Children get colds more often than adults. This state of affairs is due to a weak immune system.
Every parent wants to see their baby healthy. Immunostimulants help strengthen the body's defenses.
The drugs are aimed at increasing immunity and accelerating the additional production of protective components.
Immunostimulants are safe for children who do not suffer from manifestations of chronic pathologies or malfunctions of the immune system.
It is prohibited to independently select and give any medications to the patient. Before starting therapy, consult your pediatrician.
What is immunity
The immune system:
- protects healthy body cells;
- resists pathogenic microorganisms;
- immunity is aimed at identifying and destroying foreign particles that attack the body.
Strong immunity copes with colds in a short period of time, the pathology proceeds without complications.
Frequent illnesses, lack of vitamins, poor diet and a host of other negative factors weaken the body’s defenses, which leads to prolonged illnesses and negative consequences.
Immunity is divided into two types:
- specific (fights all pathogens, often without recognizing unfamiliar microorganisms);
- nonspecific (occurs after vaccination or as a result of suffering special pathologies, for example, the baby will not get sick the second time).
The last type of protection in a small person must be constantly strengthened hardening, vaccinations, general strengthening agents.
Dr. Komarovsky talks about what to do to strengthen the immune system after an illness and whether it is worth giving immunostimulants to children:
The effect of drugs that stimulate the immune system
Such medications are intended to strengthen and stimulate the immune system in children. A special class of natural and synthetic compounds includes components that can affect the human immune system.
Parents often give their children a lot of medications in an attempt to prevent colds. It is strictly forbidden to do this without first consulting a doctor.
Immunostimulants – medications that have contraindications and side effects, uncontrolled treatment leads to complications and severe side effects.
Indications for use
Immunostimulants should not be used unless directed by a pediatrician. The tools are used to solve the following problems:
- with congenital immunodeficiency, frequent colds;
- the presence of mycoses, helminths;
- frequent allergic reactions;
- inflammatory conditions of bacterial, viral nature.
Please note: a specific drug is prescribed by a pediatrician It is strictly forbidden to give your baby any medications on your own.
Contraindications
Immunostimulants have a beneficial effect on the children's body. But there are limitations:
The presence of any diseases associated with the functioning of the immune system is an absolute contraindication to the use of immunostimulants.
Don’t risk your baby’s health: the products should only bring benefits.
Classification of drugs
The pharmaceutical industry produces a lot of medicines. Each type has advantages and disadvantages and requires specific use:
- herbal medicines cope with the task, have virtually no contraindications;
- medicines of microbial origin. They act similarly to vaccinations;
- immunostimulants from animal thymus. Means for stimulating individual components of cellular immunity. Medicines are used under the strict supervision of a doctor;
- medicines that have a synthetic base, with antitumor, antiviral effects. Used in complex therapy.
Each type of immunostimulant is prescribed in certain cases, taking into account the child’s condition, the presence of chronic pathologies, and age.
The pediatrician is responsible for selecting the correct drug therapy.
Review of popular drugs
We offer a list of the main immunostimulant drugs for children.
Anaferon Children's
Used for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infections.
To prevent colds Prescribe one pill every day for several weeks.
After consultation with a doctor, therapy is extended to three months.
For the treatment of diseases the baby is given three tablets per day; when the first symptoms of the disease are detected, the dosage regimen looks like this: the patient is given a pill every 30 minutes for the first two hours.
Price at the pharmacy - from 230 rubles.
Interferon
Medicine Available in powder form, packaged in glass ampoules. Based on the lyophilisate, a solution is prepared for instillation into the baby’s eyes and nose.
Interferon is used to treat colds and other eye infections.
For preventive purposes, drop the medicine into your nose (five drops in each nostril).
Price of the drug - from 115 rubles.
Cordyceps
The immunostimulant is made from a special type of Chinese mushroom, the healing properties of which are confirmed by research and patient reviews.
The use of Cordyceps strengthens the immune system, suppresses the growth of malignant tumors, and copes with inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract, up to.
The medicine has a beneficial effect on the child’s ability to learn, increasing endurance. Cordyceps recommended patients from six years old.
Price - from 1700 rubles.
Dekaris
The drug has a general strengthening, immunostimulating, anthelmintic effect.
Has a wide range of effects, even a single dose completely relieves the baby of roundworms. The product is available in tablets.
From 3 to 6 years it is indicated for taking 50 mg per day, from six to fourteen years the dose is increased to 100 mg.
The specific dosage and duration of treatment is indicated by the attending physician.
You can buy it at a price from 70 rubles.
Transfer Factor
Powerful drug to strengthen the immune system.
Studies have shown that taking the drug reduces the incidence of illness by 74%, the risk of complications during colds by 85%.
The main component of the product is cow's colostrum. Transfer Factor is safe, side effects are practically excluded.
The price is high - from 3000 rubles.
Viferon
Has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating effects. The drug is used for preventive purposes and for the treatment of viral diseases (influenza, bacterial complications).
The immunostimulant is approved for infants up to one year old, which indicates the complete safety of the drug and high efficiency. The drug is produced in the form of rectal suppositories.
Price of the drug - from 300 to 850 rubles.
The listed funds are used more often than others in Russia. Reasonable price and high efficiency explain the popularity of these compounds.
Herbal products
These medications, natural immunostimulants for children that strengthen the defenses, are combined into a separate group. The compositions are safe for children and rarely cause side effects.
Natural remedies have long been used by our ancestors for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
Immunostimulants of plant origin divided into two groups.
Plants that can stimulate the immune system and inhibit its functions(with incorrect dosage): yellow capsule, mistletoe, licorice, iris.
Treatment of a child with such herbs should be discussed with the doctor. Parents should follow the pediatrician's recommendations.
Medicinal plants with mild immunostimulating effects, very rarely cause side effects.
Such remedies include aloe, figs, hawthorn, cranberry, thyme, rose hips, and echinacea.
Herbal remedies are often used for self-medication.
Additionally, pharmacy chains offer vitamin complexes, which have a slight immunostimulating effect. Pediatricians recommend combining vitamins and minerals with medicinal herbs.
Immunostimulants are used to prevent colds, especially during periods of exacerbation of seasonal diseases (autumn - winter).
