Flu Cases in Italy Reach Peak, but Hospitalizations Remain High
The peak of the flu season has been reached in Italy, but the number of flu-like syndrome cases continues to remain at a high intensity level, posing a challenge to the country’s health service. Matteo Bassetti, director of Infectious Diseases at the Policlinico San Martino hospital in Genoa, expressed relief that the peak has been reached, but cautioned that the situation is still concerning.
“We are in a plateau phase, but a very high one and this doesn’t make us very calm,” said Bassetti. “Even just having reached the peak is positive, but now there will be a stabilization phase and we are not out of the circulation of flu viruses. It will take time to have a return to normal pressure on emergency rooms.”
In the last week, the number of flu-like syndromes in Italy fell sharply, but still remains in the high intensity range. The RespiVirNet surveillance bulletins reported a drop in the incidence of flu-positive samples, but the estimated cases of flu-like syndrome in the country are still high, with approximately 1,027,000 cases in the first week of 2024.
While it is believed that the peak has been reached, health officials are advising continued vigilance and recommend vaccinations for those at risk. “Both the epidemiological and microbiological data seem to indicate that we are passing the peak, even if a sustained circulation is highly probable also in the coming weeks, facilitated by the reopening of schools,” stated Anna Teresa Palamara, who directs the Infectious Diseases department of the ISS.
Despite the decline in flu cases, the incidence is slightly increasing in children under five years of age. Additionally, five regions in Italy have reached the threshold of ‘very high’ intensity of flu-like syndrome incidence. Health officials are urging the public to practice healthy behaviors and to seek medical attention only if necessary.
While the peak of the flu season has been reached in Italy, the situation remains a concern as the number of hospitalizations remains high. The public is advised to continue taking precautions and to consider vaccination for at-risk individuals.