It was already expected that the flexibility of protective measures against the coronavirus, as well as the return to school in person, would facilitate the circulation of other viruses. The expectation has been confirmed in the cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, which see an increase in the number of cases of flu and other respiratory infections.
In some emergency rooms in the city of São Paulo, there was a high demand for respiratory viruses. The symptoms are similar to that of a flu.
The influenza virus, which causes the flu, is one of the culprits, but not the biggest. The list includes mainly respiratory syncytial, parainfluenza, enteroviruses, rhinoviruses and bocaviruses, according to specialists consulted by the sheet.
Data from the Municipal Health Department show that, from July to November this year, 92 cases of influenza were recorded, with two deaths (both in August). According to a directive from the Ministry of Health, only serious flu occurrences are mandatory.
Covisa (Health Surveillance Coordination) warns that throughout the year small cases of influenza were identified, demonstrating that the virus remains in circulation.
At the Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in the central region of São Paulo, in this second semester, the months of September, October and November registered the highest number of cases of respiratory virus infection —153, 207 and 179, respectively. Data do not include Covid-19.
For Celso Granato, infectious disease, virologist and clinical director of Grupo Fleury, it is not common to have so many respiratory viruses circulating at this time of year.
“Now we’re seeing a certain rebound. People’s immunity weakens over time, because you don’t find these viruses again. When you stop wearing a mask, washing your hands, taking care and starting to agglomerate, we find a population that is more unprotected than two years ago,” he says.
“We’re also having a weird spring, cooler and drier and that’s great for respiratory viruses,” adds Granato.
Pedro Augusto Nogueira Vieira, an otolaryngologist at Hospital Cema, says that in the last two months there has been a perception of an increase in flu cases, but mostly without seriousness.
“But we have to be aware of the evolution, which in the elderly and children can be worrying. People have forgotten the flu vaccine, which was left in the background due to the Covid vaccine. Therefore, these viruses are circulating “he says.
Vieira warns that making the use of masks in open environments more flexible can contribute to the growth of respiratory infections. “The contamination increases and we have the transmission of the virus more easily through droplets of saliva. Ideally, people would continue to wear a mask,” he says.
In the assessment of Francisco Ivanildo de Oliveira Junior, infectious disease and quality manager at Sabará Hospital Infantil, there is a mixture of viruses in circulation.
At the hospital, there was a significant increase in the volume of care and admissions. The discharge predominantly refers to respiratory causes not linked to Covid-19, according to Junior.
From July to November this year, there were 346 visits to the emergency room. In 2020, in the same period, there were 269.
“Usually in the second half, we have a small peak between August and October. This year, it is more intense and slower than in previous years. It is not influenza that is appearing this year, but a mixture of viruses, such as parainfluenza 3 , bocavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, which in young children causes bronchiolitis, but in older children and adults it causes a cold. Junior.
Still in relation to the little ones, the contingent between 1 and 2 years of age had less contact with these respiratory viruses during the pandemic. As a result, he has not developed antibodies against respiratory infections and is now becoming more intensely ill.
Last year, due to social distancing measures, some viral diseases practically disappeared, according to Junior. “In 2021, with the easing, these viruses reappeared, but in a different way than usual. We didn’t have an influenza seasonality during our winter.”
In the opinion of the infectology professor at Unifesp, Paulo Abrão, in nearly two years of the pandemic, people have been trained to recognize the symptoms of respiratory viruses and are very attentive.
The use of masks, hand hygiene and physical distance reduced the transmission of Covid-19 and other viruses. “When you return to the old way of behavior, you are exposed again”, says the infectious disease specialist.
Vaccination in Rio
The City of Rio de Janeiro called for the city’s population to get vaccinated against the common flu after an outbreak of the disease.
The statement released on Wednesday (24) is aimed at the entire population over six months of age.
The outbreak takes place outside the usual season. The transmission of flu usually occurs with greater intensity in winter.
The increase in cases occurs after low adherence to the vaccination campaign against the disease, carried out until August. Only 55.7% of the priority group (elderly, pregnant and postpartum women, children aged 6 months to 5 years) were immunized. Due to the low demand, the department had already authorized the application of doses for the entire population.
“It was not expected to have an increase in cases of influenza in this period of the year. We are having this year precisely because of the low vaccination coverage of the flu,” said the municipal secretary of Health, Daniel Soranz, to TV Globo.
According to the secretariat, the virus that has been circulating the most is H3N2, from Influenza A.
The city even authorized that the flu vaccine be applied on the same day as against Covid-19. According to the municipality, studies show that there is no risk of simultaneous immunization.
The main symptoms of flu and Covid-19 are similar. All people with this condition undergo the test to detect the coronavirus. His presence has been reduced: only 1% of exams in the last week.
The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus is also falling in the city. According to the city hall, there are only 29 people hospitalized in Rio’s public system with Covid-19.
How to protect yourself against respiratory diseases
Children with respiratory symptoms cannot attend school
Parents of babies under six months of age should avoid taking them to crowded places, such as shops, malls and parties, among others
Strengthen hand hygiene
Continue with the use of alcohol gel
Avoid closed places and crowding
Keep moisture in the air
hydration
Do not smoke
Be sure to take the vaccines indicated for your age, especially against the influenza virus and Covid-19, if applicable
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