Murtas R, et al. - Using a case-crossover, time-stratified study design, researchers estimated the excess mortality in the winter of 2016–2017 in the metropolitan area of Milan, Italy. They also investigated the independent short-term influence of low temperatures, the influenza epidemic, and air pollution. They gathered mortality data for all individuals aged > 65 years who died secondary to natural reasons, due to respiratory diseases or cardiovascular diseases, between December 1, 2016, and February 15, 2017. There were 7,590 natural deaths reported, including 965 (13%) and 2,688 (35%) attributable to respiratory conditions and cardiovascular conditions, respectively. Findings revealed that excess mortality in Milan during winter 2016–2017 was related to the influenza epidemic and concomitant environmental exposures— particularly, the joint effect of air pollution and low temperatures. Implementing policies to alleviate the effect of environmental risk factors was recommended in order to avert future excess mortality.