Italy: influenza cases increase, SIGG is taking action

In anticipation of the peak of infections expected to occur during the Christmas holidays, GPs recorded increased visits due to the rise in flu cases in Italy. While children remain the age group most affected by flu syndrome, it is also spreading among the elderly population. Recognising this trend, the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG) announced a new initiative at the conclusion of its Florence congress. This initiative aims to accelerate the immunisation process to as early as 60 years of age through the administration of advanced vaccines offering enhanced protection. According to the experts, the risk of contagion increases as early as the age of 60, with 62% of individuals of this age being the critical threshold at which the decline of the immune system begins. Silvestro Scotti, the national secretary of the Italian Federation of Family Physicians, has highlighted that while the number of cases has decreased compared to last year, the severity of the symptoms has increased. With the festive season approaching and a predicted rise in respiratory infections, some regions have issued prescriptions to local health authorities. These include the recommendation for the use of surgical masks for individuals displaying respiratory symptoms and those in contact with vulnerable patients.