otofag gel and other products. Before use, you need to familiarize yourself with the age restrictions. Viferon ointment is also popular and effective for the prevention of ARVI in children and adults, including during pregnancy.

• Inhalations with saline solution for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections in children
  The purpose of such inhalation is to moisturize the mucous membranes and clear the respiratory tract of viruses and bacteria. At the first signs of a cold, this measure will shorten the treatment period or completely get rid of clinical manifestations in the early stages. But for no apparent reason, simply rinsing the nose is enough.
• Vitamins
  Multivitamins and vitamin complexes are dietary supplements and can be used according to the instructions (Vitrum, Alphabet, Multitabs and others). In this case, it is necessary to take into account the age and weight of the child, since excessive use of such additives will not be beneficial. In addition, a balanced diet, consumption of seasonal vegetables and fruits will provide the body with useful substances without special means. Before you start taking vitamins, you should visit a specialist.
• Prevention of influenza and ARVI with folk remedies
  Folk remedies do not have scientific confirmation, so their effectiveness can only be proven by one’s own experience. These include placing peeled garlic cloves indoors, “inhalation” over a pan of freshly boiled potatoes, hot drinks in the form of milk with butter, tea with honey or raspberry jam, and many other methods.

Due to the safety of most procedures, the prevention of ARVI and influenza using traditional methods is popular among pregnant women and is used for children over 3 years of age. Such methods are allowed, but do not replace the need to receive qualified medical assistance and take medications.

Tamiflu for influenza (type A, B)

The list is topped by a drug from the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. Tamiflu has undergone many clinical studies, its antiviral effect is provided by oseltamivir. The active component helps the body destroy the virus, prevents or reduces the likelihood of complications due to influenza. The substance enters the respiratory system and eliminates the cause of the disease.

As mothers note, when using this product, treatment is more effective and faster. The drug is expensive, but absolutely safe. Approved for use from 1 year. The course of treatment and prevention is short, the results are lasting.

Contraindications

There are contraindications for the flu shot:

• age up to six months;
• presence of allergies to the components of the drug;
• severe reaction to a previous vaccination.

Children who have:

• egg allergy;
• dysfunction of the immune system.

In any case, before vaccination, you must be examined by a doctor and undergo tests. Two weeks before the vaccination date, it is advisable to avoid traveling. If you are prone to allergies, you should start giving antihistamines three days before the procedure. If a child falls ill within three weeks before vaccination, it is recommended to postpone the vaccination date to a later date.

Isoprinosine for HPV, chickenpox, measles

The medicine is produced in Portugal. This is one of the most powerful drugs against viruses.

The necessary effect is provided by inosine pranobex. Under the influence of the active component, lymphocytes are activated. As a result, the immune response is increased.

The course is prescribed by the doctor. The recommended duration is from 5 to 14 days.

What is taken into account when prescribing antiviral drugs for prevention in children?

It is impossible to prescribe even good antiviral drugs for prevention without taking into account a number of factors (age of the child, state of health, drugs used). To achieve the effect, an integrated approach is required, and this means following a daily routine, hardening, playing sports and creating comfortable conditions for the child’s life. Some children may require physical therapy: strengthening massage, iodine-bromine and pearl baths. In the acute period, this will be one scheme, and during the recovery period, another. The correction regimen may include immunomodulators of plant origin, interferons, metabolites, peptide bioregulators or synthetic immunomodulators, vitamin and mineral complexes. Specific vaccination as one of the methods of preventing influenza is carried out after a period of recovery of the child from previous diseases. All children from 6 months of age are required to be vaccinated against influenza. The risk group includes all persons with heart disease, diabetes, HIV, bronchial asthma, and anemia.

Ergoferon is a drug with a wide spectrum of actions

Children's therapy for seasonal colds can be carried out with the help of Ergoferon. The drug exhibits antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps the body resist viruses, fungi, bacteria.

Ergoferon is prescribed for ARVI, influenza (type A, B), herpes and other viral diseases. It is used not only for treatment, but for preventive purposes.

The drug is available in tablets. For children over 6 months of age, they are crushed into powder and dissolved in breast milk or water. The treatment regimen is selected by a pediatrician.

Individual intolerance to the components is possible.

Criterias of choice

Let's look at what to look for to avoid mistakes when choosing products:

1. Age. The main criterion for selecting medications is the age of the child. The dosage inside the tablet or syrup is designed so that a certain amount of the drug falls on a certain weight (age). If a 3-year-old child is given a drug for the age of 6, there will be a severe overdose; if done the other way around, the effect of taking it will be minimal.
2. Precautionary measures. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions for use, which indicate how to give the baby the medicine and in what quantity.
3. Active substance. Pay attention to the composition of the medicine. The active substance in it must correspond to the virus that your baby is sick with, otherwise there will be no effect from taking it.
4. Where can I buy. Buying from an online store can significantly reduce your time costs, and sometimes medications are cheaper there than in a pharmacy. Ordering online is not difficult; you can have it delivered to your home or picked up at your nearest pharmacy.
5. Which one is better to buy? The popularity of a model is not always justified by the effectiveness of the drug. Sometimes time-tested but not overly advertised products help more effectively than popular models and new products that constantly appear on the market.
6. Doctor's prescription. Be sure to consult your doctor about possible contraindications before purchasing. Also, if the medicine is a prescription, your doctor will write a prescription.
7. Price. Inexpensive (budget) products are sometimes not inferior to their expensive counterparts. Therefore, initially consult your doctor which medicine will be more effective. Don't overpay for the brand. Children's medications on the market have the highest percentage of counterfeits. Therefore, be careful to ask the seller for a certificate for the product.

Acute respiratory viral diseases - what is it?

ARVI is a group of diseases similar in their clinical manifestations, affecting the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and manifesting as laryngitis, bronchitis, nasopharynitis, and sometimes conjunctivitis. This includes diseases caused by various viruses. According to data provided by prof. A.L. Zaplatnikov 1 in a sample of 290 children with ARVI indicated the following as the source of the disease: bocavirus 1.6%; coronavirus 3.2%; parainfluenza virus 5%, adenovirus 4.4%, influenza B virus 4.8%, metapneumovirus 7.2%, respiratory syncytial virus 7.8%, influenza A virus 16.1%. Rhinovirus in 14.9% of cases is one of the most common, whose safety is quite conditional, since among the forms of this virus there are very dangerous ones that are tropic to the epithelium of the lower parts of the respiratory tract and can cause severe viral pneumonia.