With almost 300 cases of Influenza in December, health surveillance recommends care in the AM

Marcela Leiros – Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – Just like Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas is also facing an increase in the number of Influenza A virus (H3N2) flu cases. On Friday, 10, the Center for Strategic Information for Health Surveillance in Amazonas (Cievs), of the Foundation for Health Surveillance – Dr. Rosemary Costa Pinto (FVS-RCP), reported that 62 positive cases were confirmed in November and 295 in December, “only” until the last day 9. The FVS-RCP also made an alert to the population about what care to take in cases of suspected virus.

“Alert to the population of the circulation of this virus that causes influenza and the powerlessness to reinforce care, such as frequent hand washing, isolation of symptomatic people, maintaining ventilated environments, avoiding agglomerations, as indispensable measures for the prevention of the disease and the reduction of its transmission”, said the foundation in the risk statement.

The statement of the FVS-RCP also gives recommendations for health services, in case of identification of the virus, such as immediate notification, within 24 hours, of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and “ensure access to Oseltamivir Phosphate (Tamiflu) for treatment of cases of hospitalized patients and with medical prescription, according to the protocol.

The foundation also recalls that this year, 813,821 doses of influenza vaccine were applied in the priority population, during the Influenza Campaign.

Epidemic

Also on Friday, the State Health Department (SES) of Rio de Janeiro confirmed that the state is experiencing an epidemic of the Influenza A virus (H3N2), with an increase of 2,647% in the number of patients seen in Emergency Care Units (UPAs). According to Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Health Department, 23 thousand cases of influenza have been registered in the city in the last four weeks.

Besides the capital, the outbreak of the disease affects other cities in the metropolitan region. According to the InfoGripe bulletin of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), the state registered more cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) caused by the flu virus than by the new coronavirus. All data refer to the last epidemiological week, between November 28 and December 4.

The SES has activated the contingency plan and reinforced the service in three units of this type, with the installation of tents. The folder also committed to do the same in three other care centers.

When a viral outbreak occurs in several regions, it evolves into an epidemic. A pandemic, on the other hand, is when an epidemic occurs in several countries, as is the case of the new coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) and its new variant Omicron.

Here are other precautions to take in cases of suspected virus and also in prevention:

• Wash your hands with soap and water;
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing;
• Avoid touching the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth;
• Do not share objects for personal use such as cutlery, plates, cups or bottles;
• Keep environments well ventilated;
• Avoid close contact with people who present signs or symptoms of flu;
• Avoid leaving home during the period when the disease is being transmitted;
• Avoid crowds and closed environments;
• Balanced diet and fluid intake.

See the press release in full: