The main complication of flu is pneumonia, especially for people with comorbidities, as he explained in an interview with CNN, professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Santa Casa de São Paulo and head of the Pneumology team at Hospital Samaritano de São Paulo, Mauro Gomes.
According to the doctor, the chances of dying from the flu are lower than when compared to Covid-19. However, “Influenza works like a ‘Trojan Horse’, which takes the enemy into the lungs.”
“The virus opens up the defense of the respiratory system so that the pneumonia bacteria can take hold,” said Gomes.
Also according to the pneumogist, the increase in the number of cases of both Covid and flu is due to the relaxation of protective measures by the population. As explained by the head of the pulmonology team, just this Monday (20), 650 people sought medical care in the emergency room of Hospital Samaritano due to the flu, which “reperformed in several hospitalizations”.
“The potential for airborne transmission of Covid’s virus is greater, especially of the Ômicron variant. But with agglomeration, without a mask, in closed environments, the risk of catching Influenza is also very high”, said Gomes.
The two illnesses are similar in the first few days, but the flu develops symptoms more related to the nose, throat, headache and high fever, according to the doctor. He advises that if you experience a cough, shortness of breath or persistent fever, it is important to seek specialized care.
Finally, Mauro Gomes states that it is important to make the consultation, as only with a prescription one should take Oseltamivir, popularly known as Tamiflu.
“It should be taken within the first few days, and with a doctor’s prescription. If it is taken after 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, it tends to have no further effect”, concluded the pulmonologist.
Reference: CNN Brasil
