LThe flu is affecting millions of Italians, with both gastrointestinal and respiratory viruses. Without differences in age, sex, region. The peak of cases was already passed last December/January, but as often happens in March and April, viruses multiply in number and type. But what are the causes? And how to reduce the symptoms?
Influenza: 12 million cases in Italy
The causes of the flu (or rather of the flus, given the different strains and viruses) are various and are manifesting themselves with particular force in recent weeks. «This year we are already at more than 12 million cases of respiratory infections registered in the season, with a truly broad and diverse cocktail of causes, with a lot H1N1 flua little bit of Covida little bit of respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus and others”, explains ad Adnkronos Health The Professor Fabrizio Pregliascovirologist at the State University of Milan and Medical Director of the IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital – Sant’Ambrogio.
Is the infection curve going down?
«We are, fortunately, in a phase of decreasing infections – in the general context – but also this somewhat erratic weather doesn’t help and therefore we are witnessing a tailspin with many new cases.”
The “cousins” of the flu
As if the flu with respiratory symptoms, from coughs to colds, were not enough, to undermine the health of Italians there are «also all those classic ‘cousin’ viruses of influenza and typical of these passing seasons. Pathogens that also give a bit of gastrointestinal formsdetermined by enteroviruswhich they create annoying intestinal disorders. The illness season is not over yet and there are still a good number of cases. We will have it for at least a month, the whole of March for sure”, concludes Pregliasco.
Flu: no to do-it-yourself treatments with antibiotics
Also according to the Professor Pier Luigi Lopalcoprofessor of Hygiene at the University of Salento «the season of respiratory viruses is not over yet. We have many cases. They still need a little attention and, above all, they work Avoid random antibiotics: they are not useful against viruses and must always be prescribed by a doctor».
Respiratory syncytial virus is also circulating
«More than a backlash, we can define it as an extension of the epidemic curve. It is not a surprise given the intensity with which viral respiratory diseases have spread during this season”, continues Professor Lopalco. «Last year the viral circulation prolonged until late April. From a viral point of view, in recent weeks we have seen a steady decline in influenza viruses and a increased circulation of respiratory syncytial virus».
Lots of intestinal infections
During this period, many people complain of stomach and intestinal problems, with symptoms of nausea, diarrhea or constipation. «We have so many intestinal infections from different microorganisms which can be viral like the norovirus, rotavirus, enteric adenovirus and astrovirus”adds the Professor Matteo Bassetti, director of infectious diseases at the San Martino polyclinic hospital in Genoa.
Contagion in schools and kindergartens
«The intestinal flu is now physiological and spreads easily in schools and kindergartens and then is brought home. In this period there is one mix of different viruses, today the flu is a minority and there are intestinal viruses together with bacteria. It’s normal pre-Covid circulation, now 4 years after the emergency we pay more attention to it, in March-April there has always been an increase in cases of intestinal infections”, concludes Bassetti.
Don’t go to school with flu symptoms
It remains fundamental recommendation not to send children and young people to school in case of symptoms such as cough, sore throat, cold and fever. Otherwise, not only will the child with symptoms take longer to recover from the respiratory infection, but he or she could infect many other children and teachers and spread the infection further. Let us remember once again that there are many fragile people with pathologies that can worsen in case of contagion. respiratory viruses and bacteria and even risk your life. It is therefore better to keep your symptomatic child at home for a couple of days longer, until the cough or cold has passed, rather than have the responsibility of making other fragile people ill.
If you have the flu, wear a mask
«If a mother has cold and cough and you have to breastfeed your baby, it is useful for you to wear a mask. The aim is to avoid infecting other people, transmitting fewer germs to those around us, it should be used this way. Other relevant aspects are obviously encouraging maternal breastfeeding in the case of breastfed babies, and avoiding passive smoking”, warns the Professor Fabio Midulla, president of Simri (Italian Society for Childhood Respiratory Diseases)head of the emergency pediatrics department of the Policlinico Umberto I in Rome.
Wash your hands often
Among the preventive measures aimed at parents, the expert reminds in particular of «wash your hands often at homeAnd use a mask if you have a cold and have to go out”. Traveling on public transport without a mask, in case of symptoms, means infecting many other people. «But the Hand washing is the most important thing because contagion occurs above all with the larger saliva droplets that are on the hands”, recalls Professor Midulla.
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