Seazonal diseases in Rio de Janeiro and consultation in English
Seazonal diseases in Rio and the importance of consultation in English
Rio de Janeiro is a city that attracts millions of tourists every year, with its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and natural beauty. However, like many other tropical regions, it is also home to several transmitted diseases and some of them are transmitted by mosquitoes which increases during the summer. Dengue, influenza, and chikungunya are some of the viruses-transmitted diseases and common in Rio. While public health services are available in the city, it is not uncommon to encounter long waiting times and language barriers, especially for those who do not speak Portuguese. This is where telemedicine comes in handy.
Dengue is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms usually appear 2-7 days after being bitten and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, joint and muscle pain, headache, and low white blood cell count. According to data from the Epidemiological Surveillance Coordination of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases in the last quarter, with 533 cases in January, 1,039 in February, and 3,028 in March 2023.
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral respiratory illness that is highly contagious very frequent and, together with Covid-19, monitered by health authority in Rio de Janeiro. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. The best way to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated every year.
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. The initial symptoms can last for 7-10 days, but joint pain can persist for months or even years. According to data from the Epidemiological Surveillance Coordination of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, there has been an increase in the number of cases in the last quarter, with 35 cases in January, 44 in February, and 73 in March 2023.
When it comes to transmited diseases that have similar and unespecific symptoms, such as dengue and chikungunya, it's important to consult a doctor who is knowledgeable about the epidemiological situation in the region and has experience treating these diseases, which usually is not the routine of doctors from abroad, especially from high-developed countries. While telemedicine with local doctors who speak english can be a convenient option for foreigners in Rio de Janeiro, it's crucial to find a doctor who is well-versed in these illnesses and can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Furthermore, finding a doctor who can communicate properly in English is essential to ensure that there is no miscommunication regarding the details of your symptoms. Not being able to convey your symptoms correctly can lead to a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment, which can be dangerous in the case of some diseases.
Health services in Rio de Janeiro
The health of its residents is challenge for Rio de Janeiro public authority, and there are a reasonable number of public health centres available to them, with more them 14 UPAs (Unidade de Pronto Atendimento) and at least 8 public hospitals. While the municipal authority has made these centres easily accessible through a provided link, it's important to note that due to the high population estimated in 2022 in 6 million and 625 thousand inhabitants, and reliance of majority of the population on public services, these centres can become overcrowded frequently, leading to long waiting times and other inconveniences. In addition, there is also other endemic diseases, STDs, external causes such as violence injuries, car accidents and all chronic illness that health centres need to deal, the situation of a great number of hospitals can be considered critical.
Despite these challenges, it's important to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of the healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide the best possible care to the people of Rio de Janeiro. They are committed to serving the community and doing their best to provide access to the care needed, even in difficult circumstances.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to improve the healthcare system in Rio de Janeiro. For instance, there are ongoing initiatives to expand the number of health centres available and to provide more resources to those that are already in operation. While there may be challenges in accessing public healthcare services in Rio de Janeiro, it's important to acknowledge that there are some options on the private sector with health centres and private hospitals of good quality but, unfortunatelly, it is not also common to find on these private services doctors, nurses and administrative staff who can properly assist foreigners in english.
Telemedicine: an easy access to local doctors who speak in Rio de Janeiro
Teleconsultation has been used in Brazil since the Covid-19 pandemic for primary care and is officially regulated by Brazilian federal health authorities. Additionally, telemedicine provides an excellent solution for foreigners in Rio de Janeiro who need medical assistance for most common diseases. With teleconsultation, you can consult with a local doctor who speaks English and receive an online prescription valid with digital certificate immediatelly after your appointment without leaving your location. This is especially useful after Covid-19 situation, where many are avoiding crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.
If you need you can also receive a lab request signed electronically by a local doctor and go directly to a diagnostic centre without the inconvenience of being on an A&E or a hospital. In case you need a hospital treatment or a specialist consultation, we can also provide you a referral to a local service, in Portuguese to make communication and understanding of details of your case accurate. It is important to emphasize that if you have signs such as thoracic pain, shortness of breath or were involved on an accident it is important to go directly to a hospital.
Our team of experienced doctors provides same day and convenient consultations in English. You can easily schedule a teleconsultation with us and receive medical advice and prescriptions from the comfort of your hotel room or apartment. Moreover, we are available even on weekends, so you can contact us on our whatsapp anytime you need medical assistance.
In conclusion, finding English-speaking doctors and staff in local hospitals in Rio de Janeiro can be challenging. Public hospitals have long waiting times, and even on private services it can be challenging with a risk of misunderstanding your symptoms and treatment due to language barriers. Teleconsultation with MY Brazilian Doctor provides a safe and convenient option for foreigners in Rio de Janeiro who need a primary care consultation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced doctors.
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