COVID-19 in children aged 0-15 years seen at Amirou Boubacar Diallo National Hospital in Niamey, Niger, 2020-2021

Background: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected all age groups. Although COVID-19 is generally benign in children, a diagnostic problem may arise due to clinical similarities with certain pathologies such as malaria, dengue fever and influenza. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile of COVID 19 in children seen at consultation and to determine the prevalence of influenza, malaria and dengue fever as differential diagnoses. Methodology: We conducted a prospective cohort analytical study from October 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 in COVID-19 suspected children aged 0 to 15 years admitted to the pediatrics department at the hospital. We used EPI INFO 7.2.4. software for data entry and analysis. Frequencies and proportions were calculated. Results: A total of 570 suspected cases of COVID-19 were enrolled. Of the suspected cases, 53.2% were males and 46.9% were females, with a M/F ratio of 1.13. The median age was 2 years (IQR: 1- 3 years), with age range of 0 to 15 years, and 68,8% in the age range 1 to 5 years. Exposure factors were travel (3.7%), contact with a suspected case of COVID-19 (1.0%), while only 2.6 % (15/570) of suspected cases were confirmed positive for COVID-19. The median age of COVID-19 confirmed children was 2.7 years (IQR 0.33-5). There were more male positive cases, with a M/F ratio of 2. Fever (100%) and cough (53.3%) were the predominant symptoms. The prevalence of malaria, Dengue fever and influenza among suspected COVID-19 cases were 16.8%, 0% and 54.7% respectively, while the respective prevalence in COVID-19 confirmed cases were 66.7%, 0% and 33.3% Conclusion: COVID-19 should be investigated in children presenting with symptoms and signs of malaria, influenza or Dengue fever.

"Valha-nos a Providência!": festas e ritos católicos em tempos epidêmicos, Salvador-BA, Brasil, 1918-1919 / "God for us!": Catholic festivals and rites in times of epidemics, Salvador-BA, Brasil, 1918-1919

Resumo O artigo analisa as reações dos católicos vinculados às associações leigas na cidade do Salvador, no período da gripe espanhola (1918) e da varíola (1919). Os jornais foram as principais fontes utilizadas para a identificação das festas e dos ritos, tanto dos praticados para pedir a intercessão dos santos quanto daqueles que foram suspensos em função da necessidade de isolamento social. Apesar de ambas as doenças serem transmissíveis e do curto espaço de tempo entre as duas epidemias, a análise das fontes evidenciou diferentes reações dos fiéis quanto às medidas de proteção e busca da cura.

Abstract This article analyzes the reactions of Catholics linked to lay associations in the city of Salvador, in the period of the Spanish flu (1918) and smallpox (1919). Newspapers were the main sources used to identify the festivals and rites, both those practiced to ask for the intercession of the saints, and those that were suspended due to the need for social isolation. In spite of both diseases being transmissible and the short interval between the two epidemics, the analysis of the sources showed different reactions from the faithful regarding the measures of protection and the search for a cure.

O lampejo dos rastros nos intervalos da montagem: notas metodológicas sobre a incursão em arquivos concernentes à febre amarela e à gripe espanhola / The flash of traces in the montage intervals: methodological notes on the incursion into Yellow Fever and Spanish Flu archives / El destello de los rastros en los intervalos del montaje: apuntes metodológicos sobre la incursión en archivos concernientes a la fiebre amarilla y a la gripe española

No presente artigo, tecemos reflexões e apresentamos conceitos que têm orientado uma pesquisa nos registros de arquivos sobre a febre amarela e a gripe espanhola, nos acervos da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, da Biblioteca Nacional e do Arquivo Nacional. A pesquisa é centrada na busca dos rastros e das ruínas desses eventos epidêmicos, mediante o método da montagem e com a perspectiva do limiar. Buscamos, por meio dessas materialidades, criar intervalos, experimentar e tecer brechas que prefiguram outros possíveis. Defendemos que, ao manejar, por meio da fabulação crítica, as formas como uma epidemia se faz aparecer, habilitamos a elaboração de uma imaginação política capaz de conferir ao futuro outras possibilidades e outros agenciamentos que não sejam a catástrofe e a melancolia

In this article we reflect on the presented concepts that have guided research in the archival records of Yellow Fever and Spanish Flu in the collections of the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Oswaldo Cruz Foundation), the Biblioteca Nacional (National Library), and the Arquivo Nacional (National Archive). The research is centered on the search for the traces and ruins of those epidemic events, through the method of montage and from the perspective of the threshold. We seek, by means of these materialities, to create intervals, to experiment, and to weave gaps that prefigure other possibilities. We argue that, by coping with, through critical fabulation, the ways in which an epidemic makes itself appear, we enable the elaboration of a political imagination capable of giving the future other possibilities and arrangements that are not the catastrophe and the melancholy

En el presente artículo hacemos reflexiones y presentamos conceptos que han guiado una investigación sobre los registros archivísticos de la fiebre amarilla y la gripe española en los acervos de la Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fundación Oswaldo Cruz), de la Biblioteca Nacional (Biblioteca Nacional y del Arquivo Nacional (Archivo Nacional). La investigación se centra en la búsqueda de los rastros y las ruinas de esos eventos epidémicos, mediante el método del montaje y la perspectiva del umbral. Buscamos, por medio de estas materialidades, crear intervalos, experimentar y tejer brechas que prefiguren otras posibilidades. Argumentamos que manejando, a través de la fabulación crítica, las formas en que se hace aparecer una epidemia, posibilitamos la elaboración de una imaginación política que dé al futuro otras posibilidades y disposiciones que no sean la catástrofe y la melancolía

Influenza aviar H5N1. ¿Debemos preocuparnos? / Avian influenza H5N1. Should we worry?

