Hundreds of new illnesses at the beginning of the cold season in Braila

• the second month of autumn has brought cooler temperatures to Braila, and this can already be seen in GP offices and hospitals in Brazil • seasonal colds and pneumonia have affected nearly 400 children and adults • according to the information received from the representatives of the Directorate of Public Health of Brazil, in the first statement of the season, hospitalizations due to complications have already been recorded • however, there is also good news: so far, in Braila, no case of influenza has been registered

Hundreds of illnesses in October, in Braila! In just one week, doctors had almost 400 patients with respiratory infections (IACRS) and pneumonia, and some of them even needed hospitalization. We are talking, more precisely, about the week of October 8-14, 2024, when 370 cases of IACRS were registered in Braila, most of them in the age groups 5-14 years, where it was reported on 102 patients, 2-4. years , where 68 such judgments were recorded, but also 0-1 years, where 37 cases were mediated. But there were also situations where doctors decided to give up the hospital because of severe respiratory tract infections, with 13 patients, most of them in the 15-49 age group.

At the same time, in this period, 76 patients diagnosed with pneumonia crossed the threshold of medical offices in Braila, most of the cases were registered in children from the age of 0-4 years, but there were affects all age groups. Regarding hospitals, according to DSP Braila, the doctors decided to admit 37 patients with pneumonia, most of them children in the age group of 2-4 years.

Despite the high number of illnesses this season, there is still good news. In Braila, this autumn, no cases of influenza were recorded, according to the reports of the Directorate of Public Health of Braila.

If you want to get vaccinated, flu shots are already available from GPs and pharmacies, where eligible patients can pick them up with a prescription, just like last year. Regarding the type of compensation, note that the risk groups will have free will, respectively the patients with chronic illnesses, people who are older than 65 years, pregnant women, children and elderly people in care centers, as well as medical or nursing staff working in these centers. And those between 50 and 65 who do not have chronic diseases will receive a 50% discount when purchasing the vaccine.

Why is the flu vaccine recommended?

Flu season usually starts in October and lasts until April. In this context, public health experts believe that the best time for vaccination is before the beginning of the cold season, in the months of October and November. However, vaccination can be done later, throughout the flu season.

Many doctors support the flu vaccine because it reduces the risk of illness, but also the severity of symptoms and duration of illness, prevents complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization and even death, and protects vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.