To date, the following applies: Before the flu virus only protects a vaccination. It is too late, only bed rest helps, drinking tea and sweating. But perhaps it could soon be an effective drug.
Annually health organization (WHO) published estimates of world worldwide three to five million people to the flu. Up to 650,000 Infected die as a result of associated respiratory diseases.
A research team led by biomedical scientist Richard Plemper from Atlanta has now successfully tested an antiviral drug against flu – but so far only in animal studies in ferrets, as well as in the laboratory of respiratory mucosal tissues of humans.
The active ingredient called EIDD-2801 blocking an enzyme called RNA Polymerase, which plays an important role in the propagation of the genetic material of the virus. As a result, the active ingredient of mutations in the genome of the Virus. If enough mutations occur, the genome is ineffective and the Virus can no longer multiply. The doctors published their research results on may 23. October in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
More: Is a flu shot actually makes sense?
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Warning, contagious!Beautiful, but dangerous
Especially for small children and the elderly flu viruses are dangerous. With the naked eye you can’t see it. But you realize quickly when you are: fever, chills, body aches, headache and cough. The viruses consist of not much more than a protein shell and a small genome strand.
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Warning, contagious!No Banality
A possible flu pandemic makes the people afraid. Because they can be dangerous. In the case of the Spanish flu (1918-1920) killed more than 25 million people. Including many 20-Year to 40. Many died of pneumonia. Here, too, the flu, the H1N1 virus was to blame.
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Warning, contagious!What helps?
In the case of a virus, the doctor will fight the flu usually only the symptoms of: cough syrup and prescribe analgesics, antipyretic agents, or ensure that the Patient can sleep. For severe cases, however, there are antiviral drugs: they inhibit the replication of the Virus in the body.
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Warning, contagious!Tricky Vaccine Production
Against the flu can get vaccinated. However, the influenza virus changes by Mutation very quickly. Each year, therefore, developed a new vaccine under strictly sterile conditions. It consists of inactivated virus of the three strains of virus that are in the year, particularly common particles.
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Warning, contagious!Influenza virus from chicken embryos
Some vaccine manufacturers to multiply the influenza virus in fertilized chicken eggs. Because flu viruses also birds attacked the incubated hen’s egg is used as a primitive bird rate. One gets the virus for the vaccine from the developing chicken embryo. A hen’s egg is sufficient for a single Dose.
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Warning, contagious!Swine flu
Influenza viruses also infect pigs and cause them respiratory problems. This Virus subtype H1N1 belongs to. It infests many species of mammals, including humans. In 2009 there was a pandemic a swine flu virus.
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Warning, contagious!Panic – not only in Hong Kong
The swine flu spread in 2009 from Mexico and the United States to over 200 countries. Especially in South Asia, East Africa, and South America, many people sufferers. According to the world health organization, more than 18,000 people have died worldwide from the effects of the swine flu.
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Warning, contagious!Threat Of Bird Flu
Flu viruses can also infect birds. Veterinarians speak then of avian influenza, but this is only another word for bird flu. Basically, each Influenza A Virus strain bird can trigger the flu, he needs to adapt only to birds as a host. The best-known types of H5N1, H7N9 and H5N8 are. The types H5N1 and H7N9 can be transmitted under certain circumstances, to the people.
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Warning, contagious!And finally,
Hands the best prevention against the flu virus is to wash. First of all, you should not touch with unwashed fingers to the eyes and nose – so you can get that easily with pathogens.
Effective against many virus strains
“The molecule is highly efficient against the flu,” said Dr. Plemper, who teaches at Georgia State University biomedical and EIDD-2801, together with colleagues from the Emory University has developed. “It has been tested on a wide range of flu strains, and, above all, it represents a high barrier, which can overcome the Virus barely.”
Among other things, the active substance was also tested against the swine flu Virus that broke out worldwide in 2009. Ferrets are similar to humans in their response to flu viruses. After treatment with the drug, they show significantly shorter fever curves than the animals in the comparison group.
More: What you should know about flu
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No resistance observed
In the case of previous anti-viral agents and there is always the Problem that the virus managed to evolve through Mutation, resistance to the drugs. Dr. Mart Toots, one of the main authors of the study, said now that the Virus is very hard to miss the new molecule.
“We have, to date, no specific resistance mutations have been identified,” said Toots. He was confident that “the genetic barrier to viral resistance is high”. The active ingredient have a “high clinical Potential as a flu drug, the next Generation”.
The doctors want to test the drug in the coming year, for the first time on people.
More: here are 10 of the most dangerous viruses in the world
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemThe Hustle And Bustle!
The immune system needs many different fuels. Fruits and vegetables provide you. They feed as colorful: oranges, red peppers, green leafy vegetables, red cabbage provide a colorful Potpourri of vitamins and a great natural source of Vitamin C.
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemVaccination status check!
In order to bring the immune system up to the current state, you should have all the necessary vaccinations. Adults often forget the vaccinations from the Kinfheit refresh. So in the certificate of vaccination look: Is the immunization against Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, Polio, Hepatitis, pneumococcal, Meningitis, measles, Mumps, rubella, influenza and other still in place? Best to ask the doctor!
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemThe viruses run away.
Scientific studies suggest that a regular exercise of the muscles (Jogging, Nordic Walking, go for a walk) starting at three times a week for 20 minutes, the defense is demonstrably increases. But beware: if you auspowert too much, exhausted immune system.
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemStrongly sleep!
Adequate sleep not only ensures recovery. During the deep stages of sleep, neurotransmitters are released, which mobilise the immune system.
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemHave fun!
Studies show that good mood and fun favor for life a strong immune system. Laugh and Play not bring more quality of life, but increase defenses!
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemAvoid Stress!
Negative Stress stimulates the release of adrenaline and Cortisol. These hormones shut down the immune. A conscious Stress and time management contributes to the fact that the body comes to rest and new energy can refuel. Targeted relaxation exercises such as Meditation, autogenic Training, and Yoga can support the immune system significantly.
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemGo for a walk!
Walks in the fresh air with changing temperature stimuli and movement – both of which stimulates the body’s defenses. In addition, the mucous membranes benefit from better blood circulation, thanks to the higher humidity you with virus attacks to make you feel better.
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemBeware Of Sugar!
Studies have shown that Burning short-chain sugars, many vitamins are not consumed, the body then available.
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No Chance for viruses and bacteria with a strong immune systemHot and Cold!
“Exchange-showers” train the thermoregulation and the blood vessels. Warm-cold-warm-cold is the motto. You can support the shower by a vigorous Massage with a Massage sponge or a brush This stimulates the immune system in addition.