The Infogripe Bulletin, released by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) this Thursday (11), highlights the increase in cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) in children between 0 and 9 years of age. In this age group, there was a significant increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RVS), with weekly records higher than those observed for Covid-19. Among children, between 1,200 and 1,500 cases of SRAG are registered weekly, values similar to the peak of July 2020.
VRS is one of the main agents of acute infection in the airways and can affect the bronchi or lungs. Since the month of July, researchers have pointed to a gradual increase in positive cases for other respiratory viruses, such as Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus and Parainfluenza 4.
TO CNN, the study coordinator, Marcelo Gomes, states that these agents commonly cause hospitalization in this public, but what calls attention is the reappearance of these viruses.
The explanation for the return, according to him, is a natural consequence of the increased exposure of children due to the return to classroom classes and greater circulation of the population on the streets.
“Covid-19 reminded us of something we’ve ignored for years, the quality of the school environment. The resurgence of these viruses, which had disappeared during the social isolation imposed by the pandemic, makes clear some evidence that science has been talking about for decades: it is more than urgent to improve the classroom environment, especially ventilation”, emphasizes the researcher.
Gomes warns that controlling the number of students in each room is another measure that should have been taken a long time ago.
“The reduced number of students per classroom is good for pedagogy and health. Of course, it is utopian to think that there will be no transmission of respiratory viruses in schools, but the preparation and planning of the environment is essential to avoid pathogens”, he says.
Regarding the new coronavirus, the possible release of the vaccine for the group under 12 years of age has been seen positively to protect children as well. In other countries, such as the United States and China, vaccination of this public is already a reality.
Dr. Julia Spinardi, a physician in the area of vaccines at Pfizer, told the CNN that the forecast is that by the end of this month the procedures for data analysis of the immunizing agent are completed and, then, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) can take a stand in relation to the vaccination of children from five years of age.
“The study that gave rise to the licensing of vaccination in people between 5 and 12 years of age was published two days ago. The negotiations have already started in other countries. In the coming weeks, we expect the positioning of European agencies. We have already started the submission deal with Anvisa here in Brazil. We hope that by the end of November we will be able to complete the data analysis procedures so that Anvisa can take a position on the authorization or not in relation to the use of the vaccine in the population aged 5 to 12 years”, said Spinardi.
Reference: CNN Brasil
