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There is concern in Italy Death of two Italians from H1N1 virusboth were taken to San Bortolo Hospital Vicenza. After the first 55-year-old victim on Sunday, January 7th, the second death was confirmed on Monday, January 8th, another 47-year-old man. The two victims are the so-called “Swine flu”In both cases, these are patients with previous illnesses who have not had a flu vaccination, although the Ministry of Health recommends it especially to people with illnesses.
There are currently four other patients in serious condition in the intensive care unit of Vicenza, all in mortal danger, according to the hospital: the patient considered the most serious is a woman undergoing extracorporeal circulation, one Process that involves taking samples, filtering and oxygenating the blood, and then reintroducing it into the body.
H1N1 flu cases in Vicenza: What we know
Il Head of the intensive care unit in San Bortolo, Dr. Vinicio Danzi, expressed deep concern and spoke of a complex and challenging situation. “Personal It’s the first time I’ve seen so many critical cases of A/H1N1 in the ICU” he said. And the peak has not yet been reached, as it is expected by the middle of the month or shortly thereafter. A far from rosy scenario, considering that emergency rooms have been full for weeks and several hospitals have started to limit visits, To postpone tests and surgeries to address this new seasonal emergency.
The only weapon we really have at our disposal to protect ourselves from the flu is vaccination: “The only way to defeat this viral infection is a vaccination, you just have to get a flu vaccination, a serum, which also covers the pork variant.”
It remains to be seen whether it is relevant that the two cases both occurred in Vicenza, and whether there is a connection with the place of origin: both victims who died from the H1N1 influenza virus actually came from the same area, specifically west of Vicenza Arzignano.
Cases also in Ogliastra, Sardinia
But also in Sardinia, in Ogliastra to be exact, Two patients are currently in intensive care and three others were hospitalized in the medical department of the Nostra Signora della Mercede Hospital in Lanusei. The condition of the two patients is serious. One from Bari Sardo, 60 years old, and the other 45, from Tertenia, are intubated. According to the Sardinian Union, the clinical picture of the latter in particular is considered to be rather critical.
For its part, the local health authority of Ogliastra states that “there is currently no alarm related to the flu in Ogliastra: however, the company continues to pay attention to the phenomenon.”
Veneto Region: “DIncorrect definition of swine flu“
As for the cases in Vicenza, that is Veneto region has released an official statement in which he speaks of “Incorrect definition of swine flu“. This season’s flu is characterized by the spread of the H1N1 pdm09 virus (pandemic disease Mexico 2009): this is the flu virus that has been widespread in all flu seasons since 2009, says the press release.
“Calling it the ‘swine flu’ virus is a legacy of the media indicates a non-seasonal virus. There are currently no new cases of “swine flu”, but rather infections caused by the H1N1 virus, which causes the disease “normal” flu wave in which large parts of the population are involved.”
Every year – the document says – respiratory viruses cause an increase in hospitalizations and mortality during the circulation period. Data currently consistent with pre-pandemic flu seasons, explains the Zaia Council. “The current WHO report confirms this Mortality is comparable to that before the Covid pandemic. In any case, monitoring by general practitioners and pediatricians as well as hospital monitoring remains important.”
Flu symptoms and warning signs that should not be underestimated
As the Istituto Superiore di Sanità makes clear, the current influenza virus is A/H1N1 new subtype of human influenza virus which contains genes from avian, swine and human viruses in a combination never before observed in any area of the world. New viruses are often the result of a rearrangement of genes from other viruses, called gene exchange. This A/H1N1 virus was the result of a combination of two swine flu viruses that contained genes of avian and human origin. There is no evidence that this replenishment took place in Mexico, the ISS says.
I Symptoms are particularly affected by the flu currently spreading in Italy runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, malaise and tiredness. Other possible symptoms include physical pain, especially muscle pain, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea. “Symptoms that are not typical of flu but have been observed in some recent cases of swine flu virus infections,” specifies the ISS.
In some cases they may occur Difficulty breathing such as shortness of breath, which is an alarm signal. This can happen when the flu affects the lower respiratory tract, causing a lung infection Flu.
“The only truly effective measure to prevent the flu or its serious forms – also highlighted by the local health authority Ogliastra – is represented by Flu shot. Vaccination is recommended at any time, including late in the flu season. To prevent infection, it is important to practice good respiratory hygiene and wash your hands regularly.”
The virus can be transmitted in the same way as the seasonal flu. Transmission occurs from person to person via droplets contained when an infected person sneezes or coughs.
Flu vaccination: Who should get it and how does it work?
This flu strain is contained in the vaccine, free for vulnerable people and available to all categories specified by the Ministryand definitely recommended to everyone, even if for a fee (the costs in the pharmacy are between approx. 18 and 34 euros): Vaccination is therefore definitely recommended for a broader audience. Generally, a single dose is sufficient at the beginning of the season, around mid to late November.
The flu vaccine is recommended for all subjects aged 6 months and over who have no contraindications to the vaccine. Children under 9 years of age who have never been vaccinated against influenza must be given a second dose at least 4 weeks apart.
The vaccines They begin to protect about 2 weeks later their administration. There Immune protection for a healthy test subject it takes approximately 6-8 months.
As the Veneto Region makes clear in its communication, the use of masks remains important in case of contagion (remember that just a few days ago the extension came into force that provides for the obligation to wear masks in certain cases until June 30, 2024) , and in the most serious cases Possible immediate therapy with antivirals, especially in people with high-risk diseases, but only after careful medical assessment.
Bassetti: “We have vaccinated little”
For Matteo Bassetti, director of infectious diseases at the San Martino Hospital in Genoa, it all comes down to poor vaccination. “The H1N1 flu is the most common in Italy this year. It is called “pig” because in 2009 there was a pandemic with numerous cases and several deaths in the world“, he explains to Adnkronos Salute.
“It is a form of influenza A We know it well and there are deaths every year. Unfortunately, nothing new is in sight we have vaccinated little this year. The vaccination campaign has been disastrous and these are the results, along with a very low vaccination rate for Covid (here are the most widespread new symptoms today). We know that vaccines prevent severe forms of the flu. But when there are such virulent forms that also affect young people, we are unfortunately reminded of the importance of vaccines.”
The two deaths from the H1N1 flu in the Vicenza hospital “remind us of the history of the flu, which …” In 95% of cases it is not a serious illness with deadly consequences, but there is a percentage of the population that risks more instead,” he notes on Adnkronos Salute Massimo Andreoni, scientific director of Simitthe Italian Society for Infectious and Tropical Diseases.
“We always said ‘I’ Frail, elderly and immunocompromised people, but even for the youngest and healthiest it can rarely be fatal. Today, 80% of flu cases in Italy are of the H1N1 type, and unfortunately we have not vaccinated well.” Fortunately, there is still time to get the vaccine: “We see, especially from these news cases, how important vaccination can be,” he concludes.
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