The Department of Health directs citizens with influenza symptoms – Atibaia City Hall

In order not to overburden the municipal health system, the Secretariat recommends that residents only look for an emergency in severe cases of illness, such as high fever or shortness of breath

The increase in the number of influenza cases recorded in some Brazilian cities in recent weeks has led to alarm, escalating the demand for help in hospitals and emergency care units: only this Tuesday (28), the state of emergency Santa, the emergency service in Casa de Atibaia recorded about 400 assistance Related to influenza and respiratory syndromes, mostly with mild symptoms. In order not to overburden the municipal health system, reduce waiting time and ensure care for those in need, the municipal health department recommends that residents only look for hospitals and emergency care units if they develop severe symptoms of illness, such as a high temperature or difficulty breathing.

Influenza syndrome is characterized when a person has a sudden onset of fever, accompanied by a cough or sore throat, and at least one of the following symptoms: headache, myalgia, or arthralgia (pain in the joints). The incubation period for influenza ranges from one to four days and transmission in adults mainly occurs 24 hours before the onset of symptoms, and lasts up to three days after the fever ends. In children it can last for an average of 10 days and more in immunosuppressed patients.

In the case of mild symptoms, the advice is to rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. More serious symptoms include high fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and pain or pressure in the chest or stomach, and the Department of Health recommends that special attention be paid to groups with risk factors for complications, such as the elderly, children under the age of two, and people with comorbidities.

Influenza occurs throughout the year, and is more frequent in the fall and winter, when temperatures drop, especially in the south and southeast of the country. The national influenza vaccination campaign ended in October, and vaccination coverage in Atibaia has reached about 75% of priority groups, which include children, pregnant women, postpartum women, the elderly, indigenous people and health workers. The Municipal Health Department has informed that, for the time being, there are no expectations for the arrival of new doses.

The population must remain vigilant and take measures to prevent the spread of influenza, the same to contain the spread of Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases: washing and hand washing; Use a mask to protect the nose and mouth; do not share personal items; Avoid gatherings and closed environments (try to keep rooms well ventilated); Avoid close contact with people who are showing signs or symptoms of the flu, among other things.