Headline:
Influenza Season Surges: Italy Braces for Mid-January Peak Amid Fears of Post-Holiday Spike
Subheading:
Over 4.5 million Italians struck by influenza, with experts warning of a January surge as COVID-19 cases also rise.
Article:
Italy’s ongoing influenza season continues its upward trajectory, with nearly 60,000 new cases recorded in the week leading up to Christmas. While the current incidences fall short of last year’s record-breaking levels, experts fear a post-holiday surge, potentially overwhelming hospitals. Concerns over a simultaneous rise in COVID-19 cases also loom.
The latest RespiVirNet surveillance bulletin from Italy’s Higher Institute of Health reveals that the national incidence of influenza-like syndrome stands at 10.1 cases per 1,000 consulting patients, a slight increase from the previous week’s 9.7. Last year at this time, incidentals were already nearing their peak at 18.2 cases per 1,000. Experts now anticipate the peak to occur in mid-January.
In the last week alone, approximately 597,000 Italians were bedridden due to seasonal viruses, totaling an estimated 4.57 million cases since the beginning of the surveillance period. Influenza virus positivity among analyzed samples reached 9.1%, up from 6.6% the week prior. Positive results included 5.5% for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), 3.7% for SARS-CoV-2, and 12% for rhinovirus.
Children under five remain the most affected age group with an incidence of 28.3 cases per 1,000 consulting patients, followed by 5-14 year-olds, and 15-64 year-olds. Above 65s registered the lowest incidence at 5.92 cases per 1,000. All regions/provinces, except Valle D’Aosta, Bolzano, Trento, and Molise, surpassed the basal threshold for influenza-like incidences. Notably, Sardegna (17.74), Campania (16.23), and Liguria (14.09) logged the highest figures, while Basilicata and Calabria’s data should be interpreted with caution due to limited reporting.
Professor Matteo Bassetti, director of infectious diseases at Genoa’s Policlinico San Martino, warns, "The influenza situation seems to have exploded, though it hasn’t peaked yet. With schools closed, children and teens have brought viruses home to their families, which is typical at this time of year… The peak is expected by mid-January." Bassetti emphasizes the importance of managing expectations around the typical duration and severity of influenza and its treatment.
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