Influenza 2021 at the start, the first two “sentinel” events identified. 4 to 6 million sick people expected – breaking latest news

One could speak of a return to normal also from this point of view: seasonal flu has made its appearance again in Italy. In fact, the first two cases were identified in two children residing in Northern Italy. According to the InfluNet & CovidNet operating protocol, virological surveillance will start from the 46th week of 2021, i.e. from Monday 18 October. This was announced by the Higher Institute of Health. A first case of A / H3 influenza virus identified in Varese and confirmed at the University of Milan in a child with flu symptoms. The second case of A / H3 influenza virus identified at the Amedeo di Savoia Hospital in Turin in a child with a pneumonia picture. Virological confirmations are underway by the ISS national reference laboratory on the second case identified in Turin. The flu vaccination, remembers the ISS, the most effective and safest way to prevent the disease and reduce its complications and the best time to get it in autumn, starting from October.

Between 4 and 6 million cases are expected

Confirm the virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, lecturer at the State University of Milan: We are facing the first sporadic cases that are classically pre-seasonal, in the classic times for a season that, at least from the point of view of viruses, could be let’s say “lively but not too much” involving 4 to 6 million people. We will see by considering moreover also the challenge of the Delta variant, which increasingly resembles the flu. There is the risk of a season that will mix “normal” flu and Covid, therefore a double epidemic. Self last year the seasonal flu actually disappeared due to the anti-Covid measures (masks and hand hygiene, first of all), this year the music will be different: In addition to favoring meteorology of winter we have l

aI work in presence, open schools, open shows It is clear that this is almost normal, which reinforces the possibility of the spread of influenza viruses.

Similar and parainfluenza forms

As per tradition, in the meantime, similar or parainfluenza forms have already spread: A bit like when there are concerts – says Pregliasco -: first the band enters that warms the audience and they are adenoviruses, coronaviruses, etc. Then comes the protagonist who was normally the flu. Now and then at the end of the season again the protagonists are two. Because the flu typically occurs when temperatures are low and prolonged over time.

The characteristics of the virus 2021

What characteristics will the 2021 influenza virus have? They are two different viruses than last year: a H1N1 variant and a relatively new H3N2 variant which comes from the southern hemisphere, which therefore could give itself as a virus a season of medium intensity. This, however – clarifies the virologist – is calculated only on the side of the diffusive capacity of the mix of flu viruses that we expect. clear that there will be, in my opinion, greater attention because hopefully the new “anti-Covid etiquette” will continue.

Symptoms and how to behave: if in doubt, even a tampon

What about the symptoms? High fever over 38; at least one general, systemic symptom, ie joint muscle pain and at least one respiratory symptom. Advice on how to behave? Common sense: responsible self-medication to alleviate symptoms without zeroing them out, with a triage if there is a combination of symptoms and this year it adds up the need for a tampon that is the only one to avoid doubts (compared to Covid, ed). That is, if there is only one symptom, for example the child with a runny nose it is probably an adenovirus or a rhinovirus. For in the case of a combination of symptoms, extra attention is needed, precisely because the Delta variant no longer has those peculiarities loss of smell etc. but it looks like a normal flu.

Why influenza vaccination is important

The flu vaccination will remain fundamental as a form of protection for oneself and to protect the weakest subjects from any complications of the flu and, in a situation of coexistence with Covid-19, it will remain particularly useful in the differential diagnosis between the two viruses, points out Pregliasco. We learned it with Covid, even the flu kills: 1% of cases end badly or in any case with serious consequences. Furthermore, let us not forget that every year 8-10 thousand people die from complications of the flu. Of course, the flu does not cause direct pneumonia, if not very rarely. Influenza virus pneumonia is rare to facilitate bacterial superinfections and other complications, what we have learned let’s say with a higher proportionality in Covid.

Influenza vaccination also for those vaccinated by Covid

Even for those who received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine prevention is fundamental: in the case of flu symptoms, in fact, these too, emphasizes the virologist, they will still have to swab. Furthermore, who received both vaccines, continues Pregliasco, he cannot rule out getting sick given the high number of parainfluenza viruses in circulation. The flu vaccine, in fact, protects against the influenza viruses prevalent in a given season but it does not cover the body from the many viruses that cause cold syndromes like a simple cold.

Don’t underestimate the flu in children

Children are the main “greasers” when it comes to the flu, all the more in pandemic times because it is more difficult for them to follow the rules of protection such as the use of masks, frequent hand washing, distancing, and avoiding touching eyes and mouth. This year, with schools open and greater mobility, we expect more cases of influenza among children than last year. And if this age group is lucky enough to benefit from an immune response that allows it to defend itself well against respiratory viruses, it represents the means for viral spread. Rocco Russo, head of the technical table of vaccines Sip (Italian Society of Pediatrics), explains this to beraking latest news Salute i
Avoid underestimating this infection in the little ones. There is no “simple influence”. It is a disease that can have complications even in children, albeit rarely. Compared to last year, underlines the pediatrician, the most worrying situation with the circulation of the two viruses (pandemic and flu) and the reduction of containment measures. Among other things, there are also many other parainfluenza viral forms and case management will not be easy, from a practical point of view.

Recommended vaccine in the range from 6 months to 6 years

The symptoms of the different infections are in fact superimposable and the differential diagnosis is not made on the basis of the symptom, but with the swab

. There are a number of difficulties that must be taken into consideration, points out Russo. Last year – he recalls – we had proof of the importance of the prevention measures used against Sars Cov-2, which created a barrier effect for respiratory viruses. We have benefited from these interventions for the flu, registering few cases. This year, however, we will be in line with the pre Covid seasons. From here the added value of vaccination at this stage, both against Sars-CoV-2, when possible also protecting children, both the flu and in addition to protecting them reduces the spread of the flu virus. Because of this pediatricians recommend immunization against seasonal infection, indicated by the ministerial circular from 6 months to 6 years, and at greater risk of infection and spread and to whom offered free of charge. But pediatricians believe it useful for all school age groups and parents can buy the vaccine to inoculate it. There is no useless vaccine, says Russo.