Flu, over 6,5 million Italians already affected: peak in Central-Northern Italy

The flu wave is hitting Italy hard, with over 6,5 million cases recorded. The most vulnerable are children under 5 and seniors over 65. Lombardy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria, Abruzzo, Puglia and Sardinia are the most affected regions, according to data from the Influnet surveillance system.

In addition to common symptoms such as high fever, cough and muscle aches, influenza can cause serious complications, especially for frail individuals. Bronchitis, bacterial pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis and the worsening of chronic diseases are the main risks for the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with pre-existing conditions. The rate of hospitalization for influenza complications in the elderly exceeds 200 hospitalizations per 100.000 people.

These data were the focus of the scientific event “The new therapeutic strategy to combat the sequelae of influenza”, held today at the Damor Farmaceutici Auditorium in Naples. The meeting, moderated by Prof. Bruno Trimarco, emeritus of cardiology at the Federico II University of Naples, was attended by leading experts, including Enzo Santagada, health councilor of the Municipality of Naples; Ugo Trama, head of drug policies for the Campania Region; Prof. Mauro Maniscalco, associate professor of respiratory diseases at the Federico II University of Naples and director of rehabilitative pneumology at ICS Maugeri IRCCS in Telese; Prof. Dario Leosco, president of the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG); Francesco Tursi, director of specialized cardiorespiratory rehabilitation in Codogno.

Experts stressed the importance of annual vaccination as the main prevention strategy, along with hygiene measures, distancing and a balanced diet. “Influenza is a particularly critical seasonal emergency for the most fragile categories such as the elderly and cancer patients,” Santagada said. “Timely management of symptoms is essential to avoid respiratory complications in the most vulnerable subjects.”