The 2025–2026 flu season shows some peculiar trends. In the following sections, we will discuss seasonal patterns and preventive measures, focusing on different settings where people gather and live their social lives.
Seasonal Trends: What to Expect in Autumn and Winter
According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), circulation of influenza viruses started earlier than in the previous season, with an advance of about four weeks.
In this context, what stands out is the simultaneous circulation of several respiratory viruses: in addition to influenza strains such as A(H3N2) and its variants, there is also the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This complex situation raises concern for vulnerable individuals and may potentially put additional strain on the national healthcare system.
Flu Vaccination: Who, When and Why
As part of primary prevention, the flu vaccine remains the most important tool to fight influenza, particularly with regard to severe complications. Vaccination is strongly recommended for specific segments of the population, although it is appropriate for anyone who wishes to receive it. The main groups include:
- older adults (aged 60 years and over);
- people with chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, etc.);
- cancer patients;
- immunocompromised individuals;
- household members in close contact with the above categories;
- healthcare professionals and social care workers;
- some public service workers (e.g., police, firefighters).
For the current year, the vaccination campaign started in October, which is the most suitable time for administration. Getting vaccinated before the epidemic peak—typically in mid-winter (December/January)—allows the immune system to build an adequate antibody response. In any case, it is still possible to get vaccinated later in the autumn season.
Using this preventive tool lays the foundations for individual protection but not only that. Vaccination also protects others by slowing down viral circulation within the community.
Workplaces and Coworking Spaces: Organization, Shifts and Air Quality
Busy work environments, such as coworking spaces, are ideal settings for viral transmission. For this reason, employers should take appropriate action and implement a targeted management plan. Below are the key points of such an approach.
- Confirmed infection cases: anyone showing signs of illness should be asked not to come to the workplace until they are no longer contagious.
- Information: all employees should be informed about how the flu season is progressing and about the available prevention measures.
- Individual measures: each worker should have access to alcohol-based hand rubs, protective face masks and disposable tissues. In this context, close-range conversations and unnecessary gatherings should be avoided.
- Surface hygiene: surfaces and objects at each workstation should ideally be cleaned and disinfected daily.
- Indoor air quality: windows should be opened several times a day to promote air exchange and reduce the concentration of viruses in bioaerosols. There are also advanced options, such as e4life devices for indoor environments.
- Work arrangements: where possible, during the most critical periods of the flu season, remote work should be encouraged.
- Risk assessment document: creating and updating the workplace risk assessment document, in line with health and safety regulations, also helps manage biological risk among other issues.
Transport and Public Spaces: How to Reduce Risks
Movie theaters, public transport and post offices are just a few examples of high-risk places for viral transmission. In all such situations, common sense should prevail, supported by a few simple rules:
- Hand hygiene: carrying small containers of alcohol-based hand sanitizer makes it possible to sanitize hands at any time.
- Mask use: wearing face masks is an effective measure to protect against respiratory viruses carried in bioaerosols.
- Interpersonal distance: although it may be difficult, it is advisable to avoid excessive proximity to other users or passengers, especially when respiratory symptoms are present.
- Portable air sanitation devices: such as e4life personal devices, which use targeted-frequency microwaves to neutralize viruses in bioaerosols.
Home Prevention Kit: What to Always Keep Ready
Preparing a home prevention kit helps support the initial management of infection risk. Here is what it should include:
- Antigen tests: to distinguish flu from COVID-19 and lay the foundation for a more appropriate treatment plan.
- Phone numbers: contact numbers for your family doctor and after-hours medical service.
- Thermometer: for regular monitoring of body temperature.
- Protective masks: to be used by the infected family member and by all other household members.
- Medicines: such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to be taken only after consulting a doctor.
- Saline solutions: to relieve nasal congestion.
Whenever possible, the contagious family member should sleep alone in a separate room and use personal bathroom and kitchen items. It is also important to open the windows frequently in all rooms of the home.
Lifestyle and Strengthening the Body’s Defenses
Supporting the immune system is a basic strategy for fighting infections. Several lifestyle factors can be adjusted to this aim:
- Diet: based on plant foods, unsaturated fats and lean sources of protein.
- Hydration: by drinking 8–10 glasses of water a day, complemented by natural fruit juices and herbal teas.
- Physical activity: through regular exercise adapted to one’s abilities and possibilities.
- Rest: by maintaining good sleep hygiene and aiming for about 8 hours of night-time rest.
- Stress management: with free time, relaxation techniques and a social life outside of work.
Combined with adherence to vaccination campaigns and hygiene measures, these strategies make it possible to face the winter season in a comprehensive way, acting on several aspects of vulnerability.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
When is the best time to get vaccinated?
The best time to get vaccinated is in autumn, between October and November. Getting vaccinated at
the beginning of the season allows for an adequate immune response and maximum protection during
the worst months.
Which measures are most effective at work?
Key measures include hand hygiene, the use of face masks and the reduction of unnecessary
gatherings. At an environmental level, it is important to promote ventilation of all shared spaces
and to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. It is also helpful to encourage remote work tasks
and online meetings.
How should meetings be managed during the peak?
During the peak of flu activity, it is preferable to meet via videoconference. When in-person
meetings are unavoidable, they should take place in large rooms, ensuring adequate interpersonal
distances. Useful strategies include wearing face masks and providing access to alcohol-based
hand sanitizers.
What should be included in the prevention kit?
The most important items are the contact numbers of your family doctor and/or after-hours medical
service. In addition, the kit should include antigen tests, a good-quality thermometer and face
masks. As for medicines—always to be used after medical advice—it is useful to have painkillers
and fever-reducing drugs, as well as saline solutions for nasal rinsing.
How can flu be distinguished from other respiratory viruses?
True influenza usually begins abruptly, with fever (> 38°C / 100.4°F), muscle and joint pain
and marked fatigue. There is also at least one symptom affecting the airways, such as cough or
sore throat. The common cold, on the other hand, has a more gradual onset and mainly causes
nasal symptoms. In any case, for an accurate diagnosis it is essential to see your family doctor.