Effect broke world records. The data from the latest Influnet report confirm that in Italy as well as in the rest of Europe we are recording a peak affecting particularly children, to which must be added bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus. It is a wave of infections that is beginning to put children’s wards in hospitals and pediatricians’ offices into crisis, especially in the north of the country. We cannot say that the cases are more serious or burdened with complications than in previous years, and also because balances are finally achieved, so we will have to talk about them again in the spring of 2023. But certainly the number of children affected by influenza viruses is much higher than those recorded in my seasons last two winters ». This was confirmed for Adnkronos Salute by Mariano Magro, Pediatrician in the Prevention Department of ASL Lecce.
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The flu epidemic started earlier than usual
“What we can say for sure is that the influenza pandemic started earlier than usual,” Magrew recalls. “The Influnet report shows us that the levels currently recorded are those recorded in other winters (before 2020) during peak flu. In Lecce Province), for example, we showed the first cases already last August; Later, as is clear, with the arrival of the cold, the increased attendance in closed and crowded places, and the presence in schools, contributed to determining the situation that we observe ».
symptoms
The characteristic symptoms of the 2022-2023 flu are likely to be the same as in past seasons, i.e. a varied mix of:
- sudden high fever,
- dry, crusty cough,
- Headache,
- fatigue and weakness,
- goosebumps
- muscle and joint pain,
- Stomach ache,
- diarrhea, nausea and vomiting (especially in children),
- Sore throat,
- stuffy nose and sneezing,
- Anorexia,
- Decreased sleep quality
From the onset of the first symptoms, one can also notice similar manifestations to the more classic colds, such as increased nasal secretions, tearing and burning of the eyes; Symptoms generally tend to resolve within 5-7 days at most (a little more often in children), however the weakness and cough can last longer.
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