MODENA. The circulation of seasonal influenza is increasing also in the Modena area. THE Predominant viruses are type Ain particular the H3N2 and H1N2 strains, both included in the currently available vaccine formulation. According to epidemiological forecasts, the peak is expected in January. The Modena Local Health Authority reiterates the importance of vaccinationconsidered the most effective tool for reducing the risk of severe forms which may require hospitalization or, in the most severe cases, intensive care.
Coverage for 161 thousand
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To date, 161 thousand citizens of Modena have already chosen to get vaccinated, protecting themselves and the most vulnerable people: elderly peoplesubjects with chronic pathologies, pregnant women and young children. Anyone who has not yet done so is invited to join the vaccination campaign before the January peak. «The data confirm a significant circulation of respiratory viruses – underlines Alessandra Fantuzzi, Director of the Public Hygiene Service of the Modena Local Health Authority – especially among the youngest. The latest regional report indicates high incidence in children 0-4 years and in boys 5-14low in adults and medium in over 65. The increase in reports reiterates the importance of vaccination and prevention measures.”
Useful tips
The Modena Local Health Authority invites responsible behavior: wash your hands often; ventilate the rooms regularly; pay attention to fragile people; Stay at home if you are unwell. «Let’s celebrate together, with responsibility – concludes Fantuzzi –: everyone’s collaboration is essential to protect the health of the community».
Because there is more risk
The sudden drop in temperatures is not in itself the cause of diseases, but favors conditions that facilitate the transmission of viruses. When it’s cold, we tend to stay longer in closed, often crowded environments with recycled air. Heating systems that are turned on make the air dry, preventing dust particles – loaded with infectious agents – from settling on the ground. In this way they remain suspended and penetrate more easily in the respiratory system. For this reason it is important not to overdo it with heating and maintain correct humidity in the rooms. Another factor is greater social mobility: schools, public transport, shopping centers and, in this period, markets and Christmas parties. «The daily ritual of entering and leaving school alone – recalls the well-known pediatrician Italo Farnetani – involves around 20 million people in Italy. If we add travel for holidays and family gatherings, the risk of contagion grows exponentially.”
K variant
This year’s flu is accompanied by a new protagonist: the K variant, virus evolution of the A H3N2renamed “super flu” for the push it gave to the surge in cases in various areas of the world and Europe. Intercepted for the first time in June 2025 in New York, as part of the molecular surveillance of the CDC, the variant quickly spread: already in July it was present in the United Kingdom, Australia, Africa, Asia and the United States. Today it is also prevalent in Italy, as the country faces the usual seasonal increase in respiratory infections. According to an analysis published in Jama, the K variant presents numerous substitutions in hemagglutininsurface protein of the virus, compared to the strain on which the vaccine recommended by the WHO for the 2025-2026 season is based. Many of these modifications affect the receptor binding domain, with significant antigenic variations. Tests on post-vaccine human sera show reduced inhibition of the K subclade, a sign of lower efficacy of current vaccines, while still providing protection against severe forms. Data from the United Kingdom indicates an effectiveness of 72-75% in children vaccinated with nasal spray and 32-39% in adults immunized with injectable vaccines. “The vaccine remains fundamental – the experts underline – especially for those in contact with fragile people”. The invitation is to increase vaccination coverage, considered even more important this year.
Fundamental vaccine
The K variant appears to have an advantage in transmission: between May and November it accounted for the 33% of sequences To H3N2 in the world and the 47% in Europa. In the United States, according to the latest CDC update, the K subclade predominates in 89% of characterized A H3N2 viruses, with over 30 thousand hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the start of the season. Experts warn: the final impact will depend on the virulence of the strain, the protection offered by vaccines and previous infections and the timely use of antivirals. The recommendations remain clear: get vaccinated, avoid contact with sick people and use antivirals for those at risk. Small gestures that can reduce the burden of a flu season that promises to be challenging.
