The influenza virus causes outbreaks in some cities and states in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro alone, the H3N2 virus, also known as Darwin, has killed 6 people, amid a vaccine shortage and hospital overcrowding.
In São Paulo, the virus is spreading, causing an increase in the number of visits to emergency rooms in the city. Compared to the data of the previous year, during the height of influenza, 12 hospitalizations were recorded in four months, while there were already 19 cases per week this year. Specialists believe that this increase should occur in several cities and capitals of the country.
Flu shot bottle. (Photo: clone/Dr. Keila Freitas)
One reason was the low adherence to available immunizations for the elderly, pregnant women, children, and health professionals. Despite the implementation of a campaign demanding the population to be vaccinated, the vaccination coverage did not live up to expectations.
Of the 80 million doses distributed to São Paulo, only 40 million have been applied. Another mitigating factor in the state is that the flu vaccination was done in a different location than the COVID-19 vaccination, specifically to avoid crowds, which made it difficult to move between columns.
A specialist from the University of São Paulo says that going back to school made the children spread the virus, taking them home. In addition, it is important to stress that the flu vaccine does not protect 100%, so many people who have received the vaccine may have contracted this flu.
https://lorena.r7.com/post/Pfizer-anuncia-eficacia-de-pilula-antiviral-no-tratamento-da-Covid-19
Also known as Darwin, where it was first identified in Australia, the current vaccine does not cover this strain. H3N2 is responsible for the outbreak in Rio de Janeiro.
Experts recommend residents to take the flu vaccine and protect themselves for the next course of the disease. ” On one of the social networks, the infectious scientist Átila Iamarino warns: “Have you had the flu these days? If you repeat this exposure, you will find Omicron. How about finding her wearing a mask and a booster potion? Influenza viruses and coronaviruses (COVID) are transmitted in the same way, but Omicron is more contagious. Wherever the flu passes, omicron.
Featured image: Influenza caused by H3N2 causes more deaths than Covid-19 in Rio de Janeiro. cloning / shutterstock
