The number of cases of respiratory syndrome in children is growing – Jornal do Sudoeste – just the truth

The incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARI) is increasing in the country among children and adolescents, especially in the age group between 5 and 11 years. The data is from the new InfoGripe newsletter, issued last Thursday (12) by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). The survey takes into account epidemiological data from the past four weeks, the corresponding period from December 11 to January 7.

According to Fiocruz, the virus accounts for 59% of SARS cases with positive laboratory results in children between 0 and 4 years of age. Already in older age groups, including children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, Covid cases have been the leading cause of respiratory illness in the past month.

The regions most affected by the syndrome were: São Paulo, the Federal District and the three states of the Southern Region. Significant virus presence was also observed in the 0- to 4-year-old group in Espiritu Santo, Minas Gerais and Roraima.

According to infection doctor Rosanna Richtmann, there are two explanations for the virus’ occurrence. “SARS or severe acute respiratory syndrome varies according to the epidemiological and seasonal moment in our country. That is, in different regions and times, we have different prevalence of the virus, ”he explains.

In the first two years of the epidemic, according to a study by Fiocruz, the disease was responsible for the deaths of two children up to 5 years old per day in Brazil. So far, only about 39% of children between the ages of 3 and 11 have completed the vaccination schedule against the disease in the country, according to the foundation.

Coronavirus disease vaccines

According to the Ministry of Health, 754 thousand doses of Corona medicine were received this Wednesday (11) to enhance vaccination against Covid-19. The first doses should be used to continue immunizing children 3 to 11 years of age. According to the volume, a new purchase should be made in the coming days, guaranteeing 2.6 million doses in total.

Infection scientist, Jolival Ribeiro, explains the importance of completing the vaccination course, and continuing prevention through basic care. “It is important to note that the pandemic is not over yet, there are many sub-variants circulating in the world. We have to take care of ourselves. Everyone must be vaccinated against Covid-19. And those who have not received the booster dose should do so. Hence the importance of course vaccination.” specifically to prevent severe cases, hospitalization, and death.”