Desde la segunda mitad de 2022 se ha reportado un aumento de casos de influenza en aves migratorias en Latinoamérica. Los virus influenza A y B son los principales agentes asociados a influenza estacional epidémica en humanos. Los virus influenza A circulan no solo en humanos sino también en animales, incluyendo aves migratorias. El intercambio de segmentos de ARN genómico entre dos virus del mismo tipo aumenta la diversidad de los subtipos circulantes e incluso puede facilitar la generación de progenie viral potencialmente pandémica. La naturaleza zoonótica del virus influenza A puede generar infecciones en humanos con virus de origen animal. El virus influenza A de origen aviar ha ocasionado transmisiones en humanos, incluyendo casos graves y muertes, siendo la influenza A H5N1 la más destacada. Es importante tomar medidas de prevención y control en caso de aumento de casos de influenza en aves migratorias para prevenir posibles pandemias en Chile y el mundo.

Since the second half of 2022, an increase in influenza cases in migratory birds has been reported in Latin America. Influenza A and B viruses are the main agents associated with seasonal epidemic influenza in humans. Influenza A viruses circulate not only in humans but also in animals, including migratory birds. The exchange of genomic RNA segments among two viruses increases the diversity of circulating subtypes and may even facilitate the generation of potentially pandemic viral progeny. The zoonotic nature of influenza A virus can generate infections in humans with animal-origin viruses. Avian-origin influenza A virus has caused transmissions in humans, including severe cases and deaths, with influenza A H5N1 being the most prominent. It is important to take preventive and control measures in case of an increase in influenza cases in migratory birds to prevent possible pandemics in Chile and the world.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide promotes stress erythropoiesis in mice caused by 5-FU / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) antagonizing 5-fluorou-raeil (5-FU) on spleen stress erythropoiesis in mice and its related mechanism. Methods C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into control group, ASP group, 5-FU group and ASP + 5-FU group. The mouse body weight during the modeling pe-riod was recorded, and peripheral blood routine and the number of mononuclear cells in the bone marrow of femur were measured. Histopathology of spleen was de-tected, also the index and cellularity of spleen were analyzed. BFU-E of spleen mononuclear cells was counted. The number of F4/80

O trem e a "senhorita espanhola": a epidemia de gripe em Diamantina, 1918 / The train and the "Spanish señorita": the flu epidemic in Diamantina, 1918

Resumo O artigo analisa a epidemia de gripe de 1918 em Diamantina, no interior de Minas Gerais. A partir de fontes bibliográficas e documentais, discute como o ramal ferroviário da Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas, inaugurado em 1914, contribuiu para a chegada da doença à cidade que, até então, era representada no discurso de suas elites como isolada e salubre. Aborda as imbricadas relações entre a expansão dos sistemas de transportes pelo interior do Brasil, o meio ambiente, o conhecimento científico e os processos saúde/doença.

Abstract The article analyzes the influenza epidemic in 1918 in Diamantina, a town in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Bibliographic and documental sources are used to investigate the influence of the Vitória-Minas railroad (Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas), opened in 1914, on the arrival of the disease in the town, which had until then been represented in the discourse of its elites as insalubrious and isolated. The interrelations between the spread of transportation systems across Brazil, the environment, scientific knowledge, and health-disease processes are discussed.

Intervenções não farmacológicas para o enfrentamento da síndrome gripal: uma revisão sistemática / Non-pharmacological interventions for coping with the influenza-like illness: a systematic review

Introdução: As intervenções não farmacológicas consistem em quaisquer medidas ou ações, que não o uso de vacinas ou medicamentos, que podem ser implementadas para retardar a disseminação de determinada doença infecciosa na população. Objetivo: Fornecer evidências científicas relacionadas às intervenções não farmacológicas que conferem a prevenção de síndrome gripal na comunidade. Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura realizada nas bases de dados, Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science e, no que tange à literatura cinzenta, uma busca adicional foi realizada no Google Scholar. A busca eletrônica foi realizada no dia 06 de setembro de 2021. Os critérios de inclusão foram ensaios clínicos randomizados que avaliassem a eficácia de intervenções não farmacológicas na comunidade para a prevenção da disseminação de síndrome gripal. A avaliação do risco de viés foi realizada por meio da ferramenta Risk of Bias 2.0. A síntese dos resultados foi apresentada de modo qualitativo. A síntese quantitativa (estatística) dos resultados não foi possível, devido à acentuada heterogeneidade de configurações metodológicas, bem como as qualidades metodológicas dos ensaios clínicos randomizados. Resultados: Foram compilados 34 ensaios clínicos randomizados. A avaliação metodológica demostrou que a maioria dos ensaios apresentam falhas na sua condução. No tocante aos países onde as intervenções foram utilizadas, destacam-se Estados Unidos da América, China e Espanha, respectivamente; e de acordo com o local onde foram realizadas - em domicílios, em escolas, em creches, em residências universitárias e em ambiente comunitário. Com relação à situação epidemiológica, observa-se que 13 estudos foram realizados no período sazonal de influenza, 11 estudos em períodos pontuais, cinco estudos em períodos pandêmicos por SARS-CoV-2, quatro estudos em períodos concomitantes e um estudo durante a pandemia de influenza. A respeito da infecção avaliada, observa-se estudos que avaliam infecções respiratórias agudas, influenza e COVID-19. Dos 34 ensaios clínicos, 30 avaliaram intervenções individuais, dois intervenção individual e ambiental, uma intervenção individual e comunitária; e um ensaio clínico avaliou uma intervenção comunitária. Intervenções individuais: máscara facial; higiene das mãos com água e sabão, com formulação à base de álcool, com cloreto benzalcônio; etiqueta respiratória; e limpeza nasal asséptica. Intervenções comunitárias: triagem, ventilação do ar, campanha publicitária (distanciamento social). Intervenção ambiental: limpeza de superfície. Conclusão: Algumas intervenções não farmacológicas individuais (higiene das mãos com água e sabão, higiene das mãos com formulação à base de álcool, etiqueta respiratória e limpeza nasal antisséptica) e ambientais não têm momento para início da implementação, elas devem se tornar cultural, pois são mais simples e de baixo custo. Essas intervenções e outras, como o uso de máscara facial, devem ser incentivadas durante os períodos sazonais desses vírus, considerando as particularidades de subgrupos populacionais, para prevenir maior disseminação. As intervenções combinadas (individuais/comunitárias e individuais/ambientais) potencializam os efeitos na redução da síndrome gripal e das infecções respiratórias agudas. Ressalta-se que as intervenções não farmacológicas representam a primeira escolha na prevenção da disseminação microbiana, são determinantes no controle das doenças e, de forma articulada, necessita da vacinação para minimizar os impactos deletérios na comunidade.

