Brazil has 748,000 prison inmates 1, 50,000 of whom in the state of Rio de Janeiro alone, who are practically absent from the public debate on COVID-19. But is it possible to imagine more favorable conditions for the spread of SARS-CoV-2, a virus with airborne and person-to-person transmission, in a population confined to overcrowded cells with poor ventilation and limited access to running water? … Read More →

This article situates the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in a scenario of securitization of global health. I address the pandemic as a crisis of the neoliberal economic model and the result of a process of growing vulnerability due to neoliberalism. The pandemic calls on us to rethink the vulnerabilities resulting from global interconnectedness. I highlight the importance of public and participatory health in the context of a reflection on the possibilities for sustainable life with solidarity on a global scale. … Read More →

The Brazilian Association of Laryngology and Voice (Academia Brasileira de Laringologia e Voz, ABLV, in Portuguese), concerned about the damage caused by COVID-19 and following the same line of warnings issued by other scientific societies around the world, such as the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), made some recommendations related to endoscopic examinations of the upper airways and digestive tract, which include nasal video-endoscopy, video-laryngoscopy, video-laryngostroboscopy, video-nasofibro-laryngoscopy, and swallowing videoendoscopy. Available in English. … Read More →

It is mandatory to alert all professionals who need to do head and neck exams (including eye exams) of patients, with or without access to upper aerodigestive pathways (videolaryngoscopy, for example), rehabilitation procedures or even hygiene of this region (tracheostomies, dressings). Given the high professional risk, the Regional Council of Medicine of the State of São Paulo recommends that surgery and elective consultations be suspended, except for those of an oncological nature, in addition to urgencies and emergencies. Available in English. … Read More →

In times of exponential Covid-19 infections and growing demand for health services, the surgeon has an important role in reinforcing the good health practices defined by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to the general population. Available in English. … Read More →

In the second half of March 2020, the indiscriminate closure of cities (Lockdown) was discussed in Brazil, as opposed to the Chinese and Korean experience of epidemiological surveillance by popular mobilization with organization and information by the base, selec-tive closure, and maintenance of essential services such as health, food, and survival. … Read More →

Our study shows high levels of vulnerability regarding contracting COVID-19 and avoiding dental care as perceived by the population over 60 years old and with a systemic disease. Available in English. … Read More →

All elective dental treatments and non-essential procedures should be postponed, keeping only urgent and emergency visits to the dental office. The use of teledentistry (phone calls, text messages) is a very promising tool to keep contact with the patient without being at risk of infection. Available in English. … Read More →

This essay discusses the proliferation of discourses about the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting the challenges both to science and public policies that such an information overload present, having Collins’ sociology of expertise as a theoretical framework. Available in English. … Read More →

Although drug repurposing has some limitations, repositioning clinical trials may represent an attractive strategy because they facilitate the discovery of new classes of medicines; they have lower costs and take less time to reach the market; and there are existing pharmaceutical supply chains for formulation and distribution. Available in English. … Read More →

In Brazil, fake news about the effectiveness of an ether and chloroform blend known as “lança perfume” or “loló” were spread on social media. There is no evidence supporting claims that ether and chloroform inhalation is useful in the treatment of COVID-19. Authorities should reinforce the need to seek information from government agencies and national and international health organizations. Available in English. … Read More →

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted mainly through droplets, sneezes and aerosols, there is a high risk of transmission during dental procedures. This report describes measures that can be adopted by oral healthcare personnel to minimize the risk of cross-contamination in clinical practice during the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Available in English. … Read More →

O Ministério da Saúde, por intermédio da Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde e em parceria com a Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde construiu e implementou estratégias da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no âmbito do apoio aos gestores locais e em articulação com o Conselho Nacional de Secretários Estaduais (CONASS) e Municipais de Saúde (CONASEMS) para o combate ao COVID-19. Disponível em português. … Read More →

La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha puesto a prueba los sistemas de salud en casi todos los países del mundo, los resultados de la propagación de la enfermedad han indicado que la seguridad psicológica del personal sanitario es condición indispensable para brindar cuidados a los enfermos, sin embargo, los documentos vigentes no tienen en cuenta de forma explícita ese aspecto. Disponible en español. … Read More →

Para o controle da COVID-19 no Brasil, é imprescindível que essas medidas estejam aliadas ao fortalecimento do sistema de vigilância nos três níveis do SUS, que inclui a avaliação e uso de indicadores adicionais para monitorar a evolução da pandemia e o efeito das medidas de controle, a ampliação da capacidade de testagem, e divulgação ampla e transparente das notificações e de testagem desagregados. Disponível em português. … Read More →