Of
Health editorial team
From the data of the weekly bulletin of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, an increase in infections emerges, especially in children up to 4 years old. Access to the emergency room and hospitalizations are growing
Respiratory infections are increasing: 950 thousand in 7 days5.8 million from the start of surveillance. The highest incidence is observed, as usual, in the age group 0-4 yearswith approximately 50 cases per 1,000 patients. This was made known by the RespiVirNet surveillance report, theHigher Institute of Health (ISS) to monitor the progress of cases acute respiratory infection (Ari) and gods respiratory virus in Italy.
«Close to the peak»
«The data shows us that we are getting closer to peak of cases,
which will probably be touched upon in the next few weeks, in which one awaits us sustained circulation of respiratory viruses as expected for the period”, he comments The Examplewho directs the Department of Infectious Diseases of the ISS: «Unfortunately, as reported by some Regions, this year too the number of cases has increased corresponds to an increase in the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations especially for older people. Especially in these days when opportunities for meeting and conviviality can favor the transmission of respiratory viruses”. The intensity is very high in Veneto, the province of Bolzano, Marche and Campania, high in Sicily, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Lazio and Abruzzo, medium in Val d’Aosta, Lombardy, Tuscany and Puglia and low in all the others.
How are respiratory viruses transmitted?
Respiratory viruses are present all year round, but, in winter, they spread more easily due to closed environments, low temperatures and greater proximity between people. Yes they mainly transmit through the air and they spread very easily through droplets of saliva that are produced coughing, getting old or simply by speaking (aerial inhalation), especially in crowded and closed environments, or by direct deposition of saliva droplets on the mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes). Transmission also occurs by direct contact with infected people (for example through contaminated hands on the eyes, nose or mouth) or by indirect contact through tools or objects.
How can respiratory virus infection be prevented?
Among the prevention measures: vaccinationavailable for some of the pathogens that circulate in winter, is the main strategy to prevent the risk of disease, reduce the probability of serious symptoms and complications (pneumonia, hospitalizations). For For influenza, an annual vaccination/booster is recommendedbecause by their nature, influenza viruses mutate frequently. Vaccination is recommended especially for fragile categories (elderly, people with chronic pathologies), and also for healthcare workers and caregivers, to further reduce the risk of infection, but it is also recommended for the rest of the population, always following the instructions of their general practitioner and paediatrician. Achieving high levels of vaccination coverage is crucial to significantly reduce the impact of influenza in terms of illness, complications and deaths, particularly among vulnerable population groups.
In addition to the vaccine, how can we avoid contagion?
In addition to pharmacological measures (vaccination and antivirals), it is recommended to follow personal protection measures useful to reduce the risk of contracting the infection or to avoid transmitting the virus to others: wash your hands regularly e dry them properlyobserve one good respiratory hygiene (for example, sneezing or coughing into a tissue or the crook of your elbow), stay at home if symptoms attributable to febrile respiratory illnesses occur, especially in the initial phase, avoid close contact with people with symptoms attributable to the flu, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Other useful information can be found on the websiteHigher Institute of Health (read here).
December 29, 2025
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