It is important to choose the right drug, having first consulted a doctor. Pediatricians do not encourage self-medication of diseases in young patients.
Subscribe to site updates via RSS, or stay tuned
The body's defenses - immunity, can be either innate or acquired. The first type is resilient and full of strength, provided that the body is actively hardened and the correct lifestyle is maintained. At the same time, we should not forget that the resources of innate immunity are exhaustible. That is, with frequent colds or with serious interventions in the human body, a significant decrease in his strength occurs. This is where immunomodulators for children and adults will be relevant. As for acquired immunity, it works on the principle of memory. That is, when re-infected with a previous infection, immune cells inhibit the virus that has entered the body.
Difference between immunomodulators and immunostimulants
Immunomodulators are drugs of natural or synthetic origin that can change the number of immune cells in one direction or another. That is, if it is necessary to strengthen the body's defenses, immunostimulants are used - drugs that stimulate the activity of the defenses. If autoimmune processes occur in the body, then there is a need to use immunosuppressive drugs. That is, those drugs that, on the contrary, will suppress the immune system. One way or another, both types of drugs modulate immunity.
Important: immunosuppressants and immunostimulants are in any case immunomodulators. But not every immunomodulator is an immunostimulant.
A natural or synthetic immunostimulant for children or adults is relevant for the following diseases:
- Frequent chronic infections, including ARVI;
- HIV and AIDS.
All types of immunostimulating drugs can be divided into two groups:
- Natural. They contain exclusively natural ingredients, such as extracts and extracts of herbs, etc.;
- Synthetic. They consist of artificially synthesized components that strengthen and stimulate the functioning of the body's defenses.
Attention! For neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature, as well as for the treatment of allergies, immunomodulators are used. Since stimulating the human immune system, in these cases it can lead to the opposite effect and worsen the course of the disease.
Types of immunostimulants
All immunostimulants for children and adults can also be divided into two types:
- Potent. They have a dramatic effect, but at the same time provoke a lot of adverse reactions. Most often they are prescribed for complex conditions such as oncology, HIV, herpes virus, etc.
- Mild drugs. Can be prescribed even to children from 6 months. Such medications reduce symptoms and help the body fight viruses. Such remedies can be taken as preventative during seasonal illness or as therapeutic in case of established infection.
List of children's immunostimulant drugs
The list of immunostimulant drugs given below contains the names of drugs that can be purchased today in Russian pharmacies without a prescription. However, before using any of them, it is still advisable to consult with your doctor. Especially if you plan to use immunomodulators for children over 3 years old. A complete list of children's medications that work to actively strengthen the body's defenses looks like this:
- Anaferon for children. Interferon-based drug. The drug actively fights not only acute respiratory infections, influenza, ARVI or bronchitis, but is also used in complex therapy in the treatment of urogenital infections, viral infections such as herpes, etc. Anaferon can be taken by pregnant women, but only from the 2nd trimester.
- Viferon. A combination drug based on interferon. Viferon has proven itself in the treatment of colds, viral infections, influenza and pathologies of the respiratory system, including bronchial asthma. In addition, the use of this immunomodulator for children is relevant for renal pathologies. The drug is prescribed to children from 1 year of age in the form of an ointment or gel.
- Amiksin. A drug that powerfully synthesizes interferon, due to which the body’s defenses begin to work harder. In addition to using the drug in the treatment of standard colds, Amiksin is also prescribed for viral hepatitis A, B, C, tuberculosis and diseases of the respiratory system in adults. The drug is prescribed to children from 7 years of age at a dosage of 1 tablet once a day. The course of treatment is 3 days. The use of Amiksin is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
Important: Using the drug at an earlier age has a destructive effect on developing immunity.
- IRS. When considering immunostimulants for children, this drug is included in the list of drugs, which simultaneously works both as an antibacterial drug and as an immunostimulant. IRS-19 actively stimulates the work of nonspecific and specific immunity, and therefore is often used in the treatment of the respiratory system, for various viral infections and acute respiratory infections. The drug is prescribed both as a preventative and as a treatment. The medicine in the form of a spray can be prescribed for the treatment of children from 3 months. From this age until three years, the product is injected once a day into each nostril. Children over 3 years old are prescribed one injection into each nasal passage 2-4 times a day. The course of therapy is 1-2 weeks.
- Aflubin. The drug is used for adenoviral infections and influenza, for acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, as well as for rheumatic and inflammatory processes. All components of the drug have an immunostimulating, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. Aflubin can be prescribed to babies up to one year old. Here the dosage is 1 drop 4 or 5 times a day. Children from 1 to 12 years old are prescribed 5 drops 7 times a day. The course of therapy is 5-10 days.
- Ergoferon. A medicine that is actively used for influenza and ARVI, for acute respiratory infections and adenoviral infections, for tuberculosis and pseudotuberculosis. In addition, Ergoferon is prescribed for the treatment of intestinal infections, tick-borne encephalitis, rotavirus infection, meningococcal infection, etc. Children aged 6 months to 6 years are prescribed 1 tablet of the drug 1-2 times a day. The tablet must first be diluted in boiled, cooled water (1 tbsp). Children aged 6 years and older are prescribed 1 tablet of Ergoferon 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 20-30 days.
- Thymogen. The drug for children is available in the form of a spray. Its active components normalize and enhance the body's defenses by activating humoral and cellular immunity. Thymogen regenerates tissues and improves metabolic processes in cells. Children over the age of 1 year are prescribed the drug 1 injection into each nostril once a day. The course of therapy is 7-10 days.
- Lysobacter. To a greater extent, the drug is a natural antiseptic, but it also has a weak immunostimulating effect. The use of Lysobact is indicated in the treatment of purulent and inflammatory processes of an infectious nature of the ENT organs. Children are prescribed 1 tablet three times a day at the age of 3-7 years. Children over 7 years old are prescribed 1 tablet 3-4 times a day. The course of therapy is a week.
Whatever children's immunostimulants you choose for your baby, it is advisable to first consult with your family doctor and give your baby an accurate diagnosis. It is quite possible that the baby requires complex treatment, and not just the use of immunostimulating drugs.
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
What are immunomodulators and immunostimulants?
