Kazakhstani medics have finally spoken about the rise in seasonal incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and flu among the population. They answered all questions about how to treat without harming health and when to urgently call an ambulance. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Symptomatic relief
For symptomatic relief of fever, headache and muscle pain, nasal congestion and other manifestations of ARI, it is recommended to have the necessary remedies on hand.
When choosing a drug, attention should be paid primarily to the international nonproprietary name (INN), dosage, indications and contraindications, and not only to the trade name.
It is not recommended to independently purchase and take prescription antiviral drugs.
The decision to prescribe antiviral therapy is made by a medical professional taking into account the clinical picture, the patient's age, the presence of risk factors and the severity of the disease.
What to know about antibiotics
Antibiotics do not act on viruses, which are the cause of most cases of flu and ARI.
Independent use of antibiotics can lead to the development of resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs, adverse reactions and other complications.
Antibacterial therapy is prescribed by a doctor only in the presence of appropriate medical indications, including confirmed or suspected bacterial complications.
Carefully study combination drugs
The composition of combination cold and flu drugs should be carefully studied.
Some of them already contain paracetamol. Simultaneous use of such a drug with a separate paracetamol product can lead to exceeding the recommended dose.
Several medicines with the same active substance should not be taken simultaneously without consulting a medical professional.
Free and subsidized drug provision
Free and subsidized drug provision is carried out within the framework of the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and does not automatically apply to every citizen who falls ill with ARI or flu.
Outpatient drug provision is carried out according to medical indications for certain categories of citizens and patients with certain diseases (conditions) under dispensary observation, in accordance with the lists and rules approved by regulatory legal acts in the field of healthcare.
Receiving a drug within the framework of outpatient drug provision is carried out, as a rule, by prescription of a medical professional and an issued electronic prescription.
During inpatient treatment, medicines are provided to patients within the framework of the corresponding package of medical care in accordance with the established procedure.
Thus, an ordinary case of seasonal flu or ARI by itself does not mean an automatic right to receive all medicines free of charge.
State regulation of drug prices
Kazakhstan has a system of state regulation of prices for medicines. At the same time, state regulation does not apply to all medicines. For certain medicines, prices are formed taking into account market mechanisms.
Therefore, the cost of the same active substance may differ depending on the manufacturer, trade name, dosage form, dosage and pharmacy organization.
In order to rationally use funds, the population is recommended to compare the cost of drugs in various pharmacy organizations and, if possible, choose medicines by INN.
Treatment for mild ARI
In mild cases of ARI, treatment may include rest, adequate fluid intake and symptomatic therapy.
Special attention should be paid to young children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with chronic diseases.
Prevention
To prevent flu and ARI, it is recommended to follow precautionary measures.
Medics noted that for a home medicine cabinet it is not necessary to purchase a large number of medicines. In most cases, it is enough to have a thermometer, one of the antipyretic agents in the absence of contraindications, a nasal rinse and a rehydration agent.
Antibiotics, prescription antivirals and other prescription drugs should be used only as prescribed by a medical professional.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that in mid-September Kazakhstan not only did not record a new outbreak of ARI, but also noted a decline in incidence. The number of infections fell by almost a quarter compared to last year. This was reported by epidemiologist of the branch of the National Center for Public Health Meiramgul Smagulova.
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