The flu is making an impact notable increase in cases in Italy, as highlighted in the latest RespiVirNet update from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità. In the 50th week of 2023, the incidence of flu-like syndromes rose to 15 cases per thousand assisted, with a significant figure in children under 5 years of age, reaching 38 cases per thousand assisted. Infections are mainly caused by influenza viruses. But what are the main viral strains, when will the flu peak be reached, what are the symptoms and how long do they last?
Peak flu and fever in Italy
According to the ISS, in the fifth week of virological surveillance, the percentage of positive samplesflu has increased from 14% to 22%. The prevalent virus is type A (98,5%), mainly subtype H1N1pdm09.
Infectious disease specialist Pierluigi Blanc reassures that, despite the number of cases and hospitalizations, the situation is controlled and follows similar trends to previous flu seasons.
The flu is one seasonal respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses, with four types identified. Types A and B cause classic symptoms, while type C is generally asymptomatic and type D presents uncertainties regarding human infection.
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Estimates reported by the Ministry of Health indicate that influenza affects 10% to 30% of the European population annually, causing hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations.
The European Center for Disease Control estimates that 4 to 50 million European citizens develop symptomatic cases of influenza every year, with 15 thousand to 70 thousand associated deaths, mainly in the over 65s. In Italy, the epidemic seasons from 2010-2011 to 2019-2020 showed that approximately 10,4% of the population developed a flu-like syndrome, classifying flu and pneumonia among the top 10 causes of death in the country.
Transmission, symptoms and prevention
The incidence of flu-like syndromes in the 50th week of 2023 is increasing, as highlighted by the latest RespiVirNet update. Experts reassure that the situation is under control, with trends similar to previous seasons, and the flu peak is expected in the next few days.
Influenza is a seasonal respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses, with four distinct types. Types A and B are responsible for the classic symptoms and affect annually since 10% to 30% of the population European Union, appearing among the top 10 causes of death in Italy.
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La vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent and fight the flu. It significantly increases the chances of avoiding the disease and, in the presence of symptoms, reduces its severity and complications.
In a context of co-circulating viruses, caution is key, especially when interacting with elderly or vulnerable people.