Immunomodulators are called drugs that affect the immune system and change its functioning. Immunomodulators can be divided into 2 groups:1. Immunostimulants – stimulate immune reactions, increase immunity.
2. Immunosuppressants – lower the immune system.
Thus, any immunostimulant is an immunomodulator, but not every immunomodulator is an immunostimulant.
In any case, it is more correct to use the term “immunomodulators”, because increasing immunity with the help of immunostimulants is not unlimited, but only to the level of physiological norm.
What are immunomodulators - video
Use of immunomodulators
Immunomodulators are used mainly to increase the body's defenses in various diseases:- chronic, indolent infections;
- allergic diseases;
- tumors;
- states of immunodeficiency.
The use of immunomodulators is based on the following principles:
- As part of complex treatment, in parallel with the prescription of antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal and other agents.
- Appointment from the first day of treatment.
- Under the control of immunological blood tests.
- Separately, without other drugs, immunomodulators are used at the stage of rehabilitation and recovery after illness.
Classification of immunomodulators
There are several classifications of immunomodulators. According to one of them, all these drugs are divided into three groups:1. Endogenous(synthesized in the body itself). A representative of this group is interferon.
2. Exogenous(enter the body from the environment):
- bacterial: Bronchomunal, IRS-19, Ribomunil, Imudon;
- herbal: Immunal, "Echinacea liquidum", "Echinacea compositum SN", "Echinacea VILAR".
Another classification divides immunomodulators into generations, according to the chronological order of their creation:
I. First generation drugs (created in the 50s of the 20th century): BCG vaccine, Pyrogenal, Prodigiozan.
II. Second generation drugs (created in the 70s of the 20th century): Ribomunil, Bronchomunal, Broncho-Vaxom, Likopid, IRS-19.
III. III generation drugs (created in the 90s of the 20th century): this group includes the most modern immunomodulators - Kagocel, Polyoxidonium, Gepon, Myfortic, Immunomax, Cellsept, Sandimmune, Transfer Factor, etc. All these drugs, except Transfer Factor, have narrowly targeted use, and they can only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
Immunomodulators of plant origin
Plant immunomodulators have been used in folk medicine since ancient times - these are many of the medicinal herbs included in ancient recipes. It is these natural immunomodulators that have the most harmonious effect on our body. Immunomodulator plants are divided into two groups. The first group includes
licorice, white mistletoe, milky white iris, yellow egg capsule. These plants have a complex composition and can not only stimulate, but also suppress the immune system. Therefore, treatment with them is possible only with careful selection of the dose, with immunological blood tests and under the supervision of a doctor.
The second group of plant immunomodulators is very extensive. These include:
- echinacea;
- ginseng;
- lemongrass;
- Aralia;
- Rhodiola rosea;
- Walnut;
- elecampane;
- cranberry;
- rose hip;
- Melissa;
- figs and many other plants.
They have a mild, slow, stimulating effect on the immune system, causing almost no side effects. Immunomodulators of this group can be recommended for self-medication.
It is prescribed for adults and children, but is contraindicated in case of an allergy to the drug itself, or in case of exacerbation of any allergic disease.
Dibazol
Dibazol is an outdated immunomodulatory drug. It promotes the production of interferon in the body, and is a means of lowering blood pressure. Therefore, Dibazol is prescribed mainly to hypertensive patients as an immunomodulator. Available in tablets and as a solution for injection.Dekaris
Decaris is a drug whose main effect is anthelmintic. However, it also has immunomodulatory properties and can be prescribed to adults and children as part of the complex treatment of herpes, acute respiratory viral infections, and warts. Available in tablets.Transfer Factor
Transfer Factor is a drug considered the most powerful modern immunomodulator. Made from cow colostrum. This is a safe remedy with no contraindications or side effects. There are also no age restrictions for use.Transfer Factor is also used for preventive purposes.
Available in gelatin capsules for internal use.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps– immunomodulator of plant origin. The raw material for its production is the cordyceps mushroom, which grows only in China, high in the mountains. Cordyceps, as a true immunomodulator, increases reduced immunity, and reduces immunity when it is excessively increased. It can even eliminate genetic immunity disorders.
The drug has not only an immunomodulatory effect on the human body. It regulates the functioning of all organs and systems, slows down the aging of the body.
Cordyceps is a fast-acting drug. Its absorption begins already in the oral cavity, and the maximum effect appears just a few hours after ingestion.
Contraindications to the use of Cordyceps are epilepsy and breastfeeding. Prescribed with caution to pregnant women and children under five years of age.
In Russia, Cordyceps is not considered a medicine, but a biologically active supplement (dietary supplement), produced by the famous Chinese corporation Tianshi. Available in gelatin capsules.
Forms of release of immunomodulators
Immunomodulatory drugs are available in various dosage forms: tablets, drops, capsules, suppositories, injection solutions.Manufacturers are trying to give modern immunomodulators a form that is convenient for use. For example, Gepon is available in the form of a sterile powder contained in bottles. This provides a wide choice of methods of administering the drug: externally, orally, sublingually, in an enema, by instillation into the nose or by irrigation.
Immunomodulator drugs prescribed to children are not widely used. Irrational use of immunomodulatory drugs, even those included in the best rating, can lead to negative consequences.
Such medications should never be given to a child without first consulting with an immunologist who specializes in pediatric diseases.
Immunomodulators- these are drugs with immunotropic activity, which in therapeutic doses restore the functions of the immune system (effective immune defense).
There are 468 drugs registered in Russia that correct the functioning of the immune system, produced by 26 countries. There are 91 immunomodulators on the pharmaceutical market in our country. IN
Doctors of various specialties widely use immunopharmacological agents in clinical practice. More than 41 immunomodulators are included in the Federal Guide for Physicians on the Use of Medicines (formulary system).
This article describes in detail which effective immunomodulators from the list of the best can be prescribed to children, and what are the principles of using immunomodulatory drugs in the treatment of childhood diseases.
