Options for pathogenic treatment of influenza

Abstract

The incidence of influenza and other acute respiratory infections in the Russian Federation remains high. Meanwhile, the economic burden of seasonal flu reaches 100 billion roubles per year, which is about 85% of the cost of all infectious diseases. In most cases, the progression of flu is favourable ending in 2-5 days with a good outcome. The most dangerous complications that threaten the life of patient are primarily various respiratory disorders and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Flu therapy should take into account possible worsening of symptoms, risk of complications and serious disorders in the vital organs. The main objectives of pathogenetic therapy of influenza in the early stages of the disease are: 1) recovery of the enzymatic activity of proteins and consequently of all physiological processes which became impaired by excessive temperature rise; 2) limitation of the local inflammatory response through timely intake of anti-inflammatory drugs; 3) antioxidant protection against reactive oxygen intermediates produced in large quantities in the area of inflammation.