Influenza outbreak in Brazil: hygiene and cleanliness remain fundamental to ensure health

The number of flu cases exploded in 2022, and Brazil has already surpassed almost all annual death rates from the disease since the
beginning of this century.

According to Poder360, data from Sivep-Gripe recorded more than 1,500 deaths in January and February alone, while an article
published in VivaBem (UOL) shows that influenza A cases increased up to 400% in the first half of September compared to the
previous two months. Marcelo Gomes, coordinator of InfoGripe, told Folha that the numbers may indicate a new outbreak of the
virus throughout the country.

How do hygiene and cleanliness protect against infectious diseases?

With the relaxation of Covid-19 measures, companies and individuals are neglecting proper hygiene and cleaning
practices, and cases of flu and other infectious diseases are likely to increase.

Without proper sanitization, the flu virus can survive up to 48 hours on some surfaces, which facilitates its transmission.
Therefore, it is essential to apply the learnings and maintain the habits acquired in the pandemic to reduce the risk of
contamination by other diseases.

Simple precautions are key to preventing infectious diseases: always wash your hands thoroughly when

• arriving from outside or handling food; when handwashing isn’t possible, sanitize them with alcohol gel

• even if it is not mandatory, wear masks indoors where there is crowding (such as on public transport),

• never touch your face without sanitizing your hands,

• periodically clean and sanitize personal items such as cell phones, keys and wallets

These tips show that care is not only about cleaning environments and surfaces – there is a co-responsibility of people, which needs
to be stimulated with awareness campaigns to increase their engagement and commitment to hygiene.