The flexibility of mask use, low adherence to vaccination and dry weather caused an increase in the registration of respiratory diseases.
According to data from the Ministry of Health obtained by the CNN there was an increase of 89.73% in hospital and outpatient records of respiratory diseases from January to May 2022, when compared to the same period last year.
In the city of São Paulo, attendance of cases of respiratory diseases increased by 52% in the municipal network. From January to June this year, there were 1,026,005 calls for respiratory diseases, against 674,795 in the same period in 2021.
Diseases such as bronchitis, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and pneumonia are the ones that most led to the demand for medical care.
Data on bronchitis recorded a high of 142%, sinusitis was 108.33%, pneumonia increased by 74.15%, and allergic rhinitis to high was 67.13%.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which includes Covid-19, was the only one that showed a drop. The decline was 45.33%. This is because Covid-19 was associated with the highest number of people hospitalized and who died in the country between March and April 2021.
How to reduce risks
Dryness of the airways can cause discomfort, make breathing difficult and worsen sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma and rhinitis.
Basic care, including vaccination against influenza and Covid-19, helps to reduce the chances of infection and worsening of diseases.
Otorhinolaryngologist Carlos Barone Júnior, from Hospital Federal do Andaraí (HFA), explains how to minimize the effects of dry weather and low humidity, which are the main factors that contribute to the increase in the circulation of viruses and fungi in the environment.
“Blankets and coats, which are kept in the closet for a long time, increase winter diseases, especially respiratory ones. Hangover nasal mucous membranes also contribute a lot”, said the doctor.
Influenza vaccination prevents the emergence of complications resulting from infection by the influenza virus, reducing the risk of death and pressure on the health system. The same happens with immunization against Covid-19, including the booster dose.
The drop in temperature is also favorable for the circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause respiratory tract infections, especially in children under 5 years of age. The Ministry of Health warns that prevention and early diagnosis can help to avoid serious cases.
Measures can help reduce the risks of bronchiolitis and pneumonia, such as avoiding contact or exposure of the child with another contaminated person, strengthening basic hygiene care such as frequent hand washing with soap and water and cleaning objects that may be contaminated, such as toys.
(With information from Lucas Rocha, from CNN)
Source: CNN Brasil
