For a few weeks now, we have been seeing an increase in diagnosed cases of Covid infection. There were 13,672 cases registered in Italy in the week between 18 and 24 July, almost 53% more than in the previous 7 days when there were 8,942 cases. “A similar increase has also been observed in the rest of Europe and in other countries around the world and reflects, albeit with slightly different timing, what happened in the same period last year. What we are witnessing, however, is not an unexpected event.. The virus continues to circulate in the population, generating new variants that may differ in terms of transmission capacity also in relation to the immune responses of the population”. To take stock of the Covid data in our country is, for Adnkronos Salute, Anna Teresa Palamara, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità.
This picture confirms that, Palamara continues, “Sars-Cov-2 does not have a clear seasonal pattern, like other respiratory viruses that infect more easily in winter, such as influenza. Several factors seem to contribute to this phenomenon, including the characteristics of the virus itself in relation to the environment, but also the nature of the immune response we develop. In fact, some data show that, while protection against serious illness, linked to infection and/or vaccination, is maintained over time, immunity to infection is more ‘labile’. This means that, shortly after infection, one can be susceptible again, as happens with a cold.
Expert: “Most likely, the number of reported cases is underestimated”
Today, moreover, “the number of reported cases is very likely underestimated, also due to underdiagnosis caused by the fact that, fortunately, in most people the infection begins with flu-like symptoms that can be confused with other respiratory infections. In the same weeks, we also recorded a small but constant increase in hospitalizations that are observed especially in older people (over 80 years old). In general, however, to date the impact of this increase in cases on hospitals remains limited”.
Symptoms of new variants, “no evidence of more serious”
“At the moment there is no reason to think that the currently circulating variants of Sars-Cov-2 cause different or more serious symptoms than the previous ones. Today, fortunately, there is widespread immunity in the population which, for this reason, is protected from the most serious complications. Obviously the health status of the person plays a very important role in determining a severe clinical picture. For this reason, the elderly and those more vulnerable due to particular conditions or other diseases must be more careful and protect themselves”, said Palamara who took stock of the Covid data in Italy recalling that “the JN.1 variant, deriving from Omicron, is largely prevalent with all its sublineages, such as KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1”
Currently “we no longer fear the virus as we did during the pandemic, but we must realistically protect the most vulnerable people from this and other respiratory infections whose consequences can be prevented. It is worth remembering that the simplest actions such as frequent hand washing and airing the rooms are the first and simplest prevention measures”, adds Palamara.
Still on the subject of prevention, “several types of updated vaccines against the circulating variants of Sars-Cov-2 are being evaluated for the autumn vaccination campaign. The EMA has approved or is in the process of approving several vaccines that recognize the JN.1 variant. It no longer makes sense to talk about third, fourth or fifth doses. Before the winter season in which, like this year, many respiratory viruses will be circulating, it is good for elderly and vulnerable people to protect themselves from Covid and seasonal flu”, he concludes.
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