The elderly and children under two years of age are the most vulnerable to worsening respiratory infections
The most recent bulletin was published this Wednesday, the 29th InfoGripeprepared by Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)reinforces the need to warn about hospital admissions due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), particularly those related to influenza A virus (causing the the flu) it’s at Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of bronchiolitis in children. The elderly and children continue to represent the majority of cases and mortality records.
According to the institution, the current survey reveals a diverse situation in the country, with some states indicating a reversal in the trend of increasing cases, while others continue to record weekly growth. It is worth underlining that, due to the situation experienced by Rio Grande do Sul, the most recent data must be interpreted with greater caution due to possible impacts on the capacity to provide assistance and on the electronic registration of new SARS cases in the State of Rio . Grande do Sul.
The scenario of increase in respiratory syndromes in Brazil is mainly linked to RSV, influenza and rhinovirus, which are diseases that result in SARS in severe conditions. For RSV, in some states of the North-East, Central-West and South-East, an interruption or decline in growth is observed. As regards influenza A, a slowdown is observed in the North-East and in some parts of the North and South of the country.
Among the capitals, 11 show signs of growth in SARS cases: Aracaju (SE), Boa Vista (RR), Cuiabá (MT), Florianópolis (SC), Goiânia (GO), Macapá (AP), Natal (RN), Porto Velho (RO), Rio Branco (AC), Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and São Luís (MA).
In the last four epidemiological weeks, the prevalence of positive cases of respiratory viruses was that of influenza A (25.8%), influenza B (0.4%), respiratory syncytial virus (56%) and covid -19 (4.5%). Among the deaths, the presence of these same viruses among the positive cases was that of influenza A (47.6%), influenza B (0.3%), respiratory syncytial virus (17.6%) and of covid-19 (26.6%).
Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable
In general, the impact of hospitalizations for SARS continues to reflect a common pattern: it mainly affects the extreme age groups considered. This means that both children under two and people over 65 are the most vulnerable groups, with children making up the majority of cases. Regarding mortality, the rate among children is close to that observed among people over the age of 65.
As for SARS cases caused by corona virusthe incidence is higher among young children and the elderly, while mortality is more pronounced in the population aged 65 years and older.
Compared to other circulating respiratory viruses, such as RSV and rhinovirus, the impact on SARS cases is concentrated in young children. However, the influenza virus shows an increased incidence of SARS in children, preadolescents, and the elderly. Influenza A-related mortality is also significant among older adults. Overall, the influenza virus is dominant among deaths due to acute respiratory syndrome in recent weeks.
InfoGripe coordinator Marcelo Gomes asks for treatment. “In general, we continue to have significant volumes of hospitalizations for respiratory infections. When we look at the national aggregate, we have a plateau situation, so we continue with the fundamental and basic recommendations, that is, vaccination against influenza, especially for people in the at risk, and the use of good masks for anyone with cold or flu symptoms and for anyone visiting a health unit,” Gomes said.
He also stressed that regardless of the reason for going to the health center, wearing a mask is essential to prevent contagion and circulation of such viruses. “These are small precautions that each of us can take and which will ultimately help the entire population.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
