Italy records 800,000 flu cases in one week
Italy’s health system is facing a major challenge with a sharp rise in seasonal respiratory disease rates, with health authorities recording nearly 800,000 cases of influenza in just one week, putting hospitals and emergency departments under enormous pressure.
The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) explained in its latest report that the main reason behind this rapid spread is the mutated “K” sub-strain of the H3N2 virus. This strain is characterized by its high transmissibility between humans, as well as the property of “partial immune escape,” meaning that antibodies from previous infections or older vaccines may not be fully effective in preventing infection, which explains the record numbers.
The combination of viruses and the strain on hospitals
The current crisis is not limited to the influenza virus alone, but coincides with a continued rise in human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, which particularly affect children and the elderly. This simultaneous spread of viruses creates what is known as a "twin epidemic," further complicating diagnosis and treatment in already overcrowded emergency rooms.
The Italian health authority confirmed that the K subtype has proven highly contagious, noting that hospitals across Italy are once again facing logistical and operational difficulties this year. These challenges come as the expected peak of the flu season approaches in the coming weeks, raising the possibility of increased strain on medical staff and a shortage of beds available for critical cases.
General context and effects of the winter season
This wave is part of the seasonal challenges European countries face in winter, as respiratory viruses thrive in cold, enclosed environments. Historically, the H3N2 virus is known to cause more severe flu seasons than other strains, often leading to higher hospitalization rates, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Regionally, Italy's neighbors are closely monitoring the situation, as Italy's epidemiological patterns often serve as an indicator of what might occur in other parts of southern and central Europe. This situation is prompting health authorities to renew their calls for citizens to get seasonal vaccinations and adhere to hygiene and preventative measures to reduce the spread of the virus and alleviate pressure on the healthcare sector, which is still recovering from the effects of previous years.
