Every year, during the rainy season, Amazonas experiences a significant increase in flu cases among all age groups. To combat the gradual growth of the disease, it is important to follow some health measures and, above all, to be vaccinated against the different types of influenza viruses.
According to infectious disease doctor Carolina Queiroz, the vaccine remains the most effective form of prevention, preventing serious cases and deaths from the flu. Remembering that the vaccine is available, free of charge, through the Unified Health System (SUS), throughout Brazil, and is recommended for all people aged 6 months and older.
In addition to the immunizer, there are also other precautions and measures that we must follow in our daily lives, in order to avoid the spread of the disease. “It is important to pay attention to washing our hands or using alcohol gel; do not circulate around collective environments, if you are sick; sanitize objects, as they are means of contamination; avoid crowds, especially in closed environments; the infectious disease doctor.
Another precaution that we must take also concerns monitoring the disease, in case the person is infected by the virus. This way, the worsening of symptoms and other complications are avoided. “We must maintain a healthy diet and stay well hydrated, always”, reinforced Carolina.
All of this is in line with drug treatment, which must be prescribed by a doctor – but which generally involves painkillers, antipyretics, nasal washing and lots of rest.
“If the flu presents signs such as shortness of breath and persistent high fever for more than 24 hours, or if the affected person is part of a risk group, it is essential to seek medical attention”, warned the infectious disease specialist.
“If the disease is not properly treated, it can progress to the most common complication, which is pneumonia, the most frequent cause of hospitalization. Others [complicações] are otitis, sinusitis, dehydration and decompensation of chronic diseases”, concluded Carolina.
