Safety of health professionals in facing the new coronavirus in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Objectives

to present the number of health professionals affected by COVID-19 in Brazil, to identify some control measures to reduce vulnerability and the health repercussions of these professionals in facing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

a descriptive study was implemented, using epidemiological bulletins and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a source.

Results

22 Brazilian states report cases of COVID-19 among health professionals, totaling 181,886. Among all the capitals of the country, 12 bring information. Some recommended measures are: engineering control, safety, administrative, work safety practices and individual protective equipment. The repercussions involve mental health with psychic implications, psychological and psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion and implications for the practice

the pandemic has revealed, in a raw and unequivocal way, the picture of unequal, segregationist and harmful working conditions for human health to which health professionals are exposed, calls for changes and recognition and urge for the valorization of this professional group.

Keywords:
Coronavirus infections; Health personnel; Worker's health; SARS virus; Mental health