The Australian flu is one of the variants of influenza viruses circulating this season. At the moment, however, it is not yet certain that it is the dominant variant: we must wait for the next findings. In some extreme cases, this flu can also cause neurological symptoms.
Interview with Fabrizio Pregliasco
Medical director of the IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital and professor of Hygiene at the University of Milan
Scrolling newspaper headlines it seems that the Australian flu is the dominant variant this season. We’ll say it right away. It’s not really like that. Net of the exotic name and the attention due to one series of cases that we will now seewhat we call the Australian flu is not necessarily the dominant strain this season. To understand this we will have to see the data of RespiVirNet virological surveillance: they will arrive onNovember 11th.
To better understand what is happening around this form of influenza we asked Fabrizio Pregliascomedical director of the IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital and professor of Hygiene at the University of Milan. Attention to this issue came after some cases in Italy in which neurological symptoms such as encephalitis or confusional states were also revealed.
Why neurological symptoms related to H3N2 arise
Pregliasco explains that i flu symptoms that directly involve the brain are not frequent. Indeed: “With influenza viruses of the H3N2 family, more intense manifestations can be found in patients. There may be involvement at the encephalic level but it is very rare.” The neurological symptoms related to the Australian flu are due to at least three mechanisms.
Pregliasco always explains: “The symptoms at the encephalic level are linked to the combination of three mechanisms. We have a direct action of viruses on cells. We have a cytochemical storm, to simplify we can say that it is a response of our body to the virus. And then we also have gods autoimmune factors that come into play.”
Because we’re talking about Australian influence
L’Australian influence it is a variant of H3N2 family which has been isolated in Australia. As Pregliasco explains, however, talking about Australian influence is not always correct: “It’s a bit of a mistake. It’s not like all the people who get sick now are getting the Australian flu. There are several flu viruses going around. And not only that. The flu normally predicts three types of symptoms: abrupt onset with fever of 38°, at least one respiratory symptom and at least one general symptom, such as muscle pain”.
What vaccines should be given for the Australian flu
In any case, on the vaccine front the news is more than good. The strain we are calling Australian flu was isolated some time ago and is therefore available in the flu vaccine. To find out how to book it and when to do it there is a dedicated section on portal of the Ministry of Health.
