Influenza, this is when the rate is highest and when to get the vaccine

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The peak of influenza is expected around Christmas but the recommendation is to get the vaccine now, preferably with the double administration in one session of the two vaccinationsthe one against the new seasonal virus and the one against Covid. This is the invitation that doctors renew in October, the starting month of the 24-25 flu campaign in Italy – in some regions that have already started and in others that are scheduled for the few coming days – organized at the same time as the anti-Covid one. The aim is to protect the public by reducing the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization and death, as well as limiting the spread of the virus to the most vulnerable in flu season which is expected to be “severe”.

Last year almost 15 million got the flu

In the past nearly 15 million people were infected with flu-like syndromes, as indicated by the RespiVirNet surveillance data of the Higher Institute of Health. Vaccination is the “safest and most effective way to prevent the flu or the worst symptoms associated with it,” explained Roberta Siliquini, president of the Italian Hygiene Association (Siti), the clarification “in addition to personal protection, it helps to reduce the amount of disease. stress on emergency rooms and hospital departments, reducing health care costs and improving productivity by reducing school and work absenteeism”.

Eight vaccines

The National Immunization Plan aims for 75% coverage among groups at risk, with an optimal target of 95%. This year there are eight flu vaccines authorized by AIFA and vaccination is free for those over 60, pregnant women, children between 6 months and 6 years, those suffering from chronic diseases, people hospitalized in RSAs and people’s family members. at high risk of complications.

The parallel campaign against Covid

The anti-Covid campaign is also ongoing, with new vaccines adapted to the Jn.1 variant (the largest at this time), which can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine , simplifying access to vaccines and increasing overall flu protection. a crowd

Flu at Christmas time

“The flu is expected to peak for Christmas. Every year, generally, it takes place between the end of December and the first days of January – says Elisabetta Alti, director of general medicine of the ASL Tuscany center and vice president of the Order of Doctors of Florence – so it makes sense to get vaccinate now because we are surrendering our immune system to build up defenses, to be protected when the full spread of the flu and the Covid virus comes.” In addition, according to Alti, the double vaccine, anti-influenza and anti-Covid, is “convenient” because “in just one day we can get safe and effective protection against two viruses that can cause problems cause major in the coming months, our defense. system helped to deal, at the same time, against these two diseases.”