INCIDENCE OF OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES IN BRAZIL DURING SARS-COV2 PANDEMIC

Abstract

OBJETIVE: Viruses are commonly associated with respiratory infections. Pandemics caused by respiratory viruses have affected humans considerably throughout history. We are currently facing a pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Control measures the aimed to slow the virus spread may have interfered with the spread of other season respiratory viruses. Understanding the incidence of viral respiratory cases is necessary to corroborate this hypothesis. The aim of this study was to compare the incidences of the respiratory viruses that were reported in the weekly report of respiratory viruses between 2019 and 2020. METHODS: Epidemiological bulletins of 2019 and 2020 for cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome available at the Ministry of Health were consulted in order to determine the incidences of cases of viral respiratory infection, bulletins were considered for up to week 32. RESULTS: A substantial decrease was observed in cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome related to respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that pandemic-related control in progress can affect the circulation of other respiratory viruses, since transmission of these viruses is very similar and protected measures such as social distance and an increase in the level of personal hygiene can be effective in reducing the spread of most of them. In addition, the closure of school units during the period of greatest incidence of respiratory viruses may have contributed to the decrease in cases among children. CONCLUSION: The measures adopted may have influenced considerably in the spread of other respiratory viruses.