OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, similarities, and differences between influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and COVID-19 in Pará State, Brazil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a descriptive epidemiological study using data on cases and deaths of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from June 2009 to May 2010; and COVID-19, from the Health Department of State Pará (SESPA), from March to July 2020. The data were collected on July 10, 2020.

RESULTS:

At the time of data collection, Pará State had 124,934 confirmed cases of COVID-19, while the influenza pandemic had 783. Individuals between 30 and 39 years old (24.95%) were the most affected by COVID-19, with a higher death rate in the elderly (74.00%). On the other hand, the Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus affected more children and young people from 10 to 19 years (31.42%), with higher mortality between 20 and 29 years (26.83%). COVID-19 had a more dispersed distribution of cases in the state compared to the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic.

CONCLUSION:

These findings show that the reported scenario on the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic in Pará reflects the need to modify the strategic planning that must be implemented in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering its incidence in different people and their pathophysiological differences.

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