Attendance at health centers for children with flu symptoms grows 22% in March | CITIES

Last month, Fortaleza registered climate variations intense, with different temperatures and frequent rains. This coincides with the expected increase in seasonal illnesses, such as colds and gastroenteritis, commonly known as viruses. Of the 10,000 visits by children aged 0 to 14 with flu-like symptoms at health centers in Fortaleza, almost half were seen in March alone. With immune systems still developing, children are among the most vulnerable and those responsible must be aware of prevention and treatment methods for children.

Between January and March 2024 alone, 10,000 visits were made to children due to flu-like symptoms at the Municipality’s 118 health centers. Most cases were registered last March, with 4,502 visits. The number is 22% higher than that recorded in Februarywhen 3,687 children and young people were served.

According to Luciana Passos, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) and coordinator of primary care networks in Fortaleza, seasonality influences both the increase in cases of viruses and the incidence of allergic attacks. “In addition to allergic symptoms, such as rhinitis, we are in a time of virus spread. We have viruses that are simple, like the rhinovirus, which only affect the airways, lasting around 24h to 72h in childhood”, explains the specialist.

The spread of diseases during the rainy season may be linked to behaviors typical of the season, such as spending more time indoors and poorly ventilated. There is also the incidence of more complex viruses, such as influenza and even Covid-19.

“In addition to nasal symptoms, they will probably also cause fever, body weakness and pain. In these cases, medical attention is required, especially in children under 2 years of age”, points out the doctor.

It was upon noticing these symptoms that sales consultant Aniele Sousa, 32, decided to take her daughter Ella Lavínia, 4 years old, to the Hospital da Criança de Fortaleza Dr. Lúcia de Fátima Ribeiro Guimarães Sá (HCF, also known as Hospital da Criança) , located in the Jóquei Clube neighborhood.

She says that since the weekend she had noticed symptoms in the little girl, such as a runny nose and headaches, which were treated with medication. Between the dawn and morning of this Monday, 1st, however, Ella would have had diarrhea and fever.

As it was a case considered less serious, Ella Lavínia was directed to the itinerant post, which is located in the HCF courtyard. “I decided to bring her to the Hospital right away, which would be more specialized and also because of its proximity to home”, reports the mother, who was surprised to have found the unit with a low flow of patients, due to the post-holiday period.

“The doctor gave her a series of medications to take at home. Also, for the next few days, she will stay at home, without going to school”, commented Aniele Sousa.

“As it is oral transmission, it is very easy to spread. It is important that those responsible allow the child to improve their clinical condition before returning them to the school environment, to prevent the spread of outbreaks of these diseases”, comments Luciana Passos.

The expert highlights the importance of vaccinating children against flu viruses, as well as against Covid-19. Currently, Ceará is carrying out a vaccination campaign against Influenza. According to the State Health Department (Sesa), the goal is to vaccinate around 90% of the target public by May 31st.

How to prevent viruses

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid crowds, especially indoors
• Wear face masks in crowded public places and make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth
• Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and proteins to strengthen the immune system
• Wash and cook food thoroughly to avoid bacterial contamination
• Stay hydrated
• Stay home if you are sick
• Keep your vaccines up to date, especially those recommended to prevent specific viruses, such as influenza and rotavirus

Source: Luciana Passos (coordinator of primary care networks in Fortaleza) and Cirle Bueno, nursing coordinator at the Sopai Philanthropic Children’s Hospital.

from Sopai.

Hospital records 55% increase in attendance

In addition to flu-like syndromes, the rainy season is also prone to the development of gastrointestinal infections, such as vomiting and diarrhea. According to Cirle Bueno, nurse and Nursing coordinator at Sopai Philanthropic Children’s Hospital, the incidence can be attributed “to the breeding season of insects, such as flies”, she says.

In Sopai alone, a unit affiliated with the Unified Health System (SUS), there were a total of 2,803 consultations for cases of flu syndromes and diarrheal diseases in children and young people during the period from February 1st to February 15th.

In the following month, in the same period (03/01 to 03/15), this number increased to 4,361 consultations, representing an increase of 55% compared to the previous month.

Symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea are considered more serious. Therefore, it is important that the child is quickly referred to a healthcare facility. “You should also not let the child dehydrate. Oral saline, for those who have vomiting and diarrhea, saves lives. Every time the child has one of these episodes, it is important that oral saline is offered”, explains the nurse.

If the child does not accept hydration, it is crucial that those responsible take them to the hospital immediately. “There, she will receive antiemetics, anti-vomiting medication, and will be closely monitored by a healthcare professional”, concluded Cirle Bueno, nursing coordinator