Tents will be erected in the outer areas of the UPAs to deal with influenza cases | Rio de Janeiro

Tents set up to handle flu cases during the outbreak in RioBernardo Costa Agency / O DIA

Posted on 12/02/2021 16:35 | Updated on 02/12/2021 5:21 PM

RIO — The State Department of Health (SES) will install outdoor tents at four UPAs to serve people with flu-like illnesses. The first work begins on Friday, next to the UPA of Marechal Hermes, in the northern region. Two more tents will be erected in the area, at Penha and Tijuca UPAs. In the southern region, the structure will be erected at UPA Botafogo. All other units are expected to be installed next week.

According to SES, planning is for tents to run throughout December, but the deadline can be changed depending on the behavior of the flu outbreak. The Secretary of State for Health, Alexander Ship, explains that the measure could reduce service time and waiting lists at UPAs.

“This format has already been used successfully by the department during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, and in epidemics of dengue, Zika and chikungunya. It allows us to simplify the care of these patients and to screen for mild cases, the majority of which we can give more attention to more serious cases. We believe This process will reduce service time and waiting lines at UPAs,” the secretary said.

SES explains that patients with symptoms of influenza who arrive at UPAs, will first appear in tents, where they will be screened. If screening or treatment is necessary, patients will be referred to the interior of the UPAs. The Marshall-Hermes UPA Tent will contain an examination area and a doctor’s office for the exclusive care of influenza cases.

According to SES, the structures have belonged to the trust for more than 10 years, and will not bring additional costs to the state. It will be closed and air conditioned. In addition to the tents, the file adds that 11 teams from the Secretariat and the Health Foundation visit all UPAs and hospital emergencies daily to try to reduce the effects of influenza outbreaks and improve waiting time for patients.

increase in cases

In the past week, there was a 429% increase in influenza syndrome attendance in the state’s general urban areas. Cases rose from an average of 189 daily consultations between November 16 and 21 to about 1,000 consultations a day between September 22 and 28. The greatest number of cases is in adults. Data taken from SES.

The Secretariat stresses the importance of vaccination against influenza, especially for priority groups: children aged 6 months to less than 6 years, pregnant women, postpartum women (women who have given birth less than 45 days), people with comorbidities, weak Immune system, aged 60 years or older.