Hospitalizations and deaths from influenza and syncytial virus increase

The number of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) cases continues to increase in the country, mainly RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and Influenza. The data is in the new edition of the InfoGripe Bulletin, released on Thursday (May 2, 2024) by Fiocruz. The information takes into account Epidemiological Week 17, from April 21st to 27th.

According to the bulletin, the greater circulation of RSV has led to a significant increase in the incidence and mortality of SARS in children up to 2 years of age. Other respiratory viruses that remain at a high incidence in the child population are Sars-CoV-2 (covid-19) and rhinovirus. Among the elderly, the number of deaths from SARS remains higher, with Covid predominating.

In the last 4 epidemiological weeks, the main cases of positive results for respiratory viruses were:

58.0% for syncytial virus;
7.9% for Sars-CoV-2 (covid-19);
24.3% for Influenza A;
0.4% for Influenza B.

In relation to deaths in the last 4 weeks, the main responsible were:

46.4% for Sars-CoV-2 (covid-19);
38.0% for Influenza A;
11.6% for respiratory syncytial virus;
1.1% for Influenza B.

When considering the positive cases of 2024, the numbers are:

35.8% respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
35.0% of Sars-CoV-2 (covid-19)
16.3% are of Influenza A
0.3% in Influenza B

Given this epidemiological situation, vaccination is essential, highlights the researcher from the Fiocruz Scientific Computing Program and coordinator of the InfoGripe Bulletin, Marcelo Gomes.

“It is very important that the population seeks, in particular, to be vaccinated against influenza, which has an open campaign, expanded nationally by the Ministry of Health for all age groups. But as it is not the only respiratory virus that is widely circulating, the flu vaccine alone will not solve all the problems. It will obviously help to reduce these hospitalizations specifically associated with the virus. Therefore, the use of good masks is also an extremely fundamental ally, especially for anyone going to a health unit, and also for people who have symptoms of a respiratory infection.”

The researcher also reinforces the importance of using good masks (N95, KN95 and PFF2) for those who have cold symptoms. They help reduce the risk of transmission to other people. “Take rest, isolate yourself, because this will also help not only with your own recovery, but also reduce the exposure of the rest of the population”advises Marcelo Gomes.

States

In the analysis by federative units, 22 register an increase in SARS cases in the long-term trend:

Alagoas;
Amazon;
Amapá;
Ceará;
Federal District;
Goiás;
Maranhão;
Mato Grosso;
Mato Grosso do Sul;
Minas Gerais;
For;
Paraíba;
Paraná;
Pernambuco;
Large northern river;
Rio Grande do Sul;
Rio de Janeiro;
Rondônia;
Santa Catarina;
Sergipe;
São Paulo;
Tocantins.

In relation to SARS cases due to Covid-19, the indication is a drop in the States of the Central-West, Southeast and South. In the other regions, the trend is for stability at relatively low levels.