“We have observed events that are higher than expected,” says the secretary.

At this time of year, there is an increased circulation of viruses that cause acute respiratory infections, especially in children and adolescents. To contain cases of influenza in the public, the Secretary of State for Health (Sesa) published this Wednesday (4) Technical Note No.

“This year we are in a different situation with regard to respiratory infections. We have seen higher-than-expected incidence. In addition to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have had an H3N2 pandemic, with influenza cases increasing before the naturally occurring period. Therefore, our care is that respiratory syndromes do not get worse, and that is why some care is necessary,” warned the Secretary of State for Health, Cesar Neves.

The technical note directs parents and guardians of children and adolescents to prevention and care in living environments and general hygiene, in addition to alerting to signs of illness. Prepared by the health care and monitoring team, the document also advises on actions to be carried out.

maintaining social distance and avoiding gatherings; Leave well-ventilated environments, with windows and doors open; keep hands clean by washing or using 70% alcohol gel; disinfect children’s toys frequently; Do not share personal items (cutlery, towels, plates, cups, bottles); And wearing masks is among the main guidelines.

“We are working to guide parents and guardians, as well as health professionals throughout the care network, so they can care for our children and teens during the winter,” said Maria Goretti, Sesa’s Director of Health Care and Monitoring, David Lopez.

virus

SARS-CoV-2, Syncytial, Rhinovirus and influenza are some of the respiratory viruses circulating in the state. According to the Pandemic Influenza Surveillance Information System (Sivep), more than 1,677 children aged 0 to 4 years were hospitalized from January to April of this year with influenza. This figure is 3.6 times higher than the figure recorded in 2019, which represents 467 hospitalizations for children in this age group. In 2020, the number remained the same in 2019, and in 2021 it reached 1218.

infection

Infections of the upper airways (nose, throat, ears, and sinuses) or lower (bronchi and lung – pneumonia and viral bronchiolitis) present with symptoms such as nasal discharge, stuffy nose, cough, wheezing, sore throat, headache, and changes in taste and taste. Odor, and may or may not be accompanied by fever. There may also be vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Sesa also released Technical Note 7/2022 with guidelines that must be adopted by health organizations when assisting severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) cases.