A reality check for those of us who think that Italy's death toll is an exception

According to the study, 68 000 deaths were attributable to flu epidemics in the winter months between 2013 and 2014, and 2016 and 2017 respectively.

This is likely due to the fact that Italy has an ageing population, and the elderly are more at risk, generally.

 According to Italian health officials, the great majority of victims are elderly people. In fact, all those who died are above the age 60. And most of them had pre-existing health conditions, the officials have said.

Read the story HERE in Science Direct