This year’s seasonal flu has arrived earlier than usual, according to Charalambos Charilaou, spokesperson for the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), who spoke to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
He noted that flu outbreaks typically peak around mid-January, but hospitals in Cyprus are already feeling the strain.
However, the flu is not the only cause of the current high occupancy in hospitals.
Mr Charilaou highlighted that a general prevalence of infections has led to increased patient visits to the Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E).
Specifically, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is affecting both children and the elderly, while in addition to the flu, there is a rise in COVID-19 cases.
“This combination is driving patients to A&E departments. For example, at the General Hospital alone, we see over 200 admissions daily, including both adults and children, and the same situation is being observed in other hospitals,” he explained.
He added that public hospital occupancy rates exceed 90%, but the situation remains manageable at this stage.
“This is something we face every year,” he said, noting that hospitals are prepared to serve the public.
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Source: CNA