Introduction: Non-pharmacological interventions consist of any measures or actions, other than the use of vaccines or drugs, that can be implemented to delay the spread of a certain infectious disease in the population. Objective: To provide scientific evidence related to non-pharmacological interventions that prevent the flu syndrome in the community. Method: Systematic review of the literature carried out in the databases Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and, regarding the gray literature, an additional search was performed on Google Scholar. The electronic search was performed on September 6, 2021. The inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials that evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in the community to prevent the spread of flu-like illness. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. The synthesis of the results was presented in a qualitative way. The quantitative (statistical) synthesis of the results was not possible, due to the marked heterogeneity of methodological settings, as well as the methodological qualities of the randomized clinical trials. Results: 34 randomized clinical trials were compiled. The methodological evaluation showed that most of the trials have flaws in their conduction. With regard to the countries where the interventions were used, the United States of America, China and Spain, respectively, stand out. According to the place where they were carried out, at home, in schools, in day care centers, in university residences and in a community environment. Regarding the epidemiological situation, it is observed that 13 studies were carried out in the seasonal period of influenza, 11 studies in specific periods, five studies in pandemic periods due to SARS-CoV-2, four studies in concomitant periods and one study during the pandemic of influenza. Regarding the evaluated infection, there are studies that evaluate acute respiratory infections, influenza and COVID-19. Of the 34 clinical trials, 30 evaluated individual interventions, two individual and environmental intervention, one individual and community intervention; and a clinical trial evaluated a community intervention. Individual interventions: face mask; hand hygiene with soapy water, with alcohol-based formulation, with benzalkonium chloride; respiratory etiquette; and aseptic nasal cleaning. Community interventions: triage, air ventilation, publicity campaign (social distancing). Environmental intervention: surface cleaning. Conclusion: Some individual non-pharmacological interventions (hand hygiene with soap and water, hand hygiene with alcohol-based chemical formulation, respiratory etiquette and antiseptic nasal cleaning) and environmental do not have a time to start implementation, they must become cultural, because they are simpler and of low cost. These interventions, and others such as the use of a face mask, should be encouraged during the seasonal periods of these viruses, taking into account the particularities of population subgroups, to prevent further spread. Combined interventions (individual/community and individual/environmental) potentiate the effects in reducing flu syndrome and acute respiratory infections. It should be noted that non-pharmacological interventions represent the first choice in preventing microbial dissemination, are crucial in disease control and, in an articulated way, require vaccination to minimize deleterious impacts on the community.

A Prospective, Interventional, Multicentre, Post-marketing Clinical Study of a fixed-dose combination of Paracetamol (125 mg), Phenylephrine HCL (5 mg), Chlorpheniramine Maleate (1 mg) and Sodium Citrate (60 mg/5 mL) for the Treatment of Common Cold and Flu Syndrome in Children

Background : Common cold is an acute, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract involving the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. According to various studies, the combination of analgesics, decongestants, and antihistamines provides better relief for multiple symptoms in the common cold. Fixed dose combination of Paracetamol as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic, Chlorpheniramine maleate, an anti-histaminic, and Phenylephrine as a nasal decongestant is primarily used in the treatment of the common cold. Hence the present post-marketing surveillance study was planned to find any unwanted adverse effects and efficacy of commercially available combination in treating the common cold in children. Methodology : The prospective, single-arm, multicenter, post-marketing clinical study included 224 children from four different study sites, of which 204 completed the study. Subjects were given this fixed dose combination for three days and then monitored for the next six days. During the study, the efficacy was evaluated using VAS score changes from the beginning to the end of the treatment. Incidence of Adverse Events (AE) and Serious Adverse Events (SAE) was assessed. The product's safety was also evaluated using blood biomarkers such as Hemoglobin, Platelet count, SGOT, SGPT, and creatinine level. Results : The reduction in symptomatic score of common cold and flu syndrome was observed after 3rd followup visit [(0.384±0.168 (visit 1) to 0.001±0.009 (Visit 3), (p<0.001)]. No intervention-related or serious adverse events (SAE) were observed in the study or follow-up period. The study found no major changes in the levels of haemoglobin, platelets, SGOT, SGPT, and creatinine. Conclusions : Fixed-dose combination of Paracetamol (125 mg), Phenylephrine HCL (5 mg), Chlorpheniramine Maleate (1 mg) and Sodium Citrate (60 mg/5 mL) is safe and effective in treating children's common cold and flu syndrome.

