Pravdaogrippethe cold-and-flu season without panic: a guide to flu and colds

An independent guide to flu and colds. It does not replace a doctor, does not diagnose, and does not prescribe or evaluate medicines; it has no connection with the former site on this domain. In an emergency, call 112 in Russia (or your local emergency number).

Glossary

Medical glossary

In the news, at the doctor's and in seasonal health advice you will come across words that are not always clear at first. We have collected the most common ones and explained them without complicated detail, so that talking about flu and colds becomes simpler and calmer.

Clear words make a conversation with your doctor shorter and calmer: you spend the time asking about yourself, not asking what things mean.

— Editor's note

Illnesses

Flu (influenza)
An acute viral infection caused by influenza viruses. It usually starts suddenly, with fever, a dry cough, headache, aching muscles and severe tiredness.
Respiratory viral infection
A general name for many viral illnesses of the nose, throat and airways, often simply called colds. Flu is one of them, but it is often more severe.
Pneumonia
An infection and inflammation of the lungs. It can be a complication of severe flu. Only a doctor can recognise it and decide on treatment.
Epidemic
A period when an illness spreads among many people within a short time. In temperate climates, flu epidemics happen mainly in winter.

Transmission and protection

Droplet transmission
A way of spreading infection in which the virus reaches another person in tiny droplets released when someone coughs, sneezes or talks.
Incubation period
The time between infection and the first signs of illness. For flu it is about two days, sometimes anywhere from one to four.
Vaccination
A jab that teaches the body to recognise a germ in advance. WHO recommends a flu jab every year; the decision is made together with your doctor.
Strain
A variety of a virus. Flu viruses change, so the vaccine composition is regularly updated to match the strains circulating in the new season.

Decisions and documents

Risk group
People who are more likely to have a severe illness or complications. For flu, these are pregnant women, children under five, people over 65, and people with chronic conditions or weakened immunity.
Placebo
A dummy that looks like a real remedy but contains no active ingredient. Studies compare remedies with a placebo to find out whether they have a real effect.
Sick note
A document confirming that a person is temporarily unable to work because of illness. It is issued by a doctor; ask your doctor and your employer about the details.
Self-monitoring
The habit of noticing and writing down how you feel: temperature, breathing, drinking and sleep. These notes help the doctor at your appointment.

Where these words appear in the guide

  • Topics

    Flu, other respiratory viruses, lingering coughs, the flu season and risk groups, topic by topic, plus our article catalogue.

  • Prevention

    How to get your home and family ready for flu season: talking about the flu jab, hygiene and a plan in case of illness.

  • Home care

    Caring for someone who is ill without medicines: rest, fluids, fresh air, their own cup and towel, and close attention.

  • Ask a doctor

    What to ask your doctor about the flu jab, illness at home, children, older relatives and long-term conditions.

  • Research

    How to read flu news and bold promises about “miracle remedies” without losing your calm or your common sense.

  • Sources

    What the guide is based on, where its limits lie and how to make good use of it during the cold-and-flu season.

  • Topics

    Flu, other respiratory viruses, lingering coughs, the flu season and risk groups, topic by topic, plus our article catalogue.

  • Home care

    Caring for someone who is ill without medicines: rest, fluids, fresh air, their own cup and towel, and close attention.

  • Ask a doctor

    What to ask your doctor about the flu jab, illness at home, children, older relatives and long-term conditions.

  • Research

    How to read flu news and bold promises about “miracle remedies” without losing your calm or your common sense.

Sources

  • WHO — Influenza (seasonal) fact sheet
  • Russian health authorities and the health authority of your country — general recommendations

This page is based on general information about seasonal flu available at the time of writing. Advice is updated every season, so check with your doctor what is right for you and your family.