Flu cases have increased in different Brazilian cities in recent weeks. According to a survey carried out by CNN, four states face a scenario of epidemic or outbreak of the disease: Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Rondônia and Rio Grande do Norte. At least 12 states and the Federal District have already registered cases of the Influenza A(H3N2) strain.
In an interview with CNN this Monday (20), the physician Tania Vergara, president of the Society of Infectology of the State of Rio de Janeiro, said that the low adherence to the vaccination campaign against the flu in 2021 is one of the factors that contributed to the increase in cases of the disease in the country.
“The most important scientifically proven non-pharmacological measures are the use of a mask, hand hygiene and not crowding. I don’t see any reason not to wear a mask at this time, especially in cities with an influenza outbreak or epidemic,” said Tania.
According to the specialist, there was a relaxation of protection measures against the flu, which are the same that must be adopted for the prevention against Covid-19, another respiratory transmitted disease.
According to the expert, the increased circulation of people, with the advance of vaccination against Covid-19, is also associated with the spread of the flu virus.
“People started traveling, going abroad and back, and foreigners coming. We have the same strain that is circulating in Europe and the Northern Hemisphere now”, he said.
Reference: CNN Brasil
