Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract, with a global distribution and high transmissibility. Every year, there is a significant increase in cases, putting mainly elderly people and those in risk groups at risk.
There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. “Types A and B are responsible for seasonal epidemics, while type A can trigger major pandemics”, explains infectologist Julival Ribeiro, coordinator of the Influenza Control Center. Infections at the Base Hospital (HBDF).
Influenza is transmitted through direct person-to-person contact or indirectly, through contaminated surfaces. “The virus can survive on surfaces for 24 to 48 hours, increasing the risk of spread”, explains the doctor.
Streaming
The incubation period for the flu is usually one to four days, during which infected people can transmit the virus to others. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, among others, and can lead to serious complications, especially in risk groups such as pregnant women, young children and the elderly.
“Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing flu and its complications”, highlights Julival. “The National Immunization Program [PNI]from the Ministry of Health, lists the priority groups to receive the vaccine, guaranteeing personal and collective protection.”
The vaccine is available in both the public and private networks. The trivalent vaccine, offered by the SUS, protects against three strains of virus, while the quadrivalent vaccine, available in the private network, offers additional protection against a second lineage of the B strain. “Everyone must take the necessary measures to protect themselves and others against the flu”, warns the HBDF infectious disease specialist.
Prevention, always
“Simple measures such as frequent hand washing, using disposable tissues and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing are essential in preventing the flu”, adds the specialist. For the diagnosis of influenza, clinical evaluation is essential, and tests on samples of respiratory secretions can be carried out to identify the virus.
Blood tests can also help determine how infected a person is. The infectious disease specialist also highlights the importance of early treatment with antivirals for influenza, especially for hospitalized patients, with severe, complicated or progressive disease, or who are at greater risk of complications from the flu.
New immunizer
A new vaccine, Efluelda®, developed by Sanofi Pasteur for the population over 60 years of age, is the latest weapon in the fight against influenza. Tetravalent, the vaccine offers an improved immune response against the influenza virus, thanks to its higher concentration of antigens per dose – four times more than traditional vaccines. “It is important to note that Efluelda® is contraindicated in people with known systemic hypersensitivity reactions to any influenza vaccine or any component of the vaccine, including egg proteins,” warns Julival.
*With information from IgesDF
