Naples – The early 2026 flu wave has hit Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, with a 25% increase in hospitalizations for severe influenza recorded in recent days. This surge in admissions contrasts sharply with the low attendance seen in the final days of 2025.
The numbers speak for themselves: the weekly average has reached 210 admissions per day, an alarming figure emerging from the wards of the largest hospital in Southern Italy.
Approximately 30% of hospitalized patients suffer from viral pneumonia requiring high-flow oxygen treatment. In many cases, patients who had received the flu vaccine are also affected.
The appeal of the specialists
The specialist, however, urges caution: "Not all pneumonia cases require hospital treatment. When fever and a persistent cough persist, you should first contact your GP for a physical examination and chest X-ray."
The chief physician warns of the risks of inappropriate emergency room visits: "Germs circulate in hospitals that are best avoided in vulnerable situations. Rushing to the emergency room for pneumonia without any other symptoms can be more dangerous than staying warm at home following your GP's advice."
When hospitalization is necessary
Hospitalization is recommended for those who are unable to care for themselves and in the presence of complications such as respiratory failure. Russo emphasizes the importance of not overloading highly complex hospitals: "All hospitals can deal with syndromes of this type. Referring to highly complex facilities risks depriving more serious conditions that require complex treatments and procedures."
On the prevention front, the physician emphasizes the importance of the pneumococcal vaccination for those under 65, which prevents pneumonia. Regarding the flu vaccine, he clarifies: "The effectiveness lies not in total immunization but in attenuating symptoms and side effects that would otherwise be more aggressive."
One final piece of advice concerns the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren: "It's best to limit contact with children for those who are vulnerable, considering that the little ones are often vectors for the rapid transmission of these syndromes."
The invitation of the general director
Antonio d'Amore, general manager of Cardarelli Hospital, reiterates the need for appropriate use of the emergency room: "Every year during this period, we see an increase in requests for assistance throughout Italy. It's important to go to the hospital only when truly necessary, to avoid overwhelming the emergency system and exposing vulnerable people to potential hospital-acquired infections."
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (2)
It's been crowded for centuries
The article explains the situation at Cardarelli well, but I'm not sure if the increase in hospitalizations is just due to the flu or for other reasons as well. It's important to follow doctors' advice, but sometimes it seems like everything is confusing.