Seasonal flu causing significant overload in Lecce emergency rooms
The rapid spread of seasonal flu in Lecce, Italy is causing a significant overload on emergency room facilities, with daily inflows rising by up to 30 percent. The “Vito Fazzi” hospital in Lecce, for example, has seen an average of 190 accesses in the last period, according to the local health authority.
The increasing number of flu cases, coupled with its aggressive symptoms, is making it challenging to ensure adequate assistance times. This has prompted the local health authority to appeal to citizens to only visit the hospital or call 118 in cases of a real emergency or after consulting with their doctor.
Marinella Marrazzi, director of the Lecce emergency room, expressed concern about the unsustainable conditions as a result of the combined impact of the flu and Covid. She called for the support of colleagues from other hospital departments and urged citizens to avoid the emergency room unless absolutely necessary.
In addition, Giovanni De Maria, head of Primary Care for the Local Health Authority, emphasized the role of general practitioners in managing the situation. He encouraged colleagues to be available 24/7, conduct home visits, and reassure patients with the necessary information and treatment paths.
Stefano Rossi, the general director of ASL, echoed the call for collaboration to avoid long waits and inappropriate access to emergency rooms.
Regarding the prevailing flu strain, Pier Luigi Lopalco, a professor of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, clarified that most cases are caused by the AH1N1 strain, which emerged in 2009. Despite reaching the peak in late December, a slow but progressive decline in the incidence of flu is expected.
In conclusion, while the worst may be over statistically, the influx into emergency rooms is expected to remain notable in the coming weeks due to the lingering cases of flu. Citizens and healthcare professionals are urged to collaborate and exercise caution during this challenging time.