Irrational use
Irrational use of immunomodulators in children includes:
- The use of immunomodulators in identifying changes in individual immunogram parameters without clinical manifestations of secondary immune deficiency
- Use of immunomodulators with unproven effectiveness and safety
- Simultaneous use of several immunomodulators with the same mechanism of action (interferon inducers and interferons)
- Use of immunomodulators without taking into account age restrictions
- The use of immunomodulators in dosage forms contraindicated for children (tinctures)
- Non-compliance with dose and course regimens for taking immunomodulators
- Use of immunomodulators not included in the standards (protocols) for the treatment of children with allergic diseases and immune system disorders
Immunomodulatory drugs
In this case, the direction of the immunomodulatory effect depends on the patient’s initial sensitivity to the adverse effects of the external and internal environment.
Indications for use
The main indications for the use of immunomodulators for children are secondary immune deficiency, which has the following typical clinical manifestations:
- Tendency to persistent infectious and inflammatory processes of any localization
- Frequent relapses and sluggish course
- Resistance to treatment with traditional means
- The predominance of opportunistic or opportunistic microorganisms as pathogens, as well as pathogenic flora with atypical biological properties
- Presence of multiple resistance to etiotropic drugs
With secondary immune deficiency, most often there is a defect in a specific part of the immune system, which leads to the activation of certain etiological risk factors that determine the further development of the infectious process.
The first choice drugs in this clinical situation are etiotropic drugs (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal drugs).
Immunomodulators for secondary immune deficiency are drugs that increase the effectiveness of etiotropic pharmacotherapy, as well as agents for pathogenetic pharmacotherapy. This group of pharmacological agents should be considered as “second-line” drugs.
Immunomodulators normalize the ratio between recognition, transmitter and destroyer cells.
Immunomodulators are used for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes. The direction and severity of their clinical effect depends on the initial state of the immune system and its predominant defect.
An ideal immunomodulator prescribed to children must meet the following requirements:
- Do not change normal immune parameters
- Possess selectivity of action on the immune defect
- Have high clinical effectiveness
- Be safe
- Improve the patient's quality of life
- Available in appropriate dosage forms and doses
- Be affordable
Before using an immunomodulator to treat a sick child, you must answer at least two questions:
- The first is whether an immunomodulator is indicated for a given clinical condition of the child
- Second - does the child really need the chosen immunomodulator?
When choosing an immunomodulator, the pharmacological properties of the drug play a significant role.
In the guidelines for rational pharmacotherapy of childhood diseases, the list of immunomodulators recommended for use in children is significantly smaller than the list of immunomodulators registered in Russia. In addition, the list of indications for which immunomodulators are used has been significantly reduced.
The difficulty of choosing immunomodulators in children is due to the fact that they have age-related features of the functioning of the immune system associated with its development.
Evidence of the clinical effectiveness of immunomodulators in children is not available for all drugs in this group. Of particular resonance in this regard was the data on the study of the preventive effectiveness of a number of immunomodulators for bronchopulmonary infections in children.
It has been shown that, from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine, only immunomodulators of bacterial origin reduce the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections in children by 40%, while thymomodulins, echinacea and garlic preparations, and recombinant interferon do not provide advantages over placebo.
According to WHO experts, the lack of pediatric dosage forms creates a certain problem for the implementation of the principles of rational use of immunomodulators. Our country is no exception. Of all the immunomodulators included in the clinical guidelines for the pharmacotherapy of diseases in children, only 6 drugs have pediatric dosage forms.
One of the provisions for the rational use of immunomodulators in children is their use “for the appropriate time.” In practice, the duration of prescription of drugs in this group ranges from two weeks (IRS 19) to a year (ribomunil), while the optimal duration of use of immunomodulators is 14 days.
Longer use of immunocorrective agents, instead of the desired effect, i.e. achieving harmonization of all components of the immune system, can lead to their imbalance, which will lead to the development of secondary immune deficiency. Clinically, this will manifest itself as an exacerbation of the disease, its chronicity.
Thus, immunomodulators, like drugs of any pharmacological group, must be used in clinical practice for children, taking into account the principles of rational use of drugs.
Selection of drugs to enhance immunity
The choice of a drug to increase immunity in a child and the initiation of its use should be based on the following principles:
- The child does have signs of immunodeficiency
- All possible causes of immunodeficiency were excluded
- Nonspecific measures to stimulate the immune system were taken (hardening, multivitamins, nutritional correction), but they did not bring results
- The immunostimulating drug is approved for use in children of this age (see age restrictions for the use of drugs)
- Treatment with an immunomodulator is carried out according to a scheme (dosage and frequency of administration) corresponding to the age of the child
- Your doctor approves the use of this drug or has at least been made aware of your intention to give this drug to your child.
It is always best to discuss the choice of an immunomodulator for a child with a doctor. The type of immunomodulator must be appropriate to the disease. The immunologist prescribes immunomodulatory therapy based on the clinical features of the disease, and if there are changes in the immune status, taking into account both clinical and laboratory signs.
Principles of application
Currently, the basic principles for the use of immunomodulators have been developed and approved:
- Mandatory determination of immune status before starting immunotherapy
- Determining the level and extent of damage to the immune system is one of the most important stages in selecting a drug for immunomodulatory therapy. The point of application of the drug’s action must correspond to the level of disruption of the activity of a certain part of the immune system in order to ensure maximum effectiveness of the therapy.
- Monitoring the dynamics of immune status during immunotherapy
- The use of immunomodulators only in the presence of characteristic clinical signs and changes in immune status indicators
- Prescription of immunomodulators for preventive purposes to maintain immune status (oncology, surgical interventions, stress, environmental, occupational and other influences)
Basic principles of clinical use of immunomodulators:
- Immunomodulators are prescribed simultaneously with antibacterial or antiviral drugs, in this case, a “double blow” is applied to the pathogen (the antibacterial agent reduces the activity of the microbe, and the immunomodulator increases the functional activity of cells of the immune system), which makes it possible to achieve a clinical effect in diseases that are torpid to the standard therapy. Immunomodulators are used in complex therapy of recurrent infectious and inflammatory processes that accompany any disease, including allergic ones, to reduce the incidence of infectious complications; for oncological diseases to reduce the frequency of infectious complications, to stimulate leukopoiesis, improve quality of life, during chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Immunomodulators can be prescribed as monotherapy during immunorehabilitation measures for frequently and long-term ill people, as well as before the start of the autumn-winter season to prevent exacerbations of inflammatory diseases, especially in environmentally unfavorable regions; cancer patients to improve quality of life; people who have had severe infections with incomplete recovery
- Immunomodulators should be included in complex therapy from the first days of the disease(together with etiotropic anti-infective agents)
Prescribing immunostimulating therapy without taking into account the “points of application” of drugs and the pathogenetic basis of the disease can lead to an even greater imbalance in the immune system.
