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Influenza vaccination campaign begins this Saturday

Influenza vaccination campaign begins this Saturday

This Saturday, May 5, begins the National Vaccination Campaign against Influenza throughout the country. The goal is to immunize the population against H1N1 influenza, which became a pandemic in 2009, in addition to two other types of influenza virus: A (H3N2) and B.

The goal is to protect 24.1 million people, among elderly, children from six months to two years, pregnant women, indigenous people and health professionals. To do this, the Ministry of Health will have more than 65 thousand vaccination posts spread, between fixed and mobile, in addition to 27 thousand terrestrial, maritime and fluvial vehicles. In total, there will be 240,000 health professionals involved in the campaign.

First-time vaccinated children should take two doses at intervals of 30 days. Those who have already received one or two doses last year should take only one now in 2012. The others will take a single dose.

The action, which runs through May 25 throughout Brazil, reinforces that, unlike which many disclose, the vaccine does not cause the flu to take the dose because it is made from fragments of viruses that can not cause infection.

National Influenza Vaccination Campaign

Where: health posts in all of Brazil

When: from May 5 to May 25

End all questions about the flu

You have already learned to differentiate the flu symptoms from those presented by the cold. You have already uncovered the true role of vitamin C in strengthening the immune system and you know that vaccination against the influenza virus is the best way to prevent the flu. Still, there are still some questions about the infection? Then, check out 10 curious questions about the enemy that usually knocks you out in the winter answered by the infectologist Marco Aurélio Sáfadi, a pediatrician and teacher of Santa Casa de São Paulo.

1. Older children and children are more likely to suffer from the flu?

Yes. At the extremes of life, the immune system of individuals does not respond as effectively or immaturally to children as it does to older people.

2. What external factors influence the onset of the flu? Climatic factors, such as dry and cooler weather, contribute to the onset of the flu. This is because the Influenza virus finds more transmission facilities in colder seasons.

3. Can you get in touch with a person with the flu and somehow prevent the virus?

Yes. The antiviral drug, specific against the Influenza virus, whose active principle is oseltamivir phosphate, may come into play when you have had close contact with someone with the flu. The medication can reduce the time of illness, the severity of the symptoms, and the chances of complications from the flu if it sets in.

4. Can a balanced diet help prevent flu? Why?

A balanced menu, with the participation of all essential nutrients for the body, is important for overall health maintenance. However, there are no studies that demonstrate the performance of certain foods against influenza.

5. After you have been cured of a flu, is the immune system able to protect itself against the next in a short time?

Yes. However, after recovering from the flu, the environment becomes more conducive to secondary infections, such as pneumonia. This is because it is a phase where the body is more debilitated and still suffers from changes caused by the flu virus, such as the accumulation of secretion in the lung. To avoid complications of influenza, appropriate treatment should come on the scene, with rest, hydration and use of symptomatic medications and oseltamivir phosphate. It is worth remembering that consulting a specialist is essential.

6. Who has any breathing problem, such as asthma or rhinitis, gets the flu more easily?

No. Such patients are exposed in the same way as people who do not have the problems. But they are at risk because they are more vulnerable to severe complications from the flu. Vaccination is even more recommended in these cases.

7. Does stress favor cases of influenza?

Studies in this area are still inconclusive about a direct relationship between stress and the onset of influenza. Why do body aches appear in the flu?

The flu does not only involve local manifestations, involving only the respiratory system. Influenza virus acts systemically and inflammation of muscle tissue forms part of it.

9. Do the medicines help cure or only control the symptoms?

Depends on the type of medication in question. Symptomatic drugs, which can relieve the symptoms of influenza, have no influence on the influenza virus. The active ingredient oseltamivir phosphate is an antiviral aimed at weakening the virus. When used for the first two days that symptoms appear, the medication reduces the time of illness, decreases the severity of the symptoms and the chances of complications of the infection. It inhibits the enzyme that disseminates the virus pro to the rest of the respiratory tract, thereby decreasing its consequences. It is worth remembering, however, that the drug does not kill the virus.

10. What is the average frequency of flu and cold contagion?

The flu usually appears once a year. The colds are unpredictable, not presenting an average of episodes per year.


Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is common and has treatment

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Emergency room of Santa Marcelina Hospital is banned

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