Learn how to differentiate symptoms and ways to prevent them

As winter approaches and rainfall intensifies, there is always an increase in the number of respiratory illnesses that we popularly call flu. Although we use this term generically to refer to symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing and headache, flu and colds are caused by different viruses and have characteristics that allow them to be differentiated.

According to Pam Salgadinho’s infectious disease specialist, Renee Oliveira, the main difference between the diseases is the intensity of the symptoms and the affected area of ​​the respiratory tract.

“The flu is caused by the Influenza virus and is more systemic, while the cold affects the upper respiratory tract, and can be caused by viruses such as Rhinovirus, Adenovirus and Parainfluenza. With the flu, the person becomes more unwell, fatigued, has a headache and has muscle and joint pain. The cold causes a runny nose, coughing and sneezing and the patient appears more energetic. It normally does not cause a fever, while in the flu fever is common and is usually above 38 – 39 ºC”, he explains.

“A cold does not require specific treatment, with painkillers, hydration and rest being recommended. In the case of the flu, treatment with antiviral medications such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) may be indicated, if the person is in the target group for this type of treatment”, he adds.

Influenza Cases in Maceió

On April 23, the Technical Coordination for Surveillance of Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases and Conditions of the SMS released a warning note on the epidemiological situation of Flu Syndrome (GS) of Sentinel Surveillance and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) hospitalized by Influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses in Maceió, until Week (SE) 16 of 2024.

Based on the epidemiological monitoring of respiratory viruses through the Influenza Syndrome Sentinel Surveillance through the SIVEP-Gripe System, until SE 16 of 2024, an increase in the identification of non-subtyped Influenza A viruses was observed from SE 08 onwards, maintaining predominant until SE 16, among the other respiratory viruses detected.

When analyzing SARS cases up to SE 16 between 2023 and 2024, it is revealed that there was a sharp increase in SARS cases due to Influenza, from 16 cases (5.8%) in 2023 to 77 cases (29.1%) in 2024.

Prevention

Regarding prevention, Renee Oliveira provides some guidance to avoid seasonal illnesses, in which vaccination against the flu is the most effective way to prevent respiratory infections.

“The best way to prevent the flu is through the vaccine, which should be taken annually, during the period when the number of flu cases increases, in the colder months. To prevent flu and colds, it is also recommended to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, in addition to avoiding close contact with those affected. In both cases, to prevent transmission, you should wear a mask and cover your mouth with your forearm or a tissue when sneezing and coughing”, he advises.

Influenza Vaccination

Flu vaccination is available in the capital for the general population. Therefore, in addition to the target audience, all people aged six months and over, who have not yet been vaccinated against Influenza, can receive the vaccine. The expansion occurs due to the benefit that vaccination can provide to the population not included in the priority groups already established by the Ministry of Health, in addition to contributing to the reduction of outpatient care and hospitalizations.

However, the Municipal Health Department (SMS) reinforces the importance of immunizing the target audience, so that they are vaccinated and prevent the disease from worsening.

Among the campaign’s priority groups are the elderly, pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, children from 6 months to under 6 years of age, teachers, health workers, indigenous people, homeless people, security and rescue forces professionals; professionals from the Armed Forces; people with chronic non-communicable diseases and other special clinical conditions, people with permanent disabilities; truck drivers; public road transport workers for urban and long-distance passengers; port workers and population deprived of liberty and employees of the deprivation system.

Vaccination locations

Vaccines are being administered from Monday to Friday in all immunization rooms at Maceió Health Units, in addition to fixed vaccination points such as Maceió Shopping (Monday to Saturday – 9am to 9pm), Pátio Shopping (Monday to Saturday, from 1pm to 9pm / Sunday, 12pm to 7pm), at the Tourist Service Center (CAT Praia) – every day – 2pm to 9pm and Saúde da Gente (Monday to Saturday – 8am to 8pm).