The survey also shows a growth in the demand for tests; between November 5 and 11, the association’s laboratories carried out more than 54,000 tests
About four out of ten tests of COVID-19 carried out in the last week have been positive, as demonstrated by the data of Brazilian Association of Diagnostic Medicine (Abraham). Over 54,000 tests, both PCR and antigenic, were carried out between 5 and 11 November. Positivity and number of confirmations are still far from what we saw at the beginning of the year, when Ômicron appeared.
In recent days, the country has had to deal with a new increase in infections associated with Omicron subvariants. Among these the BQ.1which has already been identified in at least four states, and the BE.9, discovered in the Amazon. With the resurgence of infections, experts highlight the need to update the anti-covid vaccination and guide the use of the mask for the most vulnerable people.
Data from the association reveal that the positivity rate went from 3.7% in the first week of October to 39.9% last week. In relation to the total number of positive diagnoses, the first eleven days of November already exceed the total of the previous month by 342%, when the positivity was 8.2%.
The Abramed survey also reveals an increase in the search for tests, which has followed a downward trend since June, reaching a year-low last month. “The data show that in the second week of November there was an increase in the request for tests. This is a very important behaviour, because only with safe tests and with a precise and correct diagnosis can we avoid spreading the virus even further” , underlined, in a note, the executive director of the association, Milva Pagano.
The positivity rate and number of diagnoses, however, are far from what was seen in the first few months of the year, when the country faced an explosion of cases driven by the original Ômicron strain, BA.1; and also what was seen between May and June, when the BA.4 and BA.5 lines caused a peak of infections.
To give you an idea, in January, for example, Abramed amassed more than 600,000 positive tests, which accounted for nearly half of all tests taken. In June, there were 332,000 positives, compared with 889,000 tests.
THE Brazilian Association of Pharmacy and Parapharmacy Chains (Abrafarma) also indicates the maintenance of the case growth scenario. In the period from 31 October to 6 November, there were 4,800 positive diagnoses, compared to 20,400 tests carried out. According to Abrafarma, the number represented a 38% growth in seven days.
In a note, the CEO of Abrafarma, Sergio Mena Barreto, highlighted that “the contingent of positives has increased by 5.6 times compared to the beginning of last month”. “What an immediate inventory review is calling for from the industry to meet demand.”
Patients are also already looking for hospitals. Rede São Camilo, from São Paulo, reported that on Wednesday 16 alone he provided assistance to about 1,500 patients with flu-like symptoms in emergency rooms. That number is 59% higher than the same number of people served on the same day last month.
treatment
Scientists don’t yet know whether the new versions of the virus are more serious or transmissible, but preliminary studies indicate a greater risk of escaping the protection given by vaccines, which is why it is essential to seek reinforcements, experts point out. As shown by Stagethe state of São Paulo alone has 9 million people with the third vaccine late.
In addition to the vaccine, experts point out that it is time for specific groups, such as the elderly and the immunosuppressed, to double down on treatments. They must resume the use of the mask in closed places and in open places where there is an agglomeration. People with respiratory symptoms should also use face protection, they indicate.
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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.
