started · updated
Italy health experts warn of early respiratory infection season
Health experts in Italy are warning of an early onset of respiratory infections and potential influenza circulation due to sudden temperature drops. Infectious disease specialist Massimo Andreoni notes that while influenza typically circulates starting in late November or December, recent years have seen activity beginning as early as late October.
In the Lombardy region, monitoring reports indicate an increase in acute respiratory infections, with an estimated 25,164 cases in a single week. While current circulation levels are classified as basal, the rise in emergency room visits for flu-like syndromes is notable.
In Sicily, experts clarify that current symptoms like cough and sore throat are often attributed to the return to routine activities rather than true influenza, which typically peaks between November and February. Medical professionals advise vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions like COPD, to adapt their clothing to temperature shifts and participate in upcoming vaccination campaigns.
Entities
Antonio Cascio · Istituto Superiore di Sanità · Lombardia · Massimo Andreoni · SIMIT · University of Palermo · University of Rome Tor Vergata
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sudden temperature drops of 10 to 15 degrees can complicate the management of respiratory infections. www.adnkronos.com · www.spazio50.org · lamilano.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The peak of the true influenza season in Sicily typically occurs between late November and January. www.balarm.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] The influenza season may be starting earlier than in previous years. www.adnkronos.com · www.spazio50.org · lamilano.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] In the last three years, virus circulation has been observed as early as late October. www.adnkronos.com · www.spazio50.org · lamilano.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lower temperatures increase infection risks because people spend more time in enclosed environments. www.balarm.it