Two deaths from the disease have already been confirmed in Votuporanga and records of small “outbreaks” in schools have caused concern
Even with two confirmed deaths and small outbreaks in schools, the flu vaccination rate remains low (Photo: Votuporanga City Hall)
Franclin Duarte
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Votuporanga and the region were on alert for the risk of a new outbreak of H1N1, popularly known as “Swine flu”. Two deaths have already been recorded in the city and now, a school in Fernandópolis had to remove six students after tests confirmed that they all contracted the virus.
According to the school, the decision to remove students was made to avoid further contamination. The institution also distributed masks to other students and reinforced the hygiene of classrooms, in addition to providing alcohol gel and promoting social distancing, with desks being spaced apart. Students and families were properly advised regarding the period of absence.
The management said it is in contact with the municipality’s Health Surveillance and follows prevention protocols so that classes can be kept safe. In Votuporanga, the two deaths recorded from the disease occurred in February and killed a 34-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman.
“We are having cases of H1N1, so much so that we have already had two deaths in the municipality, so it is important that people get vaccinated, parents take their children to be vaccinated, as it also helps prevent many respiratory diseases. Flu kills and can cause complications, especially for the most vulnerable groups who have lower immunity”, said the nurse from the Immunization Sector of the Municipal Health Department, Daniele Fortilli.
Daniele’s appeal for vaccination comes in light of the low demand for the vaccine in health units in Votuporanga. According to a survey carried out by A Cidade, only 27.6% of the target audience has already been vaccinated this year in the municipality.
Doses of the vaccine are available from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, for all priority audiences.
Target Audience
Children aged six months to under six years of age, pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, healthcare workers, individuals aged 60 or over and teachers in public and private schools can be vaccinated.
People with chronic non-communicable diseases and other special clinical conditions, people with permanent disabilities, professionals from the security and rescue forces and the armed forces, truck drivers, public transport workers for urban and long-distance passengers, employees will also be vaccinated. of the prison system, adolescents and young people aged 12 to 21 under socio-educational measures, the population deprived of liberty and people living on the streets.
The vaccine is trivalent, therefore, it protects against two types of Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and against Influenza B. Vaccination against influenza is considered the best prevention strategy against the disease and has the capacity to promote immunity during the period of greater circulation of viruses, reducing the worsening of cases, hospitalizations and the number of deaths, in addition to reducing the burden on health services.
Franclin Duarte
[email protected]
Since its last global appearance in 2009, the H1N1 virus, this strain of influenza, has been the subject of ongoing concern and study. To explain more about this disease, A Cidade spoke with doctor Regina Chaves de Lima, an infectious disease specialist at Santa Casa de Votuporanga.
According to the doctor, H1N1 is transmitted in a similar way to the common flu, mainly through respiratory droplets dispersed when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Furthermore, transmission can occur through contact with surfaces contaminated by the virus, followed by contact with the mouth, nose or eyes.
Symptoms
Symptoms, according to the specialist, can range from mild to severe and include muscle pain, fever, chills, fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, cough, diarrhea and nausea or vomiting.
Vaccination
Doctor Regina Chaves de Lima also explained that vaccination is currently the main means of preventing H1N1. The vaccine contains fragments of the influenza A virus, which is a variant of the common flu virus, stimulating the action of the immune system to produce anti-H1N1 antibodies, which attack and kill the virus, protecting the person against the disease.
“This vaccine can be taken by anyone, but some specific groups have priority, such as the elderly, children over 6 months or people with chronic illnesses, as they are at greater risk of serious complications that can put their lives at risk,” he explained.
The H1N1 vaccine is made available free of charge by the SUS to at-risk groups, and is administered at health centers in annual vaccination campaigns. For people who do not belong to risk groups, the vaccine can be found in private clinics specializing in vaccination.
Prevention
In addition to the vaccine, prevention of H1N1, according to the doctor, follows standard guidelines to prevent the spread of the flu. The dr. Regina emphasized the importance of avoiding close contact with infected people, washing hands regularly with soap and water, using alcohol gel when soap and water are not available, maintaining healthy habits and avoiding sharing personal objects.
“Furthermore, in outbreak situations, the use of masks and avoiding closed or crowded environments can be additional precautionary measures,” he stressed.
Treatment
For the treatment of H1N1, the doctor highlighted the availability of specific antivirals, such as Oseltamivir (commercially known as Tamiflu), which is provided in the public health network.
“These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the disease if administered early. Furthermore, treating symptoms, such as fever and pain, is essential, along with adequate rest, fluid intake and isolation to prevent the spread of the virus to other people,” he added.
Understanding the transmission methods, symptoms, prevention and treatment of H1N1 is essential to effectively combat this disease.
News published on the website: www.acidadevotuporanga.com.br
News address: www.acidadevotuporanga.com.br/saude/2024/04/regiao-entra-em-alerta-para-h1n1-medica-explica-os-sintomas-tratamento-e-como-prevenir-n79994
Tags: Region alert H1N1 Doctor explains symptoms treatment prevent
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