Cases of influenza and COVID-19 in the province of Modena are growing: the Integrated Surveillance System for respiratory viruses shows the passage from 19.15 cases per thousand assisted in the 51st week of 2023 to 21.44 cases in the 52nd week, the last of ‘year. We are approaching the peak of spread of respiratory viruses which will probably be in the next few days of January.
Like every year, this year too the highest incidence is in children compared to adults, particularly in the 0-4 age group which has seen a very strong increase in cases in the last month which have almost quadrupled. The phenomenon has various explanations given that children often attend communities (kindergartens, schools), are less attentive to hygiene measures such as washing their hands or blowing their nose and because in this category vaccination coverage is very low. The pediatric population has been particularly affected by respiratory viruses that have caused flu or flu-like illnesses with a course that can be long.
“Seasonal flu is a common disease during the colder months – clarifies Alessandra Fantuzzi of the Ausl Public Hygiene Service – but this year there has been a late increase in cases compared to previous years thanks to the warm autumn climate, and the peak is expected for January 2024. To limit the spread of the flu, it is advisable to take some precautions including avoiding, when possible, contact with symptomatic people who show common symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat etc., cover your mouth and nose both by using a mask when you are sick and by using disposable tissues correctly and wash your hands. Please remember that the flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu and that you can still consult your doctor to get the vaccine.”.
The activities of sentinel doctors in Modena are essential for monitoring the trend of influenza and influenza-like infections in the city. Currently, There are 26 sentinel doctors distributed throughout the territory who collect swabs and report cases of influenza and influenza-like respiratory infections. Swab samples from patients with flu symptoms are sent for laboratory analysis to identify the type of virus responsible for the infection. From virological surveillance data it emerges that influenza type A H1N1 is the most present viral form.
“In addition to the flu – continues Fantuzzi – the spread of COVID-19 continues to be followed by doctors and, given the transmission route of the virus mainly through the droplets of saliva released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks, to limit its spread spread, it is advisable to follow the same measures as for other respiratory viruses, such as influenza, including vaccination. It is possible to carry out the Sars-Cov-2 test 6 months after the infection or the last administration. Following these precautionary measures – he concludes – allows you to limit the spread of respiratory viruses and protect your health and that of others”.