Safety & Efficacy of a Fixed Dose Combination of Paracetamol (125 mg), Phenylephrine (2.5 mg) and Chlorpheniramine Maleate (1mg) [Flucold Drops] in the Treatment of Common Cold and Flu Syndrome in Children : Postmarketing Surveillance Study

Background :The common cold and flu syndrome primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, along with a low fever and some systemic symptoms such as sore throat, cough, nasal decongestion, headache, and so on. Several clinical studies have shown that combining analgesics, antihistaminics, and decongestants provides better symptom relief in the common cold. The current post-marketing surveillance study was designed to look into the safety and efficacy of commercially available Flucold Drops in the Indian population. Methodology :A current prospective, single arm, multicenter, post-marketing clinical study included 224 subjects, 220 of whom completed the study. All patients were given Flucold Drops for three days and then monitored for the next six days. During the study, the incidence of adverse events (AE) and serious adverse events (SAE) was assessed. The efficacy of the Flucold Drops was evaluated using VAS score changes from the beginning to the end of the treatment. The product’s safety was also evaluated using blood biomarkers such as haemoglobin, platelet count, SGOT, SGPT, and creatinine level. Results : Results show the reduction in symptomatic score of common cold and flu syndrome observed after 2rd follow-up visit (0.202+0.325 to 0.139+0.231). During the study, no intervention-related adverse events were observed. Furthermore, no Serious Adverse Events (SAE) were observed in the study or follow-up period. The study found no changes in the levels of blood biomarkers (haemoglobin, platelets, SGOT, SGPT, and creatinine). Conclusions : Flucold Drops are safe and effective in the treatment of common cold and flu syndrome in Children and infants.

Gastos de bolsillo por gastroenteritis a causa de rotavirus en el Hospital Pediátrico de Cienfuegos, 2019 - 2020 / Out-Of-Pocket Expenses for Gastroenteritis Due to Rotavirus at Cienfuegos Pediatric Hospital, 2019 - 2020

Introducción: La hospitalización por enfermedades diarreicas agudas en menores de cinco años de edad puede generar gastos importantes para la familia. Objetivo: Estimar el gasto de bolsillo y el costo indirecto por la atención a pacientes menores de cinco años de edad hospitalizados por gastroenteritis a causa de rotavirus. Métodos: Estudio de descripción de costos. Se empleó el microcosteo para estimar el costo directo médico (servicio y medicamentos) y no médico (transporte, alimentación, aseo), así como las pérdidas de productividad para el paciente y su familia y las fuentes de financiamiento. Se trabajó con 132 pacientes hospitalizados en el Hospital Pediátrico de Cienfuegos entre septiembre de 2019 y febrero de 2020 con gastroenteritis y test rápido de rotavirus positivo. El gasto se analizó según la situación económica referida y la edad del paciente. Resultados: La media del gasto de bolsillo total fue de CUP 809,66 (IC 95 por ciento 757,57 - 861,75); el 50,8 por ciento por alimentación, el 31,4 por ciento por aseo y un 17,8 por ciento por transportación. Los hogares con mejor situación económica gastaron más (< 0,001). El 87,2 por ciento de las familias utilizó alguna fuente de recursos adicional a sus ingresos habituales. Se afectaron 2,39 personas (IC 95 por ciento 2,27 - 2,52) y se reportó una pérdida de 5,51 días laborales (IC 95 por ciento 5,21 - 5,8). El costo indirecto promedio fue de CUP 418,8 (IC 95 por ciento 382,36 - 455,24). Conclusiones: La hospitalización de un menor de cinco años por gastroenteritis aguda a causa de rotavirus en Cienfuegos significa una carga económica considerable para los hogares, en especial para los de mejor situación económica(AU)

Introduction: Hospitalization for acute diarrheal diseases in children under five years of age can generate significant expenses for the family. Objective: To assess the out-of-pocket expense and the indirect cost for the care of patients under five years of age hospitalized for gastroenteritis due to rotavirus. Methods: This is cost description study. Microcosting was used to estimate the direct medical cost (service and medication) and non-medical cost (transportation, food, cleaning), as well as the productivity losses for patients and their family and the sources of financing. We worked with 132 patients hospitalized at Cienfuegos Pediatric Hospital from September 2019 to February 2020 with gastroenteritis and a positive rotavirus rapid test. Expenditure was analyzed according to the economic situation referred to and the age of the patient. Results: The mean total out-of-pocket expense was CUP 809.66 (95percent CI 757.57 - 861.75); 50.8percent for food, 31.4percent for cleaning and 17.8percent for transportation. Households with better economic situation spent more (<0.001). 87.2percent of the families used some source of resources in addition to their usual income. 2.39 people were affected (95percent CI 2.27 - 2.52) and a loss of 5.51 working days was reported (95percent CI 5.21 - 5.8). The average indirect cost was CUP 418.8 (95percent CI 382.36 - 455.24). Conclusions: The hospitalization of a child under five years of age for acute gastroenteritis due to rotavirus in Cienfuegos represents a considerable economic burden for families, especially for those with better economic situation(AU)