In clinical practice, there is an ambiguous attitude towards the use of immunomodulators: from complete denial to abuse of the inclusion of immunotropic drugs in the complex therapy of various diseases.
Unreasonable prescription of immunomodulatory therapy not only leads to its discredit, but can also cause severe complications due to the development of dysfunction of the immune system, and a worsening prognosis of the disease due to the lack of basic, traditional therapy for the underlying disease.
No less serious consequences are also caused by the underestimation of the role of immunomodulators and the refusal to include them in the complex therapy of diseases occurring against the background of clinical signs of secondary immunodeficiency.
The media is forming an opinion about the advisability of widespread use of immunomodulators as safe means that increase the human body’s resistance to various pathological influences.
Immunomodulatory drugs- these are drugs that do not increase nonspecific resistance (stability), but change it.
The direction of the immunomodulatory effect depends on the patient’s initial sensitivity to the adverse effects of the external and internal environment.
Immunomodulators cannot be widely used.
The use of these drugs requires an individual approach. Immunomodulators should be used only taking into account the individual characteristics of the body’s response and the strength of the influence of the pathological factor.
With all the variety of drugs that have an immunomodulatory effect, a strictly individual approach is required to include a specific drug in a comprehensive immunorehabilitation program, taking into account:
- Child's age
- Frequency and severity of acute respiratory infections suffered by the child
- Concomitant pathology of the child
- Conditions of the child's immune system
- Seasons
It must be borne in mind that none of the existing immunomodulatory agents is capable of restoring a child’s health “for the rest of his life.”
Only consistent and comprehensive restorative therapy, with strict implementation of all recommendations for 2-3 years in a row, will lead to a noticeable reduction in the incidence of acute respiratory diseases in children and the preservation of their health.
Rating of the best funds
Means for increasing immunity of bacterial origin ( bronchomunal, broncho-vascom, IRS-19, imudon, biostim, lycopid, ribomunil) - contain fragments of bacterial pathogens (staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, streptococcus), which do not carry any infectious danger, but have a significant immunostimulating effect.
These drugs increase both local and general immunity and are recommended for the treatment of acute respiratory infections (during the entire period of illness), as well as for the treatment of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, etc.).
In addition, bacterial immunomodulators have been shown to increase the effectiveness of vaccinations, and therefore they are recommended during routine vaccination.
IRS-19(Solvay Pharma, Germany). The drug is prepared from 19 strains of the most common bacterial pathogens of respiratory tract infections: Dipplococcus pneumoniae,
Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Hemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Micrococcus pyogenes, Neisseria catarralis, Neisseria perflava, Gajflcya tetragena, Neisseria flava, Moraxella. IRS-19 is a drug for local immunotherapy.
It strengthens natural specific and nonspecific immunity.
The drug has a direct therapeutic effect aimed at directly stimulating local specific immunity, increases the phagocytic activity of macrophages (qualitative and quantitative enhancement of phagocytosis), and increases the activity of lysozyme. IRS-19 simultaneously has a preventive effect by stimulating local immunity (increasing secretory immunoglobulins).
IRS-19 is produced in the form of an aerosol, after spraying which a thin layer is formed that covers the nasal mucosa and facilitates the rapid penetration of the drug into it. IRS-19 reduces swelling in the nasal cavity, thins the exudate of the mucous membrane and facilitates its outflow.
This prevents the development of complications such as sinusitis and otitis media. The drug is well tolerated. Sometimes there may be transient rhinorrhea. It is advisable not to use simultaneously with vasoconstrictors.
The drug is prescribed to children at any age for the prevention and treatment of rhinitis and nasopharyngitis, as well as for the prevention of complications (otitis media, sinusitis, etc.).
In the acute stage of the disease, depending on age, 1 dose of the drug is sprayed into each half of the nose 2 to 5 times a day until the symptoms of infection disappear.
For prevention: spray 1 dose of the drug into each half of the nose 2 times a day for 2 weeks.
Bronchomunal- contains lyophilized bacterial lysates of the most common bacterial pathogens of respiratory diseases. Increases humoral and cellular immunity.
By affecting Peyer's patches in the intestinal mucosa, it stimulates peritoneal macrophages. In the blood serum, the number of T-lymphocytes, IgA, G, M increases. The number of antibodies in the respiratory tract increases.
The drug is used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes - 1 capsule 1 time per day.
For use in pediatric practice, bronchomunal-P is used, which contains half the adult dose of bacterial lysate (0.0035 g).
Lycopid- a synthetic analogue of the bacterial cell wall (muramyl dipeptide). Structurally, lycopid is represented by a repeating fragment of peptidoglycan from the cell wall of all known bacteria. The mechanism of action is associated with the ability to stimulate phagocytosis and, indirectly, the T- and B-links of immunity.
Ribomunil- a complex preparation containing ribosomal fractions of bacteria that most often complicate viral diseases of the respiratory tract and respiratory organs, as well as proteoglycans of the cell membrane of Klebsiella rpeitope.
The bacterial ribosomes contained in this drug have the antigenic properties of the corresponding microorganisms, which determines the possibility of carrying out specific immunization (vaccination).
Non-antigenic structures of bacterial membranes (proteoglycans) of Klebsiella proteoglycans have immunomodulatory effects on the nonspecific part of the immune response, and are also adjuvants that potentiate specific immunization.
The use of ribomunil leads to the active production of secretory IgA, specific antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae and the creation of post-vaccination immunity.
The most commonly used method in pediatric practice is the oral method of administering ribomunil.
Release forms of ribomunil: tablets (1 tablet contains 0.25 mg of bacterial ribosomes and 0.375 mg of membrane proteoglycans) 12 pieces per package; granulate for the preparation of a drinking solution in sachets (1 sachet contains 0.75 mg of ribosomes and 1.125 mg of membrane proteoglycans), 4 sachets per package.
