Flu: the peak within two weeks, symptoms and treatment avoiding DIY

Seasonal flu continues to affect millions of Italians and the number of cases remains high across much of the country. The peak is expected in the next two weeks, however, the experience of the last few years indicates that the epidemic tail may last until spring. "Although we are approaching the seasonal peak, this is not the time to lower our guard," emphasises Tecla Mastronuzzi, macro-area prevention coordinator of the Italian Society of General Practitioners (Simg). The circulation of respiratory viruses remains intense and is likely to continue in the coming weeks. It is essential to remain alert to symptoms, avoid the improper use of drugs, and protect the most fragile people in particular'.

Data from the latest update of the RespiVirNet surveillance by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità indicate that the epidemic has entered its central phase, with a significant burden on health services and the daily work of doctors. According to the latest survey, the incidence of the disease is around 14 cases per thousand adult patients, which becomes much higher (around 37 cases/1000 individuals) in the case of children under the age of 4. These estimates are derived from the weekly data provided by the sentinel network of family doctors and paediatricians of free choice distributed throughout the country, integrated with hospital reports. According to the Simg, the trend in the coming weeks may undergo significant variations, influenced both by the temporary reduction in contacts linked to the closure of schools and activities over the Christmas period, and, on the contrary, by the increase in close contacts typical of the holidays.

Prevention, starting with vaccination and responsible behaviour, together with the central role of general medicine, remains the most effective tool for reducing complications and the impact on the NHS by avoiding the improper use of drugs. The Italian Society of General Practitioners and Primary Care Physicians (SIMG) intervenes on these aspects, providing useful indications for dealing with the current flu epidemic, protecting the most fragile individuals and reducing the risk of complications.

"In general practitioners' surgeries there is a high demand for assistance, with numerous consultations for respiratory symptoms and flu-like syndromes," continues Tecla Mastronuzzi. "Not only are visits for fever, cough, malaise, and respiratory difficulties on the increase, but also requests for clinical guidance from citizens who are often uncertain how to interpret and manage the first signs of infection. This situation entails a greater management complexity for family doctors, who are called upon to reconcile daily care with the early detection of complications, especially in the most fragile individuals, and determines an increasing organisational pressure on outpatient clinics, which requires effective triage and careful monitoring of cases in the territory'.

It therefore becomes even more important to strengthen measures to prevent and contain the infection. "We must always recommend the most effective measures to counter the spread of the epidemic," recalls Alessandro Rossi, Simg president. "First and foremost, influenza vaccination, which is still available at doctors' surgeries and is still useful for effective coverage of the long tail of the seasonal epidemic. It remains essential to maintain social distancing and use masks, especially in crowded places and in the presence of frail people even at home, in addition to following good and common hygiene rules. Good hydration is also recommended both in prevention and especially during illness'.