Japanese Traditional (Kampo) Medicine for the “Osome Cold” (“Russian Flu”) Pandemic that Started in 1890 in Japan / 日本東洋医学雑誌

In this article, we focus on Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicine for the 1889 “Russian flu (Osome cold)”. The influenza pandemic arrived in Japan in 1890 (Meiji 23), and returned in waves over the next several years. The Kampo medicine at that time is described in “Ryukokanbo Setsu (Influenza Editorial)” by Sohaku Asada and “Tenkojikikanbo Zeisetsu (Epidemic Disorder Editorial)” by Masaharu Okada, in “Wakan Irin Shinshi (New Journal of Japanese-Chinese traditional medicine)”. There are prescriptions in “Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases)” for both daiseiryuto and keishinieppito, as well as for formulas of Gosei School, such as gekito, saikogedokuto, shoyosankato, kyushikososan, wageto, jusshinto and kososan. As candidates to cause this pandemic, both the novel influenzavirus-H3 and the novel coronavirus-OC43 are considered. In contrast to Western medicine, which must deal with each virus, Kampo medicine was as effective for the Russian flu, as it was for the Spanish flu.

A Statistical Analysis and Comparison of the spread of Swine Flu and COVID-19 in India

@#Introduction: The world is currently experiencing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [COVID-19], however, this is not a new phenomenon; it occurred in 2009-2010 in the form of novel influenza A. (H1N1). The H1N1 virus primarily afflicted people between the ages of 26 and 50, but SARS-CoV-2 primarily afflicted those over the age of 60, increasing the number of deaths owing to their weakened immunity. The report provides a case study of the impact of H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 in India. Methods: Data is obtained from The Hindustan Times newspaper, GoI press releases and World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Results: The incidence rate was initially low and it was only by the 10-15th week that it started increasing. There is an initial upward trend before levelling out followed by a second wave and third wave. COVID-19 exhibited a steeper growth, where the steps taken by the Government were ineffective leading to higher death cases. Kerala was affected due to the travellers returning from the Middle East, while Maharashtra and Delhi saw large incidence rates due to the migrant influx and communal gathering. Conclusion: The most effective and practical approach is to test the symptomatic patients and aggressive testing to contain the transmission. Awareness campaigns to educate the public about social distancing and personal hygiene is more practical. There is still scope of improvement with regards to the public health care support, preparedness and response. Lockdown measures could have been avoided if the initial screening was conducted properly.

Gripe española y coronavirus en Argentina: leer el pasado y entender el presente / Spanish flu and coronavirus in Argentina: reading the past and understanding the present

Resumen Se comparan los escenarios que se generaron en las pandemias de gripe española de 1918-1919 y de covid-19 en Argentina. Se analizan las políticas gubernamentales y desequilibrios estructurales en esa pandemia tomando como casos la ciudad de Buenos Aires y la provincia de Salta. Posteriormente se estudian los mismos tópicos para la pandemia de covid-19. Se describen las políticas nacionales y se analiza la provincia de Jujuy donde el sistema de salud se saturó. Se concluye que a fin de administrar la pandemia es necesario la elaboración de políticas de consenso y solución de los desequilibrios estructurales del país.

Abstract This article compares the scenarios generated in the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 and covid-19 in Argentina. It analyzes governmental policies and structural imbalances in the earlier pandemic based on case studies of the city of Buenos Aires and the province of Salta. It then studies those same topics for the covid-19 pandemic. It describes national policies and analyzes the province of Jujuy, where the health care system was overwhelmed. It concludes that in order to manage the pandemic it is necessary to create consensus policies to solve the structural imbalanaces in the country.

Pensar la Gripa Española en Bogotá en tiempos de la covid-19 / Thinking about the Spanish Flu in Bogotá in the Era of covid-19 / Pensando na gripe espanhola em Bogotá em tempos de covid-19

Introducción: como ocurrió en 1918, cuando la epidemia de gripa llegó a la capital colombiana, la actual pandemia de la covid-19 demostró que si bien la enfermedad ataca indiscriminadamente a la población, las clases populares se ven particularmente expuestas teniendo en cuenta sus condiciones de vida. Desarrollo: en el artículo se analizan los discursos que, con motivo de la epidemia de gripa de 1918, se construyeron alrededor de las clases populares capitalinas. La aproximación a las fuentes primarias, en especial a la prensa gráfica de la época, permite dar cuenta de la precariedad con la que los pobres, ubicados en un sector periférico y deprimido de la ciudad, debieron enfrentar una enfermedad letal que causó gran desconcierto y que avanzó rápidamente a lo largo y ancho de una ciudad que carecía de un servicio médico público. Por su parte, las élites bogotanas que, bajo el discurso de la caridad cristiana pretendieron atenuar la crisis, responsabilizaron a los pobres de su suerte por su falta de higiene, su imprevisión y su desorden. Conclusiones: hoy, un siglo después de la epidemia de gripa en Bogotá y en medio de la pandemia de la covid-19, se ha evidenciado, ante una serie de medidas ordenadas por el Gobierno nacional y por el Gobierno local, que incluyen cuarentenas obligatorias, la permanencia de visiones y discursos en los que los enfermos pobres, lejos de ser comprendidos en su realidad social, siguen viéndose como un peligro para el resto de la sociedad

