The influenza outbreak of 2025 is significantly straining Italy's healthcare system, with experts sounding alarms over rising cases and urging the public to manage symptoms at home rather than flooding emergency services. Recent data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità reveals nearly 600,000 new cases reported between December 16 and 22, marking a worrying trend during what is typically high-demand holiday periods.
Professor Matteo Bassetti, Director of the Infectious Diseases Department at San Martino Hospital in Genoa, has made it clear: the surge can be attributed partly to the close contact and indoor gatherings typically associated with the festive season. “We have to tell everyone not to rush to the hospital just because the fever does not go down. This is part of the normal course of influenza,” Bassetti stated, encouraging vigilance among citizens to discern when to seek medical attention.
Influenza 2025 is characterized by symptoms such as prolonged high fever, which can fluctuate between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. Patients may experience debilitating joint pains and fatigue lasting several days. Contrary to common expectations, Bassetti clarifies, “You will have the fever for 3-4 or even 5 days, and it’s normal. Antipyretics can be taken to alleviate it, and it is important to avoid antibiotics.”
Health professionals are warning against unnecessary trips to emergency departments, especially considering the increased flu activity this year. Bassetti noted, “Avoid rushing to Emergency Rooms; we risk truly overwhelming our healthcare system.” This caution urges patients to treat symptoms at home, using medications like paracetamol only when necessary and avoiding regular dosing, which can lead to overmedication.
The dynamics of the flu's manifestation this year appear more challenging, with symptoms lasting longer than the typical duration. Reports indicate the illness can persist for days, with fever potentially outlasting most flu symptoms. “This year, we see fever lasting up to five days compared to the standard five-day course of influenza,” Bassetti explained, highlighting the need for public awareness.
Compounding these issues is the reality of co-circulatory illnesses; the public is advised to distinguish between influenza and Covid-19 through testing, as both viruses exhibit overlapping symptoms. “You need to take a test, whether it’s for flu or Covid,” Bassetti stressed.
Regarding the circulating strains, experts have noted the prominence of H1 N1 and H3 N2 viruses, exacerbated by the holiday gatherings. “We wake up to find our hospitals and emergency services strained during the first week of January every year, forgetting the importance of vaccination,” warned Bassetti. The call for the public to prioritize flu shots is echoing across health recommendations, aimed at alleviating some of the pressures on healthcare services.
Bassetti emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “The primary aim is to protect hospitals from severe forms of influenza.” His comments reflect an urgent push for public health initiatives; getting vaccinated can limit severe cases, making it easier for the healthcare system to manage patient loads.
While there may be temptation to use antibiotics, health officials continue to caution against this practice. Bassetti argued, “The error is to take antibiotics after three days of cough, thinking this will make the fever go away—this is inaccurate.” The over-prescription of antibiotics not only contributes to resistance but does little to combat viral infections.
So what should individuals do to safeguard their health this flu season? Experts recommend staying at home if symptoms arise, remaining warm, and avoiding work to prevent the spread of infection. Treating symptoms with antipyretics and seeking medical advice only for severe concerns will be key during this hectic flu season.
The situation surrounding influenza cases may feel overwhelming, but adherence to these recommendations can significantly reduce stress on healthcare services. By managing symptoms appropriately and seeking vaccinations, the public can navigate this tumultuous flu period more effectively. Bassetti's expert opinions and guidelines offer clarity amid the chaos, pushing for collective accountability for health as the influenza season continues.