Influenza sore throat

Influenza-like sore throat is not a mandatory manifestation of influenza infection, but in some cases it develops against its background or manifests itself primarily, simulating banal pharyngitis or tonsillitis.

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Symptoms of flu sore throat

In most cases, general symptoms of infection develop first, and against their background - accentuated pharyngeal symptoms of influenza angina, which are characterized by diffuse pronounced hyperemia of the mucous membrane, a feeling of dryness and burning of the pharynx, nasal congestion, difficulty and pain when swallowing. The patient's face is hyperemic, covered in sweat, eyes are shiny, lips are dry, the patient is deeply asthenic with a painful headache. Influenza angina lasts for several days and passes mainly without complications, but asthenic syndrome persists for several days or weeks, indicating that the influenza virus has a pronounced neurotropism to the central nervous system.

Complications arise when the influenza infection has suppressed the body's resistance and immunity so much that the opportunistic microbiota, acquiring pathogenic properties, becomes the leading factor in the pathological process and causes coccal lesions of the pharynx, larynx, trachea, nasopharynx, ear, etc. A formidable complication of influenza is infectious toxic shock, as well as edema of the brain and lungs. Myocardial infarctions and cerebral hemorrhages may occur.

Diagnosis of influenza sore throat

The diagnosis of "flu-like sore throat" is based on the general diagnosis of influenza infection, which, in turn, uses epidemiological data, the nature of the clinical course and the results of laboratory tests.

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Treatment of flu sore throat

Treatment of influenza sore throat is limited to drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with antiseptic solutions, and in case of bacterial superinfection - sulfonamides and antibiotics. However, there is a proven opinion that during influenza, antibacterial drugs (sulfonamides and antibiotics) should not be prescribed for uncomplicated influenza, since they do not act on influenza viruses and do not prevent complications, in particular pneumonia. On the contrary, pneumonia and other complications that develop against the background of antibiotic therapy are less treatable. It should also be borne in mind that bacteria are antagonists of viruses, and their suppression by antibiotics contributes to a more vigorous development of viral infection.

Anti-flu treatment for influenza sore throat is carried out using appropriate special methods used in an infectious diseases hospital.

Prevention of influenza sore throat

Prevention of influenza sore throat consists of following all anti-infective measures used for contagious diseases (isolation of the patient, use of personal protective equipment, disinfection of the premises and items used to care for the patient, active detection of foci of infection, etc. Specific prevention of influenza, which has been especially actively used in recent years, is carried out by vaccination in the pre-epidemic period, as well as by prescribing antiviral drugs to people who have been in contact with patients (emergency prevention). Mass vaccinations are carried out on a territorial basis (city, region) with coverage of at least 70-80% of the population; this ensures collective immunity and prevents outbreaks of epidemics.

What is the prognosis for flu-like sore throat?

Influenza-related sore throat has a favorable prognosis, however, in severe forms of influenza complicated by pneumonia, pulmonary and cerebral edema, intracranial complications, the disease, despite all efforts, often ends in the death of the patient.