Santobono is under siege after the holidays: up to 350 visits per day, 80% of them due to the flu.

Naples – A surge in visits to the Santobono pediatric emergency room has occurred since the Christmas holidays, with numbers reaching up to 350 children per day. Of these, approximately 80% present with flu-like symptoms, often accompanied by respiratory problems. Vincenzo Tipo, head of the emergency room at the Neapolitan pediatric hospital, describes the situation, describing the wards as "completely full" in terms of admissions.

"We're managing a very complex phase well," Tipo explains, "but during peak days we've seen a huge influx, partly due to the reduced presence of GPs during the holidays." According to the head physician, 7-8 out of 10 children arrive with flu-like symptoms: fewer bronchiolitis cases than a few years ago, but a more aggressive form of the flu, especially in younger children.

Of particular concern are infants under six months, for whom vaccination is not recommended. "We're talking about children with very high fevers," he emphasizes, "who pay the price of Christmas family gatherings: the infection spreads rapidly and affects the most vulnerable."

In many cases, the fever lasts longer than the usual 3-5 days, and 7-8% of patients develop respiratory complications. Eight percent of hospitalized children have been diagnosed with pneumonia, fortunately not as severe as that seen in adults, but requiring longer hospital stays and more demanding treatment, sometimes with oxygen therapy.

Possible new peak with the opening of schools

Meanwhile, Santobono is preparing for a possible new wave with the reopening of schools. "According to data from the National Institute of Health," Tipo explains, "the flu peak is expected between the third and fourth week of January. The return to class could represent a further factor in the spread." The hospital has already activated crowding management plans, with the possibility of rescheduling activities and finding new beds in the event of an emergency.

The head physician also provided clear guidance to families. "It's crucial to protect younger children who haven't received vaccinations. In Campania, as in the rest of Italy, pediatric vaccination coverage doesn't exceed 50%." The advice is to not send children with flu symptoms to school, to contact their pediatrician, and to be vigilant if symptoms persist beyond 3-5 days or become more severe, especially respiratory symptoms.

"Many parents," Tipo concludes, "bypass the pediatrician and head straight to the hospital because they're scared of the symptoms. But it's important to avoid overcrowding in emergency rooms: crowded waiting rooms are a further vehicle for the spread of viruses and infections."