O papel da atenção primária no combate ao Covid-19: impacto na saúde pública e perspectivas futuras

Abstract

The new coronavirus (Covid-19) disease is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and represents the causative agent of a potentially fatal disease that has proved to be a global public health problem. The pandemic caused by Covid-19 has caused severe damage to health systems in several countries. In view of the large number of infected people and the lack of specific treatment, several nations have faced overcrowding in their hospitals. With the confirmation of cases of this disease in Brazil, several actions have been taken by managers, both at the hospital level and at the level of primary care, in order to minimize the damage in the Unified Health System (SUS). This article presents a brief analysis of the role of primary care in the fight against Covid-19 at the national level, in addition to the impact on public health and future perspectives. Based on the large number of infected people in the world and the experience of different health systems, it is imperative to adapt and adequation the SUS in conducting response mechanisms for the pandemic, with primary care being a fundamental part of this process.