Thermal changes, due to the sharp drop in temperatures these days, make the immune defenses less efficient in blocking viruses and bacteria. And on the “repercussions”: “Be careful of the infectious agents in circulation, there are 262 different types” warns the virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco
The wave of arctic frost of recent days, which has dusted the plain with snow and whitened part of the Adriatic coast, has led to a increase in diseases typical of this periodabove all respiratory infections, but it does not have a peak of influenzawhich so far according to the data reposted byHigher Institute of Health he put to bed about 6 million Italians.
The sharp drop in temperatures in itself is not responsible for the flu, but the temperature change to which we are subjected is: alters the defenses of the respiratory tractmaking them less efficient at blocking viruses and bacteria. «In the last week there has been a decline in cases, probably due to the fact that less data arrives during the holiday period. The holidays acted as an incubator, but it is with the back to school which will increase the chances of infection: let’s wait a few more days to understand if we have reached the peak” – he explains Fabrizio Pregliasco, professor of General and Applied Hygiene at the University of Milan. We asked the virologist a few questions about this classic seasonal illness.
Are those who have already fallen ill at risk of falling ill again?
«In the meantime we need to understand if we really have already had the flu. It can be recognized for three aspects: beginning sudden fever over 38 degreespresence of at least a respiratory symptom and at least one general symptomfor example i muscle pain and joints” – clarifies the virologist.
«Once had, a virus cannot be recovered but they are currently in circulation 262 types and subtypes. In addition to the influenza virus, numerous other pathogens are circulating, come on adenovirus ai syncytial respiratorsa little bit of Sars-Cov-2 ed enterovirus. The symptoms are varied and in some cases also gastrointestinal in nature. There is also more than one type of influence, in addition to the prevailing defined one H3N2 with the K variantwhich is currently circulating in Italy”.
When to go to the emergency room?
«The emergency room is reserved for emergency situationshigh level of drunkenness that cannot be kept at bay with drugsi, increased heart rate, objective difficulty in breathing capacity. With these manifestations it is presumable that it is a question of pneumoniausually bacterial. It is important, however, to avoid crowding the emergency room if you do not have real problems. Those who are vaccinated should not have enough problems to rush to hospital” warns Pregliasco.
Does anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated still have time to do so?
«Maybe it’s a little late, but no one forbids it, maximum protection arrives 15 days after the vaccine. But if a person is at high risk it may still be worth doing. I always recommend consulting your doctor” concludes the virologist.
