Seasonal flu peak approaching in Veneto: Increased cases and new surveillance system
The peak of seasonal flu in Veneto is approaching, with many citizens falling ill with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and stuffy nose. In Montebelluna, six people with pre-existing conditions ended up in intensive care in just eight days due to the flu.
To track the flu-like cases, a surveillance system called RespiVirNet has been implemented. This network consists of sentinel doctors, including general practitioners and pediatricians, who report the number of cases they observe among their patients every week. The collected biological samples are analyzed to identify the circulating viruses such as flu, paraflu, Covid, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus.
The Istituto Superiore di Sanità collects and processes this data, producing a weekly report on the progress and circulation of various respiratory pathogens. This surveillance has been active for many years during the period between October and March. However, following the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, the Veneto Region has decided to keep the system active throughout the year to identify any anomalies in syndromic respiratory conditions even outside the typical seasonal period.
In July 2023, the regional strategies on sentinel doctors were discussed and shared during a meeting in Venice with the representation of general practitioners and pediatricians. The Veneto Region plans to have 144 doctors for epidemiological surveillance, with 72 of them also carrying out virological surveillance. These indications have been communicated to the health companies with the directive to disseminate them to all those involved in the surveillance activity.
The decision to extend the surveillance system throughout the year reflects the seriousness with which the Veneto Region is taking the threat of seasonal influenza and other respiratory diseases. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions and seek medical help if they experience any symptoms. With the new surveillance system in place, health authorities hope to track and manage the spread of the flu more effectively.