Respiratory viruses have caused an increase in the movement of health units across Tocantins

The movement in health units in Tocantins has increased in recent days due to respiratory viruses, mainly affecting children and the elderly. As of April 20, according to official data, 263 cases of Influenza type A, 415 cases of Rhinovirus, 242 cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, 7 cases of Adenovirus and 8,726 cases of Covid-19 had been reported throughout the State.

Given the scenario, the State Department of Health (SES) reinforces the need to reinforce prevention measures, especially for children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with comorbidities, who are at risk of developing possible complications, remembering that at a trend of increasing cases that should last until the end of the rainy season (June).

Recommendations

To reduce and prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses, in addition to vaccination, non-pharmacological measures and control must also be used, such as:

– Frequent hand hygiene;

– Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing;

– Avoid touching the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth;

– Avoid close contact with people who show signs or symptoms of the flu;

– Keep environments well ventilated;

– Avoid crowds and closed environments;

– Wear masks if you have flu-like symptoms;

– If your child has flu-like symptoms, do not take them to daycare, school or children’s parties;

– Avoid exposing children under 6 months of age in crowded places.

National campaign in the North

To combat Influenza, the annual vaccination campaign is scheduled for the second half of 2024, as determined by the Ministry of Health (MS), which changed the period, as a way of meeting the region’s climatic particularities, which begins winter. Amazon region, a period of greatest viral circulation and transmission of influenza. In other regions the campaign has already started.