The dosage regimen and duration of ribomunil therapy courses can only be determined by a doctor.
Preparations of thymic origin (thymalin, taktivin, timoptin, timaktide, thymostimulin, vilozene) are a complex of polypeptide fractions obtained from the thymus gland of mammals.
The main mechanism of action of thymic drugs is the potentiation of the functional activity of T-lymphocytes, which leads to an increase in anti-infective and antitumor resistance and a slowdown in the regression of immunocompetent cells.
Drugs of thymic origin are indicated in complex therapy for immunodeficiency states with predominant damage to the T-immune system (both primary and secondary defects of cellular immunity).
A synthetic analogue of thymus preparations, thymogen, has a similar mechanism of action and the same indications for use. At the same time, thymogen exhibits its activity in therapeutic concentrations much lower than natural thymic peptides.
There is evidence of high clinical effectiveness of the use of thymus preparations in children from the BCH group with a lymphatic type of constitution.
Immunity boosters from the thymus gland are currently used to a limited extent.
This is mainly due to the fact that the use of immunomodulators made from the thymus gland requires special preliminary examinations.
These drugs can only be used under the supervision of an immunologist.
Interferons are biologically active substances that have the ability to inhibit and block the development of infections (mainly viral ones).
This class of immunomodulators is very extensive; it includes three types of interferons (alpha, beta, gamma); depending on their origin, interferons are divided into natural and recombinant.
Main indications: very different depending on the type of interferon.
Interferons are used in the treatment of viral, tumor diseases and even multiple sclerosis.
Interferon preparations are effective in the treatment of acute respiratory infections; their use prevents the development and progression of the infectious process. More often, interferon preparations are administered rectally or topically to children with ARVI, in the form of ointments, drops, gel, or inhalations.
In recent years, human leukocyte interferon has been used less frequently for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infections in children; recombinant interferon preparations (Viferon, Gripferon) are the most effective and safe in children.
It has been established that the combination of recombinant interferon-a2p with vitamins C and E (viferon) gives more pronounced antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, and has membrane-stabilizing and antioxidant activity. Viferon can be prescribed to children from the first days of life, including premature babies.
The use of Viferon in the first days of illness can significantly reduce the duration of the illness and significantly prevent the occurrence of complications. For the greatest effect, drugs from the interferon group should be taken in the first hours of illness (at the moment the first cold symptoms appear).
Interferon inducers are a group of drugs that stimulate the production of the body's own interferon, which has a pronounced anti-infective and immunostimulating effect (amixin, anaferon, arbidol, cycloferon).
Among the presented interferon inducers, cycloferon is of particular interest. The drug is approved for use in children from the age of four.
But even if the disease has already developed, the administration of cycloferon reduces its severity and duration, and also serves as a good prevention of complications.
Treatment regimen for influenza and ARVI in children. According to the instructions for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, cycloferon is prescribed in age-specific doses on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th , 23rd day and then once every three days.
The course of treatment ranges from 5 to 15 doses, depending on the severity of the condition and the severity of clinical symptoms.
As a means of emergency nonspecific prophylaxis during the seasonal rise in incidence, the drug is prescribed in the indicated age-specific doses on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th day, then five more doses with an interval of 72 hours.
Arbidol can be used in children from 2 years of age, cycloferon is approved for use in children over 4 years of age, amiksin - only in children over 7 years of age.
From the group of inducers of interferon synthesis in children older than 6 months. life use the homeopathic drug Anaferon for children.
Despite the existing positive clinical experience of using interferon drugs for various diseases in pediatric practice, the author did not find reliable and convincing results of the effectiveness of interferons in improving the health of children in the BCH group, obtained in a double-blind study with placebo, in the available literature.
At the same time, there is evidence of significant changes in interferon status in frequently ill children, which required interferon replacement therapy.
Treatment with interferon drugs or inducers of the synthesis of endogenous interferons during the recovery period (in the case of ARVI) or for preventive purposes is ineffective.
Indications for the use of interferons are a wide range of respiratory viral infections: rhino-, corona-, PC- and adenovirus infections, influenza and para-influenza.
Indications for use:
- For intranasal use - prevention and treatment of ARVI
- For rectal use - acute and chronic viral hepatitis
- For parenteral use - hepatitis C
Interferon preparations and inducers of the synthesis of endogenous interferons cannot be taken simultaneously.
Typically, children are prescribed only one of the medications in the first hours of cold or flu symptoms. Treatment with the chosen medicine is continued for several days.
For example, interferon preparations and herbal immunomodulators can be used for ARVI.
Interferon preparations (Viferon) or interferon inducers (Amiksin) are effective only at the onset of ARVI.
Herbal preparations (immunal) can be used both for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections.
Table “List of the best immunomodulators for children”:
|
Alfaron |
|
|
Anaferon |
Polyoxidonium |
|
Realdiron |
|
|
Bronchomunal |
Ribomunil |
|
Roferon-A |
|
|
Human leukocyte interferon |
Taktivin |
|
Timostimulin |
|
|
Kipferon |
Tonsilogon-N |
|
Levam isolation |
Cycloferon |
|
Echinacea purpurea herb (“Doctor Theiss” Echinacea tincture, Echinacea tincture, Echinacea extract, Echinacea-GalenoPharm) |
|
|
Echinacea purpurea juice (Herbion Echinacea, Immunal, Immunorm, Echinacea HEXAL, Echinacea-VILAR juice) |
|
The course of treatment and dose of the drug can only be determined by a doctor, depending on the severity of the condition and the severity of clinical symptoms.
According to many doctors, it makes sense to use immunostimulants only for a certain group of patients.
First of all, for those who have a moderately severe immunodeficiency. That is, the number of antiviral bodies (experts call them T4 cells) ranges from 200 to 500.
As for patients with a level of antiviral bodies below 200, in this case the use of immunostimulants can cause rapid depletion of the immune system and lead to a worsening of the condition.
