Severe flu cases are rising in Brazil's Southeast region and beginning to spread to Bahia, according to Fiocruz's Infogripe bulletin. The influenza A virus is the leading cause of deaths from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) in the country so far. The data covers epidemiological week 44, from October 26 to November 1.
The Infogripe bulletin, released by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) on Thursday, October 6, shows a rise in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) cases linked to the influenza A virus in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo. These severe flu cases are also starting to spread to Bahia. The records come from the Ministry of Health's Sivep-Gripe system for the period from October 26 to November 1.
“Influenza A continues to be the main cause of SRAG among young adults aged 15 to 49 and one of the main causes of SRAG hospitalization among the elderly, along with covid-19,” states the bulletin’s analysis.
In the last month, the most prevalent viruses in severe cases were rhinovirus (37.8%), influenza A (24.8%), SARS-CoV-2 (14.4%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 6.4%), and influenza B (1.3%). From the beginning of the year to now, RSV led with 40.1% of laboratory-confirmed episodes, followed by rhinovirus (28.2%), influenza A (23.2%), covid-19 (8.2%), and influenza B (1.2%).
For deaths, influenza A accounts for 49.4%, followed by covid-19 (23.4%), rhinovirus (14.4%), RSV (11.6%), and influenza B (1.8%).
The increase underscores the need for vaccination. The trivalent dose, protecting against two influenza A strains and one B, is available free through the SUS for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and children aged 6 months to under 6 years. The tetravalent version is offered in the private network. For RSV, a partnership between the Butantan Institute and Pfizer plans 1.8 million doses by year-end, with vaccination for pregnant women starting in the second half of October.
Although the global covid-19 emergency has ended, the virus persists, and vulnerable populations should keep vaccinations up to date. Preventive measures include handwashing, avoiding contact with flu symptoms, and wearing masks in crowded places.