Pneumonia, ARDS and myocarditis: TOP-5 most dangerous complications of influenza

Influenza is an acute viral infectious disease with airborne droplet transmission of the pathogen. It is characterized by acute onset, fever (38 ° C and above), general intoxication and damage to the respiratory tract. About what is dangerous flu and how to protect yourself from severe consequences, said Rospotrebnadzor in the Kaliningrad region.

1. Pneumonia. The virus can directly infect lung tissue (viral pneumonia) or "open the door" for bacteria - then secondary bacterial or viral-bacterial pneumonia develops.

2. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). An extremely severe condition in which the barrier function of the lung tissue is disturbed. Severe respiratory failure develops.

3. Cardiovascular complications. Influenza creates an increased load on the heart. Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardial bag) are possible.

4. Neurological complications. The influenza virus is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain substance).

5. Infectious-toxic shock (ITS). It develops against the background of severe flu.

Vaccination is the main preventive measure. The vaccine does not give a 100% guarantee of protection against infection, however, even if the vaccinated person still gets sick, the disease usually proceeds in a milder form and with less risk of complications.