The number of hospitalizations for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) in Rio de Janeiro showed an alarming increase of 164%, as revealed by Fiocruz’s Infogipe Bulletin. This significant growth has drawn the attention of experts and health authorities.
Leonardo Bastos, Fiocruz’s Infogipe coordinator, explains that although an increase in respiratory diseases this time of year is common, the current scenario is above expected. “It is common because during this period of the year there is always an increase in respiratory diseases in general, but it is also a little above expected,” says Bastos.
The expert highlights the presence of several respiratory viruses circulating simultaneously. “We are seeing an increase in respiratory viruses. We are identifying Rinoviruses, the breathing sintendic virus, and they have an association with these hospitalizations,” he explains.
Groups of risk
Bastos warns of two distinct groups that deserve special attention right now. Children, especially those under one year old, are more susceptible to Rinovirus and the respiratory sincial virus. The elderly and people with immunological problems are at greater risk with the influenza virus and coronaviruses, although the latter is at the moment.
“We are seeing a little of an increase in cases of influenza in the elders, and in the little ones we are seeing a VSR epidemic, the breathing sintendic virus,” says the coordinator.
Importance of vaccination and care
The expert points out that the most effective protection against influenza is vaccination. “The vaccine protects against these more serious cases,” says Bastos. It also recommends the use of masks for people with respiratory symptoms, highlighting their effectiveness in preventing the transmission of various viruses.
“The mask is even more efficient against other viruses, because it was for Covid. So it is very recommended, it is very desirable that if the person has respiratory symptoms, that they use mask to avoid passing to other people,” Bastos concludes, emphasizing the importance of adopting this practice as a cultural habit to prevent the propagation of respiratory diseases.
This content was originally published in expert detail in the influenza cases; Understand how to protect yourself on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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