Influenza Update: Cases Decline but Peak Still Expected, Experts Warn
In a recent report by RespiVirNet, the influenza situation in Italy showed a slight decrease in cases during the 52nd week of 2024 (December 23-29), attributed to the holiday school closures. However, experts caution that the peak of the season is yet to be reached.
Key Statistics and Trends:
- Estimated cases of respiratory illness: ~582,500 (weekly incidence of 9.9 cases per 1,000 residents)
- Total cases since the start of surveillance: ~5.2 million
- Comparison with the same week last season: Incidence was 18.4 cases per 1,000 residents
Age and Regional Breakdown:
- All age groups saw a decrease in cases, with children under five experiencing the most significant drop (incidence fell to 23.6 cases per 1,000 residents)
- Regions hardest hit include Liguria, Toscana, Lazio, and Campania, with incidence rates above 11 cases per 1,000 residents
- Basilicata and Calabria did not activate their surveillance systems
Influenza and Other Viruses:
The respiratory illnesses are caused by various viruses, including influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses like RSV, SARS-CoV-2, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, metapneumoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and bocaviruses.
Vaccination Efforts:
In exceptional efforts to combat the influenza wave, Lombardy administered vaccines to almost two million residents, according to Lucia Landoni’s report for Milano Repubblica.
Piemonte: Influenza Surge Strains Healthcare System
In Piemonte, Adele Palumbo reported for Torino Repubblica that around 260,000 residents have been affected by influenza, overwhelming the region’s healthcare system and causing backlogs in emergency rooms.
Expected Peak and Management Advice:
Prof. Matteo Bassetti, Director of Infectious Diseases at the San Martino Hospital in Genova, anticipates that the peak of the influenza season will occur mid-January. He advises the public to stay home and self-care with antipyretics if experiencing fever and to avoid rushing to hospitals or relying on antibiotics unless necessary, to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system.
As the flu season intensifies, health authorities and experts urge the public to stay informed, follow preventive measures, and seek medical attention only when necessary to ensure the welfare of all.
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