Respiratory infections are making the news this fall-winter 2022-2023. Many specialists have drawn attention to the possibility of an increase in respiratory infections by seasonal flu viruses, by the respiratory syncytial virus and also by the coronavirus that causes COVID 19.
Is this concern about respiratory infections legitimate?
Prevention and care for COVID 19 greatly reduced exposure to other respiratory viruses, reducing immunity and an increase in infections this autumn/winter is foreseeable.
The symptoms of the 3 diseases are very similar, with respiratory symptoms, muscle and joint pain, headache and fever, among others. In the case of COVID 19, the severity of the disease was greatly reduced by vaccination of the population and booster doses. In the case of the flu, vaccination can also be effective. In the case of respiratory syncytial virus, there is no vaccine.
We can also say that:
• The vast majority of cases will have respiratory and other mild “flu” symptoms, requiring only simple measures such as hydration, paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs for fever or other symptoms;
• Only a small percentage of cases may need medical care.
Is the SNS prepared to respond?
The opinion I give below refers to the Algarve region, and it should be noted that, in the SNS of this region, there are currently many particularities.
In the Algarve, the primary health care component is operational and apparently able to respond to this winter's requests, with emphasis on the enormous dedication of its professionals (doctors, nurses, operational or administrative assistants).
At the hospital level, we have serious problems, namely the very frequent absence of pediatricians to respond to the needs of the population of the region, unfortunately, in the last two years, the erroneous message has been passed that is normal or unacceptable.
A region like the Algarve cannot accept that it does not have pediatricians in the SNS emergencies!!!
It is clear that, having been in the Algarve for almost 20 years, I had never witnessed this situation. Until two years ago, pediatric professionals were always available to give a little more and guarantee a response from the SNS. Being these professionals the same ones who always gave everything and a little more, what happens now that they are not available? It certainly will not be the fault of professionals or patients.
In hospital terms, it will be possible to draw up an action plan for the current autumn/winter, which should have been carried out during the summer of 2022, with the involvement of all professionals, to be presented to the population in September, with implementation from October.
It's December and, in hospital terms, I don't know if it was carried out or implemented or not, however, duly communicated to the population, I can't find evidence of such a plan.
Planning, implementing, evaluating and improving is something that is done in institutions with an implemented quality policy, with benefits and focus on users. Competence in this case has no incremental costs!
Despite this situation, I must say that, in the Algarve, we have health professionals in hospitals who have great technical capacity and a commitment capacity that will lead them to find solutions for people. The Algarve people and those who visit us can without a doubt trust in the professionals and their ability.
What should people do?
The message to the population should be one of tranquility, as these are long-known pathologies, such as the common flu. COVID 19, in vaccinated people, also has mild symptoms in most cases.
People can help the system to get the most appropriate response if they take the following preventive measures:
• Possess vaccination for COVID 19 with all dosages recommended by the DGS;
• Possess flu vaccination in the situations indicated by the DGS;
• Chronic patients who easily aggravate their illnesses in the case of viral infection, as in the cases of chronic respiratory pathologies and heart failure, should schedule a scheduled consultation with their usual doctor, obtaining advice for their specific situation.
In this way and systematizing people with symptoms (children or adults) must:
• Maintain social distancing measures and wear a mask, as any of the infections is highly contagious;
• Maintain hydration care and symptom control with paracetamol and anti-inflammatories;
• In case of doubt, they should contact SNS 24 (808 24 24 24), which will adequately guide the situation;
• In cases with greater difficulty breathing (with a lot of effort to breathe, with the appearance of depressions in the region above the collarbones or between the ribs, with the appearance of a bluish color on the lips), they should call 112;
• Do not resort directly to emergencies, unless you cannot get another type of response.
The Algarve SNS must always seek to provide the best care for users, with organization, quality and competence. The Algarve always deserve more and better, they cannot accept being second-class citizens, because they are not!!
Algarvians and visitors, help the SNS to help you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023.
Author Nuno Marques is a cardiologist and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Algarve
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