Introduction: The current covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that although the disease indiscriminately attacks the population, the popular classes are particularly more exposed due to their conditions of life, which is similar to the Spanish flu epidemic that reached the Colombian capital in 1918. Development: In this study, we analyzed discourses that were built around the capital's popular classes during the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. The approach to primary sources, especially the graphic press of the time, accounts for the precari-ousness with which the poor, located in a peripheral depressed sector of the city, had to face a lethal disease that caused great confusion as it advanced rapidly through a city that lacked public health services. Whereas, the Bogotá elites, who tried to mitigate the crisis under the discourse of Christian charity, blamed the poor for their fate, which resulted in their lack of hygiene and foresight and their disorder. Conclusions: Today, a century after the flu epidemic in Bogotá and in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, it has been evidenced in the face of a series of measures ordered by the national and local governments that include mandatory quarantines, the permanence of visions and discourses in which poor patients, far from being understood in their social reality, continue to be seen as a danger to the rest of society

Introdução: tal qual ocorreu em 1918, quando a epidemia de gripe chegou à capital colombiana, a atual pandemia de covid-19 mostrou que, embora a doença ataque a população indiscriminadamente, as classes populares estão particularmente expostas levando em consideração suas condições de vida. Desenvolvimento: este artigo analisa os discursos que, em função da epidemia de gripe de 1918, se construíram em torno das classes populares da capital. A abordagem das fontes primárias, especialmente da imprensa gráfica da época, permite notar a precariedade com que os pobres, localizados em um setor periférico e deprimido da cidade, tiveram que enfrentar uma doença letal que causou grande confusão e avançou rapidamente em toda a extensão de uma cidade que carecia de um serviço médico público. Por sua vez, as elites de Bogotá que, sob o discurso da caridade cristã, tentaram mitigar a crise, culpam os pobres por seu próprio destino, por sua falta de higiene, falta de visão e desordem. Conclusões: hoje, um século após a epidemia de gripe em Bogotá e em meio à pandemia de covid-19, está comprovado, diante de uma série de medidas ordenadas pelo governo nacional e pelo governo local que incluem quarentenas obrigatórias, a permanência de visões e discursos nos quais os doentes pobres, longe de serem compreen-didos em sua realidade social, continuam sendo vistos como um perigo para o resto da sociedade.

"A gripe asiática vem aí!": crônica de uma pandemia antes de sua chegada (Brasil, 1957) / "¡Se acerca la gripe asiática!": crónica de una pandemia antes de su llegada (Brasil, 1957) / "Asian Flu is Coming!": Chronicle of a Pandemic before its Arrival (Brazil, 1957)

Introdução:este artigo aborda a chegada da pandemia de gripe asiática no Brasil a partir das notícias veiculadas entre junho e setembro de 1957 na imprensa da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, então capital fede-ral. As fontes utilizadas são três dos mais importantes jornais diários e duas revistas semanais disponí-veis on-line. Desenvolvimento: o artigo acompanha três meses de informações, reportagens e opiniões sobre o surgimento e crescimento da pandemia na Ásia, nos Estados Unidos, na Europa e na América do Sul, sobre a ameaça de seu ingresso no país e sobre as ações do governo federal e, finalmente, os pri-meiros casos registrados no Rio de Janeiro no início de setembro. O autor analisa a pandemia no Brasil pelas lentes do jornalismo, abordando as percepções e incertezas sobre a doença e os preparativos dos governos assim como das instituições científicas e médicas. O artigo versa sobre as avaliações e críticas às ações governamentais, as repercussões dos primeiros casos, suspeitos e confirmados, na América do Sul e as dúvidas sobre a capacidade do Ministério da Saúde em responder à epidemia. Conclusões:o artigo mostra o papel central da imprensa e dos meios de comunicação na conformação da epidemia como evento social e político antes dela se realizar como evento biomédico

Introducción: este artículo analiza la llegada de la pandemia de influenza asiática a Brasil a partir de la noticia publicada entre junio y septiembre de 1957 en la prensa de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, entonces capital federal. Las fuentes utilizadas son tres de los diarios más importantes y dos revistas semanales disponibles en línea. Desarrollo: el artículo acompaña tres meses de información, informes y opiniones sobre el surgimiento y crecimiento de la pandemia en Asia, Estados Unidos, Europa y Suramérica; la amenaza de su ingreso al país y las acciones del gobierno federal, y los primeros casos registrados en Río de Janeiro a principios de septiembre. Analiza la pandemia en Brasil a través de la lente del periodismo, abordando las percepciones e incertidumbres sobre la enfermedad y los preparativos de los gobiernos, así como de las instituciones científicas y médicas. El artículo aborda las evaluaciones y críticas a la actuación del Gobierno, las repercusiones de los primeros casos sospechosos y confirmados en América del Sur y las dudas sobre la capacidad del Ministerio de Salud para responder a la epidemia. Conclusiones: el artículo destaca el papel central de la prensa y los medios de comunicación en la configuración de la epidemia como un evento social y político antes de que ocurriera como un evento biomédico

Introduction: The article discusses the arrival of the Asian influenza pandemic in Brazil from the news published between June and September 1957 in the press of Rio de Janeiro, then the federal capital. The sources used were three of the most important daily newspapers and two weekly magazines available online. Development: The article comprises 3 months of information, reports, and opinions on the emer-gence and growth of the pandemic in Asia, the United States, Europe, and South America; the threat of its entry into the country, the actions of the federal government and, finally, the first cases recorded in Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of September. It is nor we but The author (as I note in the word version) analyzed the pandemic in Brazil from the perspective of journalism, addressing perceptions and uncer-tainties about the disease, and the preparations of governments and scientific and medical institutions. The article includes the evaluations and criticisms of government actions, repercussions of the first suspected and confirmed cases in South America, and doubts regarding the Ministry of Health's capacity to respond to the epidemic. Conclusions: The article highlights the central role of the press and media in shaping an epidemic as a social and political event before it took place as a biomedical event