To increase immunity, the child requires complete normalization of the daily routine and diet. Without this, no means to increase immunity in children will have absolutely no effect. It is also important to check your baby for worm infection. It is recommended to do all blood tests and consult an immunologist. The specialist will tell you what to give the child for immunity, depending on the blood picture. What is possible for a child’s immunity in general terms is described on this page, but you should understand that this is for informational information only. All of the above medications to boost immunity in children require prior consultation with your doctor; taking them on your own is not recommended.
What to take to boost immunity for children
To boost children's immunity, comprehensive measures are used, which include, first of all, the elimination of negative traumatic factors. Before taking appropriate measures in the form of pharmacology or for children’s immunity, you should consult your doctor. Changes in the immune response in frequently ill children are numerous, but they do not indicate immunodeficiency, but only the characteristics of the immune response to infection. Most researchers have shown that the immune system in such children does not have gross primary or acquired defects and is characterized by extreme intensity of immune response processes, disruption of intercellular cooperation and insufficient reserve capabilities. This, apparently, is the result of a long-term and massive antigenic effect on the child’s body. In most cases, the choice of drug is made empirically, according to clinical indications. Immunological examination of frequently ill children should be carried out mainly to exclude
tion of primary immune deficiency, in which empirical immunotherapy may be ineffective, and “frequent acute respiratory infections” may mask more serious clinical problems.
However, everyone agrees that mobilizing the immune resistance of frequently ill children, even if the morbidity is largely due to social, hygienic or other non-immune reasons, can have a positive clinical effect.
The best immunomodulators for children: a list of effective drugs
For the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory infections, immunomodulators for children of microbial origin (bacterial vaccines), interferons and inducers of endogenous interferon are currently most often used.
Immunomodulator drugs for children of bacterial origin (broncho-munal, broncho-vaxom, IRS 19, imudon, biostim, lykopid, ribomunil) contain fragments of bacteria that cause infections (staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, streptococcus), which do not pose any infectious danger, but having a significant immunostimulating effect. Effective immunomodulators for children increase both local and general immunity and are recommended for the treatment of acute respiratory infections (during the entire period of illness), as well as for the treatment of chronic diseases of the ENT organs (tonsillitis, sinusitis, etc.). In addition, it has been proven that the best bacterial immunomodulators for children increase the effectiveness of vaccinations, which is why they are recommended during routine vaccination.
The mechanism of action of immunomodulators of microbial origin is associated with a stimulating effect on phagocytes, increased interferon production and activation of natural killer cells. The following is a list of immunomodulator drugs for children that have the most pronounced medicinal properties.
IRS 19. The drug is prepared from 19 strains of the most common bacterial pathogens of respiratory tract infections. This is a drug for local immunotherapy. It strengthens natural specific and nonspecific immunity. The drug has a direct therapeutic effect, aimed directly at stimulating local specific immunity, increases the phagocytic activity of macrophages (qualitative and quantitative enhancement of phagocytosis), and increases the activity of lysozyme. IRS simultaneously proves a preventive effect by stimulating local immunity (increasing secretory immunoglobulins).
IRS 19 in the form of an aerosol reduces swelling in the nasal cavity, thins the exudate of the mucous membrane and facilitates its outflow. This prevents the development of complications such as sinusitis and otitis media. The drug is well tolerated. Sometimes there may be transient rhinorrhea (profuse nasal discharge). The drug is prescribed to children at any age for the prevention and treatment of rhinitis and nasopharyngitis, as well as for the prevention of complications (otitis media, sinusitis, etc.).
To prevent respiratory infections, it is prescribed from 3 months of age - sprayed into each half of the nose, 1 dose in each nasal passage 2 times a day for 2 - 4 weeks. To treat a respiratory infection in children over 3 years of age, 1 dose of the drug is sprayed into each half of the nose 2 to 5 times a day until the symptoms of the disease disappear (not used simultaneously with vasoconstrictor drugs).
Bronchomunal (lyophilized bacterial lysate). Increases humoral and cellular immunity. By influencing Peyer's patches in the intestinal mucosa, it stimulates macrophages. In the blood serum, the number of T-lymphocytes, IgA, G, M increases. The number of antibodies in the respiratory tract increases. The drug is used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. For the prevention of respiratory infections (adults and children over 12 years of age), 1 capsule (7 mg) is prescribed daily for 10 days a month, monthly treatment begins on the same day. Children from 6 months to 12 years are prescribed bronchomunal P (pediatric): 1 capsule (3.5 mg) according to a similar regimen.
Bronchovax for children stimulates the body's immune defense and increases resistance to diseases of the respiratory system of children by increasing the formation of immunoglobulin A (IgA), secreted by the respiratory mucosa and saliva, as well as the number of circulating T-lymphocytes.
Clinically, Bronchovax for children reduces the frequency of acute respiratory tract infections, shortens the duration of their course, and also reduces the likelihood of exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. This reduces the need to use other medications, especially antibiotics.
The drug is registered and approved for use in pediatric practice starting from 6 months of age, is well tolerated, and has virtually no contraindications. For therapeutic purposes, method of use: 1 capsule daily in the morning on an empty stomach until symptoms disappear, but for at least 10 days. If antibiotic therapy with Bronchovax for children is necessary, it should be taken in combination with an antibiotic from the beginning of treatment. The duration of treatment or the appointment of a second course of therapy should be determined by the doctor, based on the patient’s health condition. The preventive course includes 3 cycles, each of which consists of taking 1 capsule daily for 10 days, the interval between cycles is 20 days.
Ribomunil- a complex preparation containing ribosomal fractions of bacteria that most often complicate viral diseases of the respiratory tract and ENT organs.
The use of ribomunil leads to the active production of secretory IgA, specific antibodies against Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae and the creation of post-vaccination immunity.
Regardless of age, one dose is prescribed in the morning on an empty stomach (3 tablets of 0.25 mg or 1 tablet of 0.75 mg) or 1 sachet (granules are diluted in a glass of water). In the first month, the drug is taken 4 days a week for 3 weeks, then the first 4 days of each month for the next 5 months.
Young children are prescribed the drug in granular form.
Lycopid- a synthetic analogue of the bacterial cell wall. The mechanism of action is associated with the ability to stimulate phagocytosis and, indirectly, the T- and B-links of immunity.
1 mg tablets for sublingual (under the tongue) use. Prescribed for chronic infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract in frequently ill children aged 1-16 years, 1-2 mg 1 time per day for 10 days.
