Gianni Retza, professor of Hygiene at the University of San Raffaele in Milan and former head of the prevention sector of the Italian Ministry of Health, in statements to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, predicted that after Christmas, the country may record a “peak” of coronavirus cases, etcseasonal flu.

“Coronavirus circulates a lot, the official figures show it, and I believe that they do not, in fact, attribute the phenomenon to its full extent. We knew that with the first cold spells it would rear its head again, but the important thing is that it doesn’t cause too much damage”said the Italian scientist.

He added, at the same time, that “those elderly and citizens with chronic health problems no longer protected by the vaccine may face significant problems” and that “if the virus continues to spread more and more without increasing vaccinations, the situation may worsen.”

According to Gianni Retsa, “After Christmas, there will likely be a large wave of seasonal flu, which may coincide with the ‘peak’ of coronavirus cases, which could again put a lot of pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.”

Finally, the Italian Professor of Epidemiology believes that “the most vulnerable citizens should be vaccinated, who should also wear a mask when they are in crowded places” and that “it is good to make an even greater effort by family doctors, as well as in terms of providing medical care at home.”