The first case of influenza from the H3N2 virus has been recorded in Genoa, with a hospitalization at the Policlinico San Martino hospital. A 76-year-old man presents a complex clinical picture and serious symptoms. Matteo Bassetti, director of Infectious Diseases, announced the news in a post on X.
“In particular, the neurological picture predominates, demonstrating the tropism of H3N2 for many organs including the lungs and the brain. If the morning is a good indicator of the day…it won’t be a good flu season”.
Massimo Andreoni, scientific director of SIMIT (Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases), stressed that Australian flu could pose significant risks. He cited alarming data from the southern hemisphere, where more than 15 million cases and numerous hospitalizations have been recorded.
“We must fear that in Italy too there will be a particularly serious form of influenza. We must expect a higher number of encephalitis cases than we have recorded in recent years”. Andreoni also recalled that annually, in Italy, between 5,000 and 15,000 people die due to the flu.
Vaccination is essential to protect vulnerable people, such as those over 60 and those with chronic conditions. The flu vaccine is formulated each year based on the viruses that are circulating and expected:
“It is important to remember that all influenza viruses can reach the central nervous system and can therefore cause very serious encephalitis.” H3N2 is the Australian variant of seasonal flu and increases the risk of complications such as pneumonia. The first case in Italy was reported on October 11 in Novara, indicating that the virus is already present in the population. Antonio Bella, researcher at the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, said that epidemiological surveillance began recently: “The first cases are sporadic for the moment, less than ten have been registered so far.” Last season saw nearly 15 million people infected with influenza-like illnesses. Current viral circulation is still low, but forecasts indicate that the A-H3N2 virus will dominate this year.
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