The first two cases of seasonal flu were identified in two children living in northern Italy.
According to the provisions of the 'InfluNet & CovidNet operating protocol', virological surveillance will start from the 46th week of 2021, i.e. from Monday 18 October.
This was announced by the National Institute of Health.
A first case of A / H3 influenza virus identified in Varese and confirmed at the University of Milan in a child with flu symptoms.
The second case of A / H3 influenza virus identified at the Amedeo di Savoia Hospital in Turin in a child with pneumonia.
Virological confirmations are underway by the ISS national reference laboratory on the second case identified in Turin.
Influenza vaccination, the ISS recalls, "is the most effective and safest way to prevent the disease and reduce its complications" and the best time to do it is autumn, starting in October.