Naples' Santobono emergency room is under pressure: flu-like symptoms are rising among children.

Naples, respiratory emergencies among children and the elderly: Santobono Hospital is dealing with a severe flu outbreak, significantly increasing admissions to the pediatric emergency room. According to reports from health professionals and staff, approximately four out of five children arrive with symptoms of hyperpyrexia, pharyngitis, and bronchitis, some with a complex clinical course and requiring monitoring.

On the bronchiolitis front, however, there is an encouraging sign: the systematic use of monoclonal antibodies in newborns has contributed to a significant reduction in hospitalizations related to this pathology, at least partially easing the pressure on dedicated departments.

Campania, already identified as one of the regions with the highest circulation of respiratory viruses at this time of year, is experiencing particularly intense days, in line with forecasts that placed the flu peak around the Christmas holidays. General practitioners and pediatricians are drawing attention to the role of schools as the main accelerator of infections, while the impact of holiday gatherings is causing concern: there is a fear of rapid spread of the infection to the adult population, especially the most vulnerable and elderly.

Under particular observation is the so-called "K" strain, identified as a rapidly spreading variant not fully covered by standard seasonal vaccines. This is one of the factors that, according to clinicians, could contribute to a further increase in cases in the coming weeks.

At the Cardarelli Hospital, the situation is described as different but no less alarming. Influenza is still not the main cause of admission, but there has been an increase in severe lung inflammation, with a marked impact on the elderly. Complicating the situation, doctors explain, is the simultaneous circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens in addition to seasonal strains.

Attention remains focused on the start of the new year, when the epidemic's most acute phase is expected: the risk, healthcare workers warn, is that the combination of high transmissibility and low vaccination coverage could translate into pressure that hospitals will find difficult to sustain.