Influenza: New Variant Resistant to Antivirals – Millions Infected
Flu Season in Italy: A Summary
HereS a summary of the key information from the article regarding the flu season in Italy:
* Rising Incidence: The flu is currently on the rise in Italy, with a higher incidence than last year (though comparisons are challenging due to changes in data collection methods).
* Current Numbers: Approximately 585,000 Italians were bedridden with respiratory infections (including flu) in the last week (Nov 24-30). An estimated 3.3 million infections have occurred since the start of the season.
* Affected Groups: Young children (0-4 years old) are the most affected, with 33 cases per 1,000 inhabitants.
* Peak Prediction: The peak of cases could arrive as early as the end of December or January, possibly earlier than last year’s peak (which was in late January).
* Dominant Viruses: Influenza viruses (particularly type A),Rhinovirus,and Sars-CoV-2 are the most prevalent viruses currently circulating. Specifically:
* 20.3% of samples tested positive for influenza (421 type A, 2 type B)
* 4% tested positive for Sars-CoV-2
* 2% tested positive for RSV
* 13.2% tested positive for Rhinovirus
* Antiviral Resistance: There’s growing concern about a variant of influenza viruses resistant to a common antiviral.
* Vaccination Rates: Vaccination coverage among those over 65 remains low (the article doesn’t provide specific numbers, but implies it’s a concern).
* Regional Variation: The intensity of the flu is currently low in most regions, but at a basal level in Liguria, Molise, the province of Trento and Umbria.
The article highlights a shift in how respiratory infections are monitored (from flu-like syndromes to acute respiratory infections), making direct comparisons to previous seasons challenging. Though, the data suggests a potentially earlier and more notable peak in cases this year.