The influenza virus is the negative protagonist of this first part of 2024. Infections continue to rise and the peak is also recorded in Sardinia, as in the rest of Italy. There are 18 cases per thousand inhabitants, a marked increase compared to those of 2023: «An incidence that we have not seen for many years» , explains the head of the vaccine prophylaxis service of the ASL of Cagliari, «with data 3 times higher in children from 0 to 5 years".
And if someone gets by with a little rest, there are also those who are not so lucky: «There are many hospitalized people» , explains Mereu, «and many people in bed. Currently all hospitalized people have pathologies such as bronchitis, interstitial pneumonia and bronchopneumonia which can become complicated and which could lead to supportive therapies".
Hence an invitation to vaccination, which to date has seen 17,206 residents receive the administration: «The vaccines in use are valid for the viruses in circulation and are used to protect the fragile and those with multiple pathologies. Unfortunately we have not reached the expected vaccination coverage in Italy: last year we reached below 60%, while the indications were for a minimum of 75%. So we reiterate our appeal to the population to get vaccinated: it can be done until March ."