Bergamo, Italy is experiencing a rise in seasonal viruses-influenza A, COVID-19, and RSV-mirroring trends observed internationally. Health officials report a notable increase in flu cases compared to this time last year, with influenza A now accounting for 12.2% of positive tests among patients presenting with respiratory symptoms. As teh region prepares for a predicted holiday season peak, public health campaigns are underway to encourage vaccination against these circulating viruses.
Seasonal viruses are circulating, and now the classic influenza A virus is also gaining traction. Following a gradual increase in flu-like illnesses in recent weeks alongside ongoing COVID-19 cases, the intensity of these infections is steadily rising. Understanding the current viral landscape is crucial for protecting individual and public health as we head into the colder months.
“Currently, the impact of influenza is not significant, but the system is preparing to handle a larger influx, anticipating a peak around the holiday season.”
In Line with Global Trends
On November 20, regional health officials confirmed an increase in influenza cases detected in recent weeks. “The rise in positive tests for influenza A virus, from both general practitioners and pediatricians, as well as in emergency rooms, is consistent with what is happening in other countries and may indicate an earlier start to the flu season,” a statement from regional authorities explained.
Holiday Season Peak Expected
In the Lombardy region, influenza was confirmed in 12.2% of tests prescribed by primary care physicians and pediatricians to patients with suspected symptoms, compared to 0.9% during the same period last year. Emergency room incidence is at 11%, up from 2% a year ago. Primary care physicians are currently on the front lines of managing these cases. “We aren’t seeing widespread outbreaks yet,” said Marco Agazzi, provincial president of the Snami union. “Para-influenza forms and COVID-19 remain prevalent, continuing to contribute to a significant portion of respiratory infections.” Influenza can have serious consequences, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The emergency room at the “Papa Giovanni” hospital has seen initial cases of this nature, though the situation remains stable. At the Asst Bergamo Est, “an increase was already registered between October and November, with a 10% rise in patients, which then subsided in recent weeks,” explained Filippo Manelli, director of emergency rooms at the Asst. “Currently, the impact of influenza is not significant, but the system is preparing as usual to handle a larger influx, anticipating a peak expected around the holiday season.”
195,000 Flu Vaccine Doses Administered
Vaccination is the primary defense against these viruses. As of November 18, 195,054 doses of flu vaccine have been administered in the Bergamo area, nearing the target of approximately 200,000 residents vaccinated in recent years by the end of the campaign. Uptake of the COVID-19 booster is lower, with 25,310 individuals vaccinated, though numbers are slightly increasing. Coverage against RSV, the respiratory syncytial virus responsible for bronchiolitis, is also strong, with 3,111 infants immunized via monoclonal antibody. “The campaign is going very well, and the numbers are high,” said Guido Marinoni, president of the Order of Physicians of Bergamo. “The population of Bergamo is very attentive to this form of primary prevention, which remains crucial despite the continued circulation of misinformation.” According to Guido Bertolaso, regional Welfare Assessor, “the early arrival of influenza viruses, as well as the further temperature drop expected in the coming days, should not cause concern, but should prompt us to act promptly: getting vaccinated means protecting yourself and those who are most vulnerable.”
