Correio Newspaper | Drought and fires require more health care; check directions

Smoke from fires can lead to respiratory illnesses.

The current conditions of drought, fires and high temperatures in much of the country have forced the Ministry of Health to reinforce guidelines to protect Brazilians.

In areas where there is difficulty in accessing drinking water, for example, there is a risk of flooding. And smoke from fires can cause respiratory illnesses.

The instructions for the people are: increase the amount of rain and look for cool places; avoid physical activities in open areas; Stay away from fires and get medical attention in case of nausea, vomiting, fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, mental confusion or headache, chest or abdominal pain.

On this Saturday (14), the Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Physiology extended recommendations to the public with the increase in the concentration of pollution in the air.

The document mentions records of pollution due to forest fires in the Northern region, especially in the states of Amazonas, Rondonia and Acre; throughout the Midwest, Southeast and Southeast.

The entity explains that there is an increased risk for respiratory diseases in the following groups: children up to 2 years old, elderly people aged 65 or older and people with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and people with immunity -protection.

In these cases, in addition to irrigation, it is recommended to use masks, if possible N95 or PFF1, 2 or 3, which are more effective than surgical masks; stay indoors as much as possible with the windows closed; as well as avoiding physical activities.

People without comorbidities or outside the groups considered at risk should avoid outdoor physical exercise and the activity time should not exceed 30 minutes; experts also recommend wearing a mask outside.

To improve the interior of homes, moisten the environment with wet towels or humidifiers and keep the area clean. Always use a damp cloth or detergent for cleaning and not brooms.