The flu season is coming to an end in Italy, with the numbers of flu-like syndromes decreasing, thanks in part to the climate. According to the RespiVirNet surveillance system of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, over 300,000 Italians were affected by flu-like syndromes during Easter week, which was 25,000 less than the previous week. However, children were the most affected group, with 15.30 cases per thousand.
As we look back on the flu season, preparations are already being made for the future. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established the vaccination composition for next autumn, based on data from the Global Sentinel Flu Surveillance Network. This allows manufacturing companies to begin developing influenza vaccines to be marketed starting from autumn 2024.
The upcoming vaccines will contain only three viral strains: two type A strains (AH1N1 and AH3N2) and one type B strain (B/Victoria). The European Medicines Agency has suggested excluding the B/Yamagata strain as it has not been in circulation since March 2020.
Fabrizio Pregliasco, Scientific Director of Osservatorio Influenza, emphasizes the importance of tailor-made vaccines for different age groups and health conditions. While the upcoming flu season is expected to be less severe due to the similarity of circulating viruses, vaccination is still recommended, especially for those at risk and the elderly.
The flu is a viral disease that affects the respiratory tract, causing fever, weakness, headache, cough, and phlegm. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter antipyretics are common treatments for the flu.
Flu viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and have hemagglutinins and neuraminidases on their surface, known as surface antigens. Type A viruses can infect various animal species, while types B and C mainly infect humans.
Overall, the development of vaccines and the ongoing surveillance of flu viruses are crucial in managing the annual flu season and protecting public health.