Brazil has been registering an increase in cases of infection by Respiratory Sincient Virus (VSR) causer of bronchiolitis, and the Influenza to . Since early March, there has been almost constant growth of these infectious agents, and the VSR has presented the highest positivity rate for the last three years. Currently, more than half of the country (16 of the 27 federative units) has an incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) at alert, risk or high risk.
The data is from Report released on April 22 by the Todos for Health Institute (ITPS)which monitors the circulation of respiratory pathogens from registrations of private laboratories, and the bulletin Infogipefrom the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), published on the 30th.
The Southeast region, the state of Goiás and the Federal District concentrate the largest number of cases of VSR. Influenza A virus, which causes flu, has been increasing since December in all age groups, especially in the Midwest, Southeast and South regions, leading to a large number of hospitalizations and SRAG cases.
According to Infogipe, the largest circulation of VSR, besides rinovirus, has generated an increase in the incidence of SRAG in young children. There is a discharge of the syndrome records in the Center-South regions and in some northern and northeastern states, mainly among children and adolescents up to 14 years.
In the states of Amazonas, Pará and Mato Grosso do Sul, there are more cases of syndrome in young people, adults and elderly associated with influenza A. São Paulo virus has an increase in Srag in all age groups over 15 years.
According to infectologist Emy Akiyama Gouveia of the Israeli Albert Einstein Hospital, this time of year begins the seasonality for these pathogens. “With the drop in temperature, people tend to be less outdoors, there is greater cluster in closed places, with less ventilation, which causes this increase in circulation of respiratory viruses.”
The importance of vaccination
In the case of influenza A, an essential preventive measure is vaccination against flu. “Even vaccinated, the person can take the disease. But the vaccine reduces the risk of serious paintings, avoiding hospitalizations and deaths,” says Gouveia.
The expert also emphasizes that the vaccine does not cause the disease, as it is made of inactivated viruses. “If the person took the flu soon after the vaccination, it is because he already had the virus in incubation and developed the disease in the sequence,” he explains. However, it is normal to have some reaction, especially in the first 48 hours after receiving the dose, such as pain in the place and a little fever.
The influenza vaccine should be applied annually, because the virus is changed and immunizers are updated according to the circulation strains. “In addition, the immunity resulting from the vaccine lasts on average six to 12 months. So you need to be vaccinated every year in the fall,” says the infectologist.
In 2025, the Ministry of Health’s National Vaccination Campaign began on April 7, aimed at priority groups, including children from 6 months to under 6 years old, pregnant women, up to 45 days after delivery, elderly 60 and older, indigenous peoples, quilombola population and homeless people.
In the case of VSR, Palivizumab (Astrazeneca) is available in the public network, an antibody that prevents severe forms of infection in high -risk babies. According to the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIM), doses can be applied free of charge to premature people who were born with gestational age of up to 28 weeks and six days, in the first year of life; and in babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia or congenital heart disease with repercussion, regardless of gestational age at birth, up to 2 years of age.
In the private network, there are two vaccines available: Arexvy (GSK), specific to the elderly, and the Abrysvo (Pfizer), intended for the elderly, adults with comorbidities and pregnant women. It induces an immune response to the mother, so that antibodies are transferred to the fetus still in pregnancy. It has been approved for use between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation – to take effect, should be taken at least two weeks before delivery.
The immunizer for pregnant women, as well as a monoclonal antibody called Nrysevimab (Sanofi), recommended for babies and children up to 2 years with comorbidities, were incorporated into the Unified Health System (SUS) in early 2025, but should only be available in the public network in the second semester. In the private network, treatment is already marketed.
This content was originally published in growth of VSR and Influenza cases, it lights it alert in the country on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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