Fucruz indicates exacerbation of intensive care bed occupation by covid-19 in SUS

Occupation of general intensive care unit (ICU) beds for adults with COVID-19 is worsening with the rapid spread of the Ômicron variant, as assessed by researchers from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) in the Covid-19 Observatory Bulletin released today (26).

“It cannot be ignored that the situation is getting worse, although it is clear that the vaccination scenario is completely different from the scenario observed in the previous, most dangerous moments of the epidemic, when there were many beds,” says the bulletin, which considers that fully vaccinated people These conditions are less likely to be hospitalized, but severe comorbidities or advanced age can make them vulnerable.

The researchers explain that even with a smaller proportion of cases generating ICU admissions, the numbers become significant due to the higher transmissibility of the micron variant, which is more contagious.

The increase in hospitalizations has already brought 12 states into the medium alert zone, where between 60% and 80% of intensive care beds are occupied. In addition, hospitals have reached the critical area, with at least 80% of beds occupied, in Pernambuco (81%), Espírito Santo (80%), Goiás (82%), Piauí (82%), Rio Grande do Norte (83%) %), Mato Grosso do Sul (80%) and the Federal District (98%).

The bulletin notes that of the 25 capitals with published rates, nine are in the critical alert zone: Porto Velho (89%), Rio Branco (80%), Macapa (82%), Fortaleza (93%), Natal (percentage) estimated By about 89%), Belo Horizonte (95%), Rio de Janeiro (98%), Cuiaba (89%) and Brasilia (98%).

“It is imperative that efforts be made to advance vaccination and control the spread of Covid-19, while promoting the mandatory use of masks and vaccination passports in public places, and launching campaigns to guide the population towards self-isolation from the outset of symptoms, and even avoiding transmission within the family,” the bulletin highlights.