Up to 5 million to catch flu this year

(ANSA) - Rome, October 1 - Up to five million Italians will be bedridden by the flu this year, with young people most likely to be affected, researchers at Milan University said on Thursday.
    About 40% of influenza cases will hit under-18s, another 40% will affect people between 18 and 65, and 20% will affect those over 65, though the risks are higher for the elderly and vaccines are recommended for this group.
    "Up to now we can say that the flu season will not be particularly severe this year but will affect between four and five million Italians," said Fabrizio Pregliasco, a researcher from the department of biomedical science for health at Milan University.
    He added however that a similar prediction was made this time last year, and the number of cases turned out to be higher than expected at 6.5 million.
    The viruses that will be responsible for the outbreaks are pinpointed as H1N1, H3N2 and B Phuket. The possible arrival of the new virus B Brisbane could increase the number of cases, as well as particularly cold weather.
    The most likely time for the flu to spread will be around Christmas time when people are coming into contact with lots of friends and family. "It's not easy to say when the peak will arrive, but some studies indicate that the flu kicks off when temperatures fall and stay low for several days. This typically happens after Christmas, and seasonal travel, kisses and hugs are also to blame," Pregliasco said.
    He warned also that illnesses similar to flu could affect an additional 8-10 million people in Italy this year.