Flu cases show an upward trend in Cyprus over the past week, Dr Elisavet Konstantinou, Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, told the Cyprus News Agency. She stressed that the seasonal flu activity has started early but raises no particular concern.
Dr Konstantinou told the Agency that the flu season in Cyprus began earlier than ever this year. “Flu cases truly started a bit earlier this year than last year,” she said.
Nineteen admissions and one flu patient in ICU
Dr Konstantinou explained that authorities collect data through a surveillance system that covers selected public and private hospitals. The figures remain indicative.
“From October until now, hospitals admitted 19 confirmed flu patients and one to ICU,” she said. She added that strains consist mainly of Influenza A and the season started somewhat earlier than the previous year.
She noted that the past week revealed “an upward trend in flu cases”, though next week’s data will confirm it.
RSV stays low, while Covid-19 activity remains steady
Dr Konstantinou described the current RSV picture as encouraging.
“We see only sporadic cases. Hospitals report no notable rise or significant admissions,” she said.
Covid-19 activity stays steady. “We see no particular increase, but Covid remains the dominant virus,” she added.
From October until now, hospitals recorded 105 Covid-19 admissions, nine of them in ICU, Dr Konstantinou said. She reminded readers that the data are indicative.
ECDC warning over new flu sub-strain
When asked whether the early flu appearance signals a more intense season, Dr Konstantinou replied that she cannot prove it scientifically. However, she pointed out that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has sounded the alarm over a new flu sub-strain called “K” that triggered rapid case rises in other countries.
“It is a sub-strain of H3N2,” the Director of Medical Services explained.
Hospitals stand ready, vaccination progress satisfactory
Dr Konstantinou emphasised that the health system has prepared adequately. RSV shows no notable activity, Covid-19 remains stable, and only flu displays an increase that “does not worry us”.
The Ministry of Health has made all necessary preparations, with vaccination as the top priority.
So far, 103,000 people have received the flu jab, 3,200 adults and nine children the Covid-19 vaccine, and 2,600 infants the new monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) against RSV.
“We progress very well with vaccinations. People show interest, except for Covid, where response unfortunately stays lower after the pandemic,” she noted.
In the coming days, the Ministry will again send instructions to hospitals on personal protective equipment to ensure stocks if cases surge.
When will flu peak?
Dr Konstantinou recalled that epidemiological curves in recent years show flu peaks in Cyprus right after the holidays and increased social gatherings.
“A smaller second peak follows in early spring,” she added.
She cannot predict whether this year’s early start will change that pattern. “It is too soon for reliable forecasting models. We will have a clearer picture in the coming weeks,” she said.
Although no cause for alarm exists, Dr Konstantinou urged the public to help prevent spread.
“We encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible. People with upper respiratory infection symptoms should stay home and follow personal hygiene measures,” she concluded.
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