A Epidemia da Gripe Espanhola e do COVID-19 no Brasil: um paralelo / The epidemic of Spanish Flu and COVID-19 in Brazil: a parallel

O artigo traça um paralelo entre a pandemia da Gripe Espanhola e da COVID-19 perante suas repercussões em âmbito social, governamental e de saúde no Brasil. Através da análise de textos e registros que retratam os impactos dessas doenças infectocontagiosas separadas por um período secular, nota-se que as evoluções e mudanças na ciência e na sociedade durante esse distanciamento cronológico não foram o suficiente para impedir a máxima: a história é cíclica. Falsas notícias, remédios caseiros milagrosos, polêmicas na condução dos responsáveis pela saúde pública, contradição no discurso da saúde e até a vitimização desproporcional da população devido à raiz histórica marcada pela desigualdade social do país são alguns dos denominadores comuns desses eventos. Por outro lado, os pontos divergentes demonstram como um século possibilitou a aquisição de conhecimentos que propiciaram o surgimento de novas alternativas para enfrentar desafios semelhantes. Dessa forma, o paralelo permite incitar reflexões acerca da sociedade e do estado brasileiro e a suas formas de enfrentamento frente a esses eventos sombrios que as epidemias representam, cujos desfechos são razão de registro e fascínio desde a Antiguidade.

The article draws a parallel between the Pandemic of the Spanish Influenza and COVID-19 in view of its social, governmental and health repercussions in Brazil. Through the analysis of texts and records that portray the impacts of these infectious diseases separated by a secular period, it is noted that the evolutions and changes in science and society during this chronological distancing were not enough to prevent the maxim: history is cyclical. False news, miraculous home remedies, controversies in the conduct of those responsible for the public health, contradiction in health discourse and even the disproportionate victimization of the population due to the historical root marked by social inequality in Brazil are some of the common denominators of these events. On the other hand, the divergent points demonstrate how a century has made it possible to acquire knowledge that has enabled the emergence of new alternatives to face similar challenges. In this way, the parallel allows us to stimulate reflections about society and the Brazilian state and their ways of confronting these dark events that the epidemics represent, whose outcomes have been a reason for registration and fascination since antiquity.

Gripe espanhola: fluxos encadeados de memória e lapidação das lembranças / Spanish flu: interconnected streams of memory and polishing reminiscences / Gripe española: corrientes de memoria encadenadas y tallando recuerdos

Por meio da autoetnografia, na qual a experiência do pesquisador se inter-relaciona com o cenário empírico que analisa, o artigo desenvolve como se articulam, em atos comunicacionais, os fluxos encadeados de memória, haja vista um evento traumático contemporâneo. A pandemia da Covid-19 faz emergir lembranças de um passado que sobreviveu pelas narrativas de outro, a gripe espanhola de 1918, nas memórias de infância de quem hoje faz o gesto de contar essa história. Apresentam-se, ainda, aspectos da cobertura jornalística realizada na época pelos principais periódicos do Rio de Janeiro que também produzem narrativas governadas pela lógica dos fluxos encadeados de memória.

Through the autoethnography, in which the researcher's experience is interrelated with the empirical scenario that she or he analyzes, the article reveals how the interconnected streams of memory are articulated in communicational acts, taking into account a contemporary traumatic event. The Covid-19 pandemic gives rise to reminiscences of a past that survived because of the narratives of another event, the 1918 influenza pandemic (Spanish flu), in the childhood memories of the one who nowadays makes the gesture of telling that story. Moreover, the article presents aspects of journalistic coverage then carried out in Rio de Janeiro by the main newspapers and magazines, which also produce narratives guided by the interconnected streams of memory logic.

Por medio de la autoetnografía, en que la experiencia del investigador está interrelacionada con el escenario empírico que analiza, el artículo desarrolla cómo se articulan las corrientes encadenadas de la memoria en actos comunicacionales, teniendo en cuenta un evento traumático contemporáneo. La pandemia de coronavirus desencadena recuerdos de un pasado que sobrevivió debido a las narraciones de otro evento, la gripe española de 1918, en las memorias de la infancia de quien hoy en día hace el gesto de narrar esa historia. Además, el artículo presenta aspectos de la cobertura periodística llevada a cabo en la época por los principales periódicos y revistas de Río de Janeiro que también producen narrativas regidas por la lógica de las corrientes encadenadas de memoria.

El "trancazo", la pandemia de 1918 en México / The "blow", the 1918 pandemic in Mexico

Resumen Después de ocho años de una cruenta lucha armada que dejó devastado al país, en octubre de 1918 llegó a México la gripe española, una de las peores pandemias en la historia de la humanidad. En este artículo se narra su llegada a Veracruz en buques procedentes de La Habana y Nueva York, su diseminación del Golfo al resto del país, incluyendo la ciudad de México, y las respuestas que implementaron las autoridades sanitarias federales y estatales. Dos hechos son particularmente destacables de la pandemia de 1918 en México, además del número insólito de decesos: la puesta a prueba de las disposiciones incorporadas a la Constitución de 1917 en materia sanitaria y el extraordinario papel que jugó la sociedad civil.

