Sesap issues warning about increase in cases of influenza and rhinovirus in RN

The State Department of Public Health (Sesap), through the Influenza technical area, issued a note warning health professionals and the population about the significant increase in cases of influenza and rhinovirus in Rio Grande do Norte. Of the processed RT-PCR samples for influenza and other respiratory viruses, a positivity rate of 14% was found for influenza A and 17% for rhinovirus. The data comes from the Laboratory Environment Manager (GAL).

In addition to the percentage increase, according to information from the Bed Regulation System (Regula/RN), diseases in the respiratory system are the second biggest cause of hospitalization in beds in the state’s Unified Health System (SUS). Sesap, in this sense, reinforces the importance of vaccination against influenza as an essential measure to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Another measure is to intensify respiratory etiquette: wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol gel, especially after coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom, before eating, before and after touching your eyes, mouth and nose, as well as avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces (handrails, benches, door handles, etc.). In case of flu syndrome, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with other people, especially in crowds and collective environments.

According to Sesap, it is also essential to notify cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) by public and private health units, through the SIVEP-Gripe system and forward notifications to the [email protected]. For further clarification, simply contact the influenza technical area via email: [email protected].