Flu epidemic is raging in Italy and the US

The seasonal flu epidemic in Italy is at its worst in years, while the US has recorded a record number of flu deaths since the beginning of the season.

Flu epidemic in Italy and the US. (Illustration photo. Source: The Sun)

The seasonal flu epidemic in Italy is at its worst in years, while the US has recorded a record number of flu deaths since the beginning of the season.

According to the latest data from the Italian National Institute of Health, since October 2023, the country has recorded about 7.8 million cases of flu-like symptoms, higher than the same period in previous years. The period with the highest number of cases was the first week of the New Year 2024. The institute is concerned that the number of flu cases this year could exceed the 14 million recorded in the winter of 2022-2023.

However, the number of Covid-19 cases tends to decrease in January 2024. According to the Italian Ministry of Health, there were 9,675 new cases in the week from January 11 to 17, lower than the previous week.

Health officials in the country have warned that although the infection rate of both seasonal flu and Covid-19 appears to have peaked, there is a risk of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerging. The Italian Ministry of Health has extended the mandatory wearing of face masks in medical facilities and nursing homes in the country until January 30.

Across the Atlantic, the United States has recorded a record 11,000 flu deaths since the start of the flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 16 million people have contracted the flu in the United States, with 180,000 hospitalized. Flu cases continue to rise in most areas of the country.

According to US health officials, the flu season in the country usually begins in October and can last until May of the following year, depending on the region. The peak of the flu epidemic is usually between December and February of the following year.

Flu season is a reminder that Covid-19 is not the only infectious disease the community faces, experts say. Flu outbreaks have been contained for two winters thanks to Covid-19 prevention measures. However, the virus remains a major public health threat, easily overwhelming hospitals and claiming thousands of lives.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dich-cum-hoa-nh-ha-nh-nghiem-trong-o-italy-va-my-258102.html