Abstract After eight years of a civil war which devastated the country, Spanish flu, one of the worst pandemics in the history of humankind, arrived in Mexico in October of 1918. This article discusses its arrival to the port of Veracruz in ships coming from Habana and New York City; its dissemination from the Gulf of Mexico area to the rest of the country, including Mexico City; and the responses of both federal and local health authorities. Two events associated to this pandemic are particularly relevant, in addition to the high number of deaths: the testing of the sanitary dispositions added to the 1917 Mexican Constitution and the extraordinary role played by civil society organizations.

Vacunación de la embarazada / Maternal immunization

Las vacunas han sido una de las herramientas más útiles para lograr disminuir la mortalidad infantil. Sin embargo, los beneficios de las vacunas para menores de un año son dispares, debido a que son muy pequeños para ser vacunados. Otro grupo vulnerable son las embarazadas, quienes presentan mayor morbimortalidad por enfermedades como la influenza. La inmunización materna puede proteger a la madre contra las infecciones prevenibles por vacuna y al recién nacido mediante el traspaso de anticuerpos específicos al feto. No hay evidencia de resultados adversos en el embarazo o el feto/recién nacido por la vacunación de mujeres gestantes con vacuna inactivada contra virus, bacterias o toxoides. Por lo tanto, el embarazo no debe impedir que las mujeres reciban las vacunas que están médicamente indicadas. En Chile, se recomienda la vacunación de las mujeres gestantes, antes o durante la temporada de influenza. A fines de 2017 se implementó la vacunación con dTpa de las embarazadas con más de 28 semanas de gestación, con el objetivo de proteger al recién nacido contra el coqueluche y sus complicaciones. En el presente artículo, se hace una revisión de la literatura disponible sobre la vacunación de las embarazadas, principalmente enfocado en inmunización contra la influenza, el coqueluche y los beneficios en sus hijos.

Vaccines have been one of the most useful tools to reduce infant mortality. However, the benefits of vaccines for children under one year are disparate, because they are too small to be vaccinated. Another vulnerable group are pregnant women, who have a higher morbidity and mortality due to diseases such as influenza. Maternal immunization can protect the mother against vaccine-preventable infections and the newborn by transferring specific antibodies to the fetus. There is no evidence of adverse outcomes in pregnancy or the fetus / newborn by vaccination of pregnant women with inactivated vaccine against viruses, bacteria or toxoids. Therefore, pregnancy should not prevent women from receiving vaccines that are medically indicated. In Chile, vaccination is recommended for pregnant women, before or during the influenza season. In addition to the end of 2017, vaccination with Tdap of pregnant women with more than 28 weeks of gestation was implemented, with the aim of protecting the newly born against pertussis and its complications. In this article, we review the available literature on the vaccination of pregnant women, mainly focused on immunization against influenza, pertussis and benefits in their children.

Desigualdades raciais em tempos de pandemia na cidade do Rio de Janeiro: reflexões a partir de 1918 e 2020 / Racial inequalities in times of pandemic in the city of Rio de Janeiro: reflections from 1918 and 2020 / Desigualdades raciales en tiempos de pandemia en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro: reflexiones de 1918 y 2020

Este manuscrito se propõe a compor com os debates acerca da pandemia do novo coronavírus, ainda em curso, buscando complexificar discussões sobre seus possíveis efeitos democráticos para o contexto global. Ao olharmos para a realidade brasileira, com foco na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, percebe-se uma ilusão democrática que não condiz com os impactos desiguais no atual contexto da pandemia, sobretudo para a população negra, majoritariamente pobre em nosso país. Em um exercício genealógico, recuperamos estudos sobre a chamada "Gripe Espanhola", pandemia que atingiu gravemente o Brasil em 1918. Assim, tomamos ambas pandemias enquanto dispositivos de análise para a realidade social brasileira e como forma de fazer emergir o debate sobre a desigualdade racial, um analisador fundamental neste contexto. Mudanças sociais no sentido de democratização precisam sempre levar em conta tal desigualdade, consequência de séculos de escravização.

This manuscript proposes to compose with the debates about the pandemic of the new coronavirus, still ongoing, seeking to complex discussions about its possible democratic effects for the global context. When looking at the Brazilian reality, focusing on the city of Rio de Janeiro, a democratic illusion is perceived that does not match the unequal impacts in the current context of the pandemic, especially for the black population, mostly poor in our country. In a genealogical exercise, we recovered studies on the so-called "Spanish Flu", a pandemic that hit Brazil in 1918 seriously. Thus, we took both pandemics as devices of analysis for the Brazilian social reality and as a way to raise the debate on racial inequality, a fundamental analyzer in this context. Social changes towards democratization must always take this inequality into account, a consequence of centuries of enslavement.

Este manuscrito propone componer los debates sobre la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus, aún en curso, buscando discusiones complejas sobre sus posibles efectos democráticos para el contexto global. Al observar la realidad brasileña, centrándose en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, se percibe una ilusión democrática que no coincide con los impactos desiguales en el contexto actual de la pandemia, especialmente para la población negra, en su mayoría pobres en nuestro país. En un ejercicio genealógico, recuperamos estudios sobre la llamada "gripe española", una pandemia que golpeó a Brasil en 1918. Por lo tanto, tomamos ambas pandemias como dispositivos de análisis de la realidad social brasileña y como una forma de elevar el debate sobre la desigualdad racial, un analizador fundamental en este contexto. Los cambios sociales hacia la democratización siempre deben tener en cuenta esta desigualdad, consecuencia de siglos de esclavitud.