Russian clinical guidelines “Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in adults” (2021): what’s new for a practitioner?

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Viral Infections (ARI) are the most common respiratory diseases. The main purposes of ARI and influenza therapy are to improve the quality of life of the patient and prevent complications, which can be achieved by combining antiviral and symptomatic therapy. It is important for general practitioners to know the principles of respiratory tract infectious disease treatment. The principles of the therapy include reduction of viral load, broncho- and mucolitic effects and improvement of the patient’s quality of life (reductions in symptoms), prevention of complications. It is recommended to start treatment with antiviral drugs for the first 48 hours after the clinical manifestation of the disease. To improve the quality of life, the prescription of combination medicines is a priority. The use of combined drugs is more convenient than mono-component drugs and safe for patients. It is important to bear in mind that, that immunomodulating agents after a manifestation of the disease are not effective. Local and international clinical recommendations prescribe the use of symptomatic agents for ARI and influenza, but their preventive use is not permitted. Symptomatic treatment is a priority and makes it possible to relieve the general condition, accelerate recovery and improve the quality of life of patients, and gives the doctor time to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe ethiotropic therapy. The combined drugs, including the analgesic/antipyretic component paracetamol, antihistamine phenylamine and decongestant phenylephrine, relive the main clinical symptoms of ARI. The purpose of this combination is optimal from the point of view of efficiency and safety.