Pharmacological Prevention of Influenza
The use of pharmacological agents to prevent influenza is primarily pathogenetic in nature. The effect is directed at specific links in the chain of disease development, but not at the virus itself. For more information on influenza prevention in adults, read the article on our website – http://forcys.ru/article/profilaktika_grippa_chto_predprinjat_chtoby_ne_zabolet-17/
groups of medications for flu prevention:
- antiviral medications;
- vaccines;
- interferons;
- interferon inducers.
Antiviral medications
These are drugs that act directly on the virus. The mechanism of virus destruction follows one or more pathways: blocking the enzymes essential for the virus’s survival, incorporating the drug’s active ingredient into the virion’s metabolism, or suppressing viral replication. The drawback of these drugs is their high toxicity and numerous side effects.
Vaccines
These are colloidal solutions containing either inactivated viruses or fragmented viral antigens. The vaccine induces the development of immunity. A drawback of this method is the vaccine’s strict specificity; that is, immunity is developed against only a single viral strain.
Interferons and Interferon Inducers
They do not act directly on the virus, but trigger antiviral “response” mechanisms. Interferons activate immune cells, while inducers promote increased production of interferons. This results in constant stimulation of the immune system, which eventually exhausts it. With long-term use, interferons and their inducers can severely weaken the immune system and even cause dependence.
Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these pharmaceuticals is greatly exaggerated by manufacturers and those who advertise them. Often, a long-known substance (synthesized back in the Soviet era) is hidden behind the label of a trendy new drug. It’s simply that the dosage form contains auxiliary components with fancy names, which is why the drug is marketed as a novelty.
“Natural Prevention”
To increase the effectiveness of flu prevention, you should start taking medication in advance, that is, before the peak of the epidemic. However, it is preferable to opt for natural remedies rather than chemical ones. One such option is “Forcis” lozenges. They have antiseptic and astringent properties thanks to natural compounds called polyphenols. Bioflavonoids and vitamin C help support the immune system.
