Winter viruses do not forgive mistakes: ENT doctor's tips that really work 0 10

ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) is an infectious disease caused by viruses. If you happen to catch an infection, it is important to determine whether it is the flu or another type of ARVI. Pharmacy tests can help with this. If the flu is confirmed, it is important to call a doctor and follow their recommendations — there are antiviral medications with proven effectiveness. If you are suffering from ARVI, it is important to behave wisely. How to do this was explained by ENT doctor Anna Gulakova.

ARVI can manifest with various symptoms: cough (bronchitis), runny nose (rhinitis), ear pain (otitis), hoarseness (laryngitis), and any general symptoms (weakness, malaise, fever, etc.).

The most important thing is not to carry on with the illness. Allow your body to cope with it to avoid increasing the risk of complications. There is no specific therapy for viral diseases, but there is symptomatic treatment.

• Ventilate the room, temperature +19-21 °C, humidity in the room 40-60%.

• Drink plenty of fluids (unsweetened fruit drinks, plain water).

• Reduce fever with ibuprofen or paracetamol.

• If there is nasal congestion, any decongestant drops or sprays can be used. The main rule is no more than three times a day and no more than five days. A good nasal rinse with large volumes of saline solution — 200-250 ml, using devices such as a teapot, dolphin, or nasal irrigator. Be sure to watch the instructional video.

• For ear pain, use ibuprofen or paracetamol.

• For sore throat — cool drinks, ice cream, any sugar-free lozenges, ibuprofen or paracetamol.

• Cough is often caused by mucus dripping down the throat, so nasal rinsing and plenty of fluids are a priority.

Dangerous symptoms

What should raise concern and how to understand that, most likely, a complication has occurred and it is time to see an ENT doctor, therapist, or general practitioner?

• High fever (above 38-39 °C) lasting more than three days and not responding to antipyretic medications.

• Increasing weakness, apathy, sweating, and tachycardia.

• Worsening cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.

• Thick green-yellow sputum with an unpleasant odor appears.

• Nasal congestion lasts more than 14 days, and pain in the forehead or cheeks intensifies.

• Ear pain that is not relieved by painkillers, or something starts to leak from the ear.

• Rash appears with ARVI, especially if it does not fade when pressed.

Herbs for prevention: can be dangerous

The use of herbs and dietary supplements for the prevention of ARVI is associated with a number of serious risks. For example, echinacea can inhibit the action of immunosuppressants. The most dangerous factor remains the illusion of protection: relying on dietary supplements, people often neglect basic prevention, significantly increasing the risk of actual infection.

Don’t look for magic pills: what helps to avoid getting sick

There are logical and proven ways to reduce the risk of ARVI. The most effective remains annual vaccination against the flu, which reduces the likelihood of illness by 40–60%, forming specific immunity to key strains. Maintaining hygiene, including handwashing and wearing masks during the cold season, provides additional protection by creating a physical barrier to the virus.

In addition, lifestyle plays a fundamental role. Regular physical activity lasting 30-45 minutes a day improves NK cell circulation and reduces the risk of illness. Healthy sleep lasting 7–9 hours and minimizing stress ensure immune recovery, providing additional percentages of protection. Finally, a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 provides the body with necessary micronutrients naturally.

Prevention consists of strengthening basic immunity, not in searching for a magic pill. If there is a suspicion of vitamin deficiency, it is necessary to take tests for vitamin D, zinc, or ferritin and make targeted corrections under the supervision of a specialist. In the cold season, the combination of vaccination and hygiene is significantly more effective than any supplements. This approach can reduce the risk of ARVI by more than 70% without unnecessary illusions.

Avoid hypothermia and stress, as they reduce the body's defenses. At the first signs of illness, do not delay rest and treatment to minimize the risk of complications and recover health faster.