Covid-19 surge in September: "There's a risk of an extended infection wave simultaneously with the flu season"
In Italy, the Covid-19 epidemic shows no signs of abating, with cases on the rise and the reopening of schools predicted to exacerbate the situation. As of 10 September, the occupancy of medical ward beds stands at 1.3% (802 admitted), while the occupancy of intensive care unit beds remains lower at 0.3% (29 admitted).
The age groups with the highest weekly incidence are those between 80 and 89 years and those over 90 years old. However, it's not just the elderly who are affected, with many young adults also testing positive for the Covid-19 virus. Approximately 80% of patients with flu-like symptoms are testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, highlighting the prevalence of Covid-19 in the population.
The current variant, Stratus, is less aggressive in terms of its effects on health, but the arrival of seasonal flu viruses could make the situation more problematic, potentially leading to a 'hot' autumn and winter due to the overlap of Covid-19 and the flu. This has led to fears of a widespread flu-Covid epidemic, as happened in Australia.
On a positive note, research efforts in Italy are underway to develop new vaccines, including mRNA-based vaccines and combination vaccines targeting Covid-19 and influenza. However, the availability of new vaccines would depend on successful clinical trials and regulatory approval, and no specific timeline has been given for Italy's vaccines as of 2025. Globally, advanced mRNA vaccine research continues, with discussions ongoing about their deployment for at-risk groups.
Confirmation of Covid-19 positivity often comes from DIY tests, causing problems with certifications for absence from work due to illness. The workload in surgeries is overloaded due to the increase in Covid-19 patient calls. As of now, Covid vaccines are not yet available, but it is hoped they will be from October.
Another piece of good news is the expected arrival of flu vaccines in clinics in October, allowing them to be administered together with Covid vaccines. It's important to note that Covid-19 is now endemic and will continue to be present, making it crucial for everyone to take necessary precautions and get vaccinated when vaccines become available. The fear is that with the reopening of schools and more contact between young people, cases could rise rapidly, underscoring the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety measures.
