Respiratory infections (colds)
A common cold is usually a virus-induced, acute infection of the upper respiratory tract. This type of respiratory infections is among the most common diseases in modern industrial countries. On the average adults suffer up to five times a year a cold, pre-schoolers even eight to ten times. In most cases the infections are caused by viruses and associated with similar symptoms: shivering, sneezing, runny nose, cough and fatigue. Since antibiotics work only in the treatment of bacterial infections, applying them in case of infections of viral origin, they might remain ineffective.
Infection risks (pandemics)
Recently, infections by emerging viruses occur more frequently and they seem to be independent of seasons. These infections manifest themselves as fever from 38 °C and with symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, cough, muscle and joint pains, headache and diarrhea.
Real influenza has to be dealt with separately from the other respiratory diseases related to cold. This infection is a disease caused by various types of influenza viruses and differs from other respiratory diseases both in its epidemiological, clinical characteristics and also in its impacts. In the spreading of the pathogens there is a similarity to other respiratory diseases, since the influenza virus is also spread by respiratory tiny droplets that become airborne when infected individuals cough or sneeze. But the speed of its dissemination is significantly higher.
Penetration of viruses and bacteria in the body
Infections of the upper respiratory tract caused by viruses or bacteria will not necessarily lead to illness if the immune system is capable of effective defense against pathogens, or the pathogens are hindered at intruding the body by a barrier.
The main goal of a virus is to safeguard its own propagation for which it requires a host cell. To this end, it targets the cells in the oral mucosa and attempts to dock to them. In case of a successful attachment it penetrates the host cell membrane and reprograms it to promote its own multiplication.
Active defense against infection
The research of the last decades has unambiguously demonstrated that in case of infection pathogens (viruses, bacteria) dock to the carbohydrate structures of the host cell membranes through their proteins based on the so-called key-lock principle. This process occurs in the oral and pharyngeal mucous membranes. In the event this docking process is successful, like a key opening a lock the pathogens penetrate the host cell and commence to multiply.
The solution is compelling: we have to impede pathogens in docking to the host cells. Researchers of our times are engaged in the constant pursuit of substances which possess such potentials. Myriads of studies were conducted on plant-based polyphenol compounds which substantiate this so-called astringent effect.
The plant polyphenols and biopolymers that are responsible for the defense reaction are abundant in the Kistosyn® 200 extract of Medistus® Antivirus. The Kistosyn® 200 extract builds a protective film over the throat mucous membranes. Viruses, bacteria and other pathogens are hampered by this physical barrier – assuming you apply the lozenges, preventively.