From the hottest summer ever to a sudden autumn: a temperature collapse that will cause a boom in respiratory infections in Italy, with “about 150 thousand cases per week”. Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco expects this impact from the polar cyclone that is hitting the Peninsula. “In these days of such marked temperature changes – explains to Adnkronos Salute the director of the School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine of the State University of Milan – the spread of all respiratory viruses is favored and in particular of influenza-like viruses, therefore adenoviruses, enteroviruses and rhinoviruses. It’s a classic”, underlines the expert.
“We know that sudden changes in temperature reduce the protective action of mucus and cilia that line the respiratory tract internally. In other words, the ‘sweeper mechanism’ that cleans them, what in technical jargon we call mucociliary clearance, fails. Thermal stress, that is, the transition from hot to cold or vice versa, is indifferent, it blocks it, exposing the respiratory tree to viral attacks”. The weather will therefore awaken the so-called cousin viruses of the classic winter flu. Pathogens that in reality, in this year’s “endless season”, have never been asleep for that long.
“Let’s remember that throughout the summer, due to the temperature changes we had, the tail of infections was very long – Pregliasco points out – with the curve of flu-like syndromes that practically never fell below baseline levels. Now, with the drop in temperatures, it will outline the beginning of a rise”. While the real flu and Covid remain on the horizon: “In August there was a flare-up of Sars-CoV-2 infections”, and since “the waves repeat themselves every 4-6 months – the virologist predicts – it is presumable that in the short term, thanks to the new variants of the coronavirus, a new one will be triggered”.
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2024-09-19 00:04:51
What are the main respiratory viruses expected to surge in Italy due to the temperature collapse?
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Temperature Collapse to Bring Surge in Respiratory Infections in Italy
As Italy experiences a sudden and dramatic temperature drop, virologists are warning of a potential surge in respiratory infections across the country. According to expert Fabrizio Pregliasco, director of the School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine of the State University of Milan, the rapid temperature change could lead to around 150,000 cases of respiratory infections per week.
The Science Behind the Surge
Pregliasco explains that the sudden shift from hot to cold weather favors the spread of respiratory viruses, including adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and rhinoviruses. “In these days of such marked temperature changes, the spread of all respiratory viruses is favored,” he notes.
The expert points to the impact of thermal stress on the respiratory system, reducing the protective action of mucus and cilia that line the respiratory tract internally. This failure of the “sweeper mechanism” that cleans the respiratory tract leaves it vulnerable to viral attacks.
The “Cousin Viruses” of Winter Flu
The sudden temperature drop is expected to awaken the so-called “cousin viruses” of the classic winter flu. These pathogens, which have never truly gone dormant during this year’s “endless season,” are now poised to strike.
Pregliasco notes that the summer’s temperature changes have led to a prolonged tail of infections, with the curve of flu-like syndromes remaining elevated. As the temperature drops, this trend is expected to continue, outlining the beginning of a surge in respiratory infections.
The Impact on Public Health
The potential surge in respiratory infections raises concerns about the impact on public health in Italy. With the country still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional burden of respiratory infections could put significant pressure on healthcare systems.
As the weather continues to change, it is essential for individuals to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from the spread of respiratory viruses. This includes practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated, and staying informed about the latest developments in the field of virology.
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Meta Description: Italy braces for a surge in respiratory infections as a sudden temperature drop favors the spread of viruses. Expert Fabrizio Pregliasco warns of 150,000 cases per week, citing the impact of thermal stress on the respiratory system.
– How does the sudden temperature collapse in Italy contribute to the rise in respiratory infections?
Temperature Collapse in Italy: Expected Boom in Respiratory Infections
As Italy witnesses a sudden transition from the hottest summer ever to autumn, a temperature collapse is expected to trigger a significant increase in respiratory infections. According to virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, this rapid change in temperature will lead to an explosion of respiratory viruses, including adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and rhinoviruses, resulting in approximately 150,000 cases per week.
The Perfect Storm for Respiratory Viruses
The sudden drop in temperature reduces the protective action of mucus and cilia lining the respiratory tract, making it easier for viruses to attack. This thermal stress, or transition from hot to cold, blocks the natural “sweeper mechanism” that cleans the respiratory tract, leaving it vulnerable to viral attacks. As a result, the classic winter flu and its cousin viruses are expected to awaken, causing a surge in respiratory infections.
Long-Tail of Infections
Pregliasco notes that due to the temperature changes during the summer, the curve of flu-like syndromes remained elevated, never falling below baseline levels. With the drop in temperatures, a rise in infections is expected, and the real flu and Covid-19 remain on the horizon. In August, there was a flare-up of Sars-Cov-2, and the situation is being closely monitored.
The Impact of Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections can have a significant impact on public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. It is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of these viruses, including practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated, and staying informed about the latest developments.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
As the temperature continues to drop, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest updates on respiratory infections in Italy. By understanding the factors that contribute to the spread of these viruses, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling ill.
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