Amid the flu epidemic, Rio de Janeiro has seen a 25% increase in cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome, according to data from the Infogripe Project, by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz).
For specialists, the numbers may be related to both Covid-19 and the influenza pandemic, which is spreading in the capital and cities in the metropolitan area.
According to the study, the moving average of weekly cases between October 24-30 and November 14-20 jumped from 336 to 421 across the state.
The 0-9 age group experienced one of the largest growth rates. The age group from 20 to 29 has also seen a significant increase.
“Fortunately, in most states, this is still an indication that it can be consistent with this fluctuation that we observe in periods of stability. But be vigilant because we have signs of growth in some places and in Brazil as a whole,” he explained. Vuecruz researcher Marcelo Gomez.
Similar symptoms
The symptoms of Covid and flu are almost always the same. Therefore, there is much confusion in the diagnosis.
“Fever, headache, cough,” describes maid Severina Araújo.
“Throat blocked, I couldn’t breathe. Plus the temperature was about 40 degrees,” local resident Sylvania da Silva recalls.
“The flu outbreak is just like a covid outbreak. So we’re worried about it, aren’t we? But today, thank God I’m taking the third covid vaccine and now it’s just happiness,” said caregiver Dalva da Silva.
Care
To avoid infection, care and prevention of Covid-19 and influenza must be maintained.
“We are entering a period of the year in which we really have a greater tendency to view due to year-end purchases – many people go to public markets, malls, malls. And we see that, everywhere in Brazil, a great relaxation carefully: many have stopped wearing masks. Or use loose-fitting equipment or under the nose. We have to wear masks that fit the face, preferably PFF-2. If you are going to use a cloth, wear a surgical mask underneath,” the researcher recommended.
And getting vaccinated is essential: “I always wash my hands and use alcohol gel. You have to do these things,” retired Marcia Mazanti said.
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