Matteo Bassetti, infectious disease specialist at San Martino in Genoa, confirmed the presence of the first case of H3N2 at the hospital, explaining that the virus can cause problems not only at a respiratory level, but also at a neurological level
The Italian regions have started the flu vaccination campaign about a month ago, while the first cases of flu have already been reported. However, experts expect a significant increase in incidence towards the end of November. Meanwhile, we are trying to better understand the intensity and danger of this year’s seasonal flu, which was identified for the first time in Australia during the European summer, from which it takes the name “Australiana.” In Italy, the first case was detected by the Novara hospital laboratory in early October.
First cases of H3N2 in Italy: watch out for new complications
Matteo Bassetti, infectious disease specialist at San Martino in Genoa, confirmed the presence of the first case of H3N2 at the hospital, explaining that the virus can cause problems not only at a respiratory level, but also at a neurological level, in some cases involving the brain.
Outlook for the 2024-2025 influenza season
According to Gianni Rezza, an expert epidemiologist currently at San Raffaele, the last flu season was characterized by a high spread of the H1N1 subtype of influenza A, with over 10 million cases. In Australia, however, this year the H3N2 subtype prevailed, also belonging to influenza A, which could indicate a difficult year in Italy too. H3N2 could in fact find fertile ground among children who have not been exposed in the past, thus favoring rapid spread among adults too. However, Rezza underlines that H1N1 has already been identified in Italy, so we will have to wait to understand which subtype will be dominant.
Symptoms and potential complications
Rezza explains that flu symptoms, regardless of subtype, are generally similar and include high fever accompanied by chills, headache and joint pain. In some cases, especially among frail people, complications such as pneumonia may appear. Furthermore, H1N1 has also caused heart problems (myocarditis) and brain problems (encephalitis) in the past. The H3N2 subtype is known for its tendency to mutate rapidly, which could reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. However, it will be necessary to observe how the flu develops in the coming months to understand which virus will prevail.
Vaccination recommended for at-risk groups
The flu vaccine is recommended every year for people most at risk, in particular for those over 60 years old, for children aged 6 months and above and for those suffering from chronic pathologies such as cardiac, respiratory, oncological and neurological diseases. Healthcare personnel are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. In line with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, this year we suggest the simultaneous administration of the flu vaccine and the anti-Covid vaccine, considering that the most exposed categories coincide for both vaccines.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved
