First flu cases in Italy

In Italy, the first cases of seasonal influenza have been recorded, indicating that the virus is currently in circulation, albeit at a low intensity. According to Antonio Bella, a researcher at the Infectious Diseases Department of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) and the individual responsible for the InfluNet epidemiological surveillance, the number of cases currently stands at less than a dozen, with the majority concentrated in the northern regions of the country, with a few isolated cases also observed in the southern regions. Following the prevailing seasonal trend in the southern hemisphere, experts have posited that the influenza virus type A, subtype H3N2, colloquially designated as “Australian flu,” will assume a predominant role. In light of the ongoing public health emergency, health authorities have issued a recall to emphasise the continued importance of vaccination, with particular attention directed towards those at elevated risk, including the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, young children, and pregnant women. The Italian Ministry of Health has initiated a vaccination campaign in numerous regions nationwide.