What antiviral agents and drugs for prevention for children
Since frequently ill children are characterized by persistence of infection in various parts of the respiratory tract, it is advisable to use drugs with a combined immunomodulatory and antiviral effect. Such properties are possessed by recombinant antiviral interferons for the prevention of children (Viferon, Gripferon), inducers of endogenous interferon (cycloferon, tiloron (Amixin), Arbidol), synthetic immunomodulators (isoprinosine, Gepon, polyoxidonium), which are actively used today not only in treatment, but also for prevention of acute respiratory infections.
Antiviral drugs for children for the prevention of ARVI, such as interferon inducers, stimulate the production of the body’s own interferon, which has a pronounced anti-infective and immunostimulating effect. What antiviral drug should be given to a child for prevention at this or that time of the year will be advised by a local pediatrician who has information about the circulation of viruses.
Grippferon(recombinant interferon D-2b) in the form of nasal drops 10,000 IU/ml: for the treatment of influenza and ARVI, newborns and children under 1 year of age are prescribed 1 drop 5 times a day, children aged 1 - 3 years - 2 drops 3 times per day, children 3-14 years old - 2 drops 4-5 times a day for 5 days. To prevent influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, the appropriate age-specific dose is administered 2 times a day throughout contact with the patient; with a seasonal increase in incidence, the appropriate age-specific dose is administered in the morning every 1 to 2 days.
Cycloferon- an antiviral prophylactic agent for children with excellent properties, the drug is approved for use in children from 4 years of age. It has proven itself especially well as a means for emergency prevention of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, that is, when taken immediately after contact with a sick person or when the very first signs of the disease appear. But even if the disease has already developed, the administration of cycloferon reduces its severity and duration, and also serves as a good prevention of complications.
Tablets 150 mg. For influenza and acute respiratory infections, it is prescribed to children 4 - 6 years old - 150 mg, 7 - 11 years old - 300 mg, over 12 years old - 450 mg 1 time per day before meals, without chewing. When administered intramuscularly at a dose of 6-10 mg/kg 1 time per day on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th days of treatment. In severe cases, the course is extended to the 10th - 11th, 13th - 14th, 17th - 18th, 20th -21st, 23rd days of treatment and can be repeated after 2 months.
Arbidol can be used in children from 2 years of age. Tablets 50 mg, capsules 100 mg; applied orally before meals. For the prevention of influenza and ARI, children from 2 to 6 years old are prescribed - 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old and adults - 200 mg 1 time per day for 10-14 days. For treatment: children from 2 to 6 years old - 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old and adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days.
Thymogen. Intranasally (into the nose), the drug in the form of a dosed spray is administered to children from 1 year to 6 years, 1 dose in one nasal passage 1 time per day, from 7 to 14 years - 1 dose in each nasal passage 1 time per day for 10 days for therapeutic purposes or for 3 - 5 days - for prophylactic purposes. The drug is administered intramuscularly once a day to children under 1 year - 10 mcg, from 1 to 3 years - 10 - 20 mcg, from 4 to 6 years - 20 - 30 mcg, from 7 to 14 years - 50 mcg, adults 100 mcg (300-1000 mcg per course). The duration of the course of treatment is 3 - 10 days. A second course of treatment is possible after 1-6 months.
Tsitovir(contains thymogen, benzadol, ascorbic acid) - capsules for children over 6 years old and syrup for children over 1 year old. A single dose of syrup is from 2 to 12 ml, depending on age, 3 times a day for 4 days (orally 30 minutes before meals). In capsules, the drug is taken one capsule 3 times a day for 4 days. For the purpose of prevention, a repeated course can be carried out after 3 - 4 weeks.
Oscillococcinum and Anaferon are marketed as interferon-inducing agents, but the effectiveness of these drugs is disputed.
Herbal adaptogens for children: list of drugs
The complex system of nonspecific prevention of ARI also includes herbal adaptogens for children with a slight immunomodulatory effect (derivatives of Echinacea purpurea, liceweed, licorice root, etc.).
Nonspecific immunocorrective therapy and adaptogen drugs for children are prescribed for the prevention of frequent acute respiratory infections, since stimulation and training of the functions of nonspecific and barrier defense systems (phagocytosis, skin, mucous membranes, production of lysozyme, interferon, etc.) activate humoral and cellular immunity, eliminating complications, which are possible from direct interference in the mechanisms of immune reactions. For this purpose, adaptogens are widely used for children, increasing the overall resistance of the body.
- Plant adaptogens: extract of rhodiola, eleutherococcus, infusion of zamanika, Schisandra chinensis, aralia, ginseng root, which stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes, enhance phagocytosis, complementary and lysozyme activity.
- Propolis- bee glue, consisting of resins, wax, proteins, pollen, containing vitamins A, E, C, group B. It has pronounced antiviral and antimicrobial activity on more than 100 types of bacteria and fungi. The drug stimulates phagocytosis, leukopoiesis, antibody formation, increases the activity of complement, properdin, and stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary system.
- Nucleic acid preparations- sodium nucleinate, which stimulates leukopoiesis, phagocytosis, enhances the cooperation of T and B lymphocytes.
- Pyrimidine and purine derivatives- methyluracil, pentoxyl, stimulating nonspecific protective factors, activating the functions of the T- and B-lymphocyte systems.
- Imidazole derivatives- dibazole, metronidazole, which have an immunomodulatory effect: they activate the reduced function of T-system cells and enhance phagocytosis.
- According to indications, lipopolysaccharides of gran-negative bacteria are used- pyrogenal, prodigiosan, stimulating phagocytosis and T-lymphocytes.
- Vitamin-microelement complexes(pikovit, alvitil, jungle, etc.).
Nowadays, a flood of drugs aimed at influencing the human immune system has poured into the Russian pharmacy market. Not all of these drugs are safe. If administered unauthorized or illiterately, immunomodulators can disrupt or shift the natural balance of antiviral bodies.
As for the now common homeopathic syrups and powders called immunostimulants, for the most part these are the same vitamin complexes. They can be used as a preventive and restorative agent throughout the autumn-winter season and immediately after an illness.
This article has been read 8,189 times.
