Natal (RN) – With the arrival of summer and the return of classes, the circulation of viruses increases, especially among children and adolescents. Infectious disease specialists Gisele Borba, from the Onofre Lopes University Hospital (Huol-UFRN), and Vanessa Melo, from the Ana Bezerra University Hospital (Cloud-UFRN), both from the Ebserh Network, warn that this scenario is typical of the beginning of the year and requires extra attention from families, as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections tend to intensify during this period.
According to Gisele Borba, the most common situations at the beginning of the year are known to families and are repeated annually. “The main circulating viruses at the beginning of the year are those that parents are already used to, respiratory viruses and gastrointestinal viruses. Some of them have both together”, he explains. According to the expert, there are viruses capable of simultaneously causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, runny nose and cough. “So, those are the ones we see every year.”
Infectious disease specialist Vanessa Melo reinforces that, in addition to these infections, other viral diseases typical of the period are also in circulation. “These are common colds, flu, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and arboviruses, such as dengue, zika e chikungunya”, he highlights.
School environment favors transmission
The school environment contributes significantly to the spread of these viruses, especially at the beginning of the school year. Closed rooms, often with air conditioning, close contact between students and the sharing of objects favor transmission.
“Children and teenagers are once again living in that closed classroom environment, and the proximity of one child to another favors the spread of these viruses, which are transmitted by contact or droplets”, highlights the infectologist at the Huol/Ebserh, Gisele Borba.
Vanessa Melo adds that the risk is increased by the natural behavior of childhood. “Due to the intense coexistence environment, close contact and sharing of objects, transmission happens more easily. Furthermore, children eliminate viruses for longer, which increases the risk of spreading the infection”, he explains.
Warning and prevention signs
Symptoms vary depending on the type of virus, but usually include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea and body pain. The infectious disease specialist Cloud/Ebserh warns of signs that require medical evaluation. “Care should be sought if there are signs of dehydration, excessive drowsiness, prostration, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain or when symptoms persist for longer than expected”, advises Vanessa Melo.
Prevention continues to be the main ally in controlling viruses in the school environment. “These are simple measures, such as frequently washing your hands, not sharing personal objects, keeping environments clean and well ventilated and keeping your vaccinations up to date”, highlights Vanessa Melo.
To contain transmission, temporary absence from school is essential when a child presents symptoms. “Children with fever or other infectious signs should stay at home, resting, until clinical improvement”, reinforces the infectologist at the Cloud/Ebserh. According to her, schools also play an important role in providing guidance on hygiene, encouraging vaccination and maintaining care with ventilation and cleaning.
Common viruses and arboviruses: how to differentiate?
It is not always possible to differentiate infections just by symptoms, especially at the beginning. Still, some signs may indicate arboviruses. “Sudden onset high fever, intense headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint pain and spots on the skin are more common in arboviruses. In children, these signs can be more subtle”, explains Vanessa Melo.
Gisele Borba adds: “Dengue, for example, doesn’t usually present respiratory symptoms. It’s like a dry flu.” Experts emphasize that viruses are part of childhood and social life. “Most of the time, rest, hydration and the use of medication to alleviate symptoms are enough for a complete recovery”, concludes Vanessa Melo.
Linked to the Ministry of Education (MEC), Ebserh was created in 2011 and currently manages 45 federal university hospitals, supporting and boosting their activities through excellent management. As hospitals linked to federal universities, these units have specific characteristics: they serve patients from the Unified Health System (SUS) while supporting the training of health professionals and the development of research and innovation.
By Aline Freitas, edited by George Miranda
Ebserh Social Communication Coordinator
date:2026-02-12 20:08:00
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