Rising hospital admissions
Hospitals across Cyprus have seen an outbreak in patient flow to emergency departments and hospital admissions due to seasonal flu, according to Charalambos Charilaou, spokesperson for the Cyprus Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), speaking on Sigma’s “Protoselido” show.
He noted that hospital occupancy has approached 90%, but authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure sufficient available beds. Charilaou stressed that the private sector can offer limited support against seasonal viruses.
Charilaou expressed hope that flu cases will begin to decline in the coming days. He also provided an update on the health of a three-month-old baby diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome, who remains intubated at Makarios Hospital.
Flu risks and symptoms
In light of the recent death of a four-year-old girl from influenza A, infectious disease specialist and paediatrician Maria Koliou highlighted common symptoms and preventive measures. She explained that, while rare, flu can cause serious complications such as encephalitis or sepsis, even in otherwise healthy children.
Typical flu symptoms include respiratory issues like cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, fatigue, body aches, joint pain, and sometimes diarrhoea in young children.
Current outbreak situation
Dr Koliou noted that the current flu outbreak has already led to numerous hospitalisations at Makarios Hospital, representing the most severe cases. Paediatricians across the island report seeing multiple cases daily, while the Ministry of Health monitors overall trends weekly.
Vaccination as prevention
The doctor emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Children aged six months to five years should receive the flu vaccine, which protects against severe illness even with circulating viral subtypes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends vaccination up to age 15, while infants under six months benefit from vaccinating household members.
The vaccine is also advised for adults over 60, people with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women, ideally during the third trimester.
Protective measures
Dr Koliou recommended avoiding crowded spaces or ensuring proper ventilation where gatherings occur. Healthy individuals should limit contact with sick people.
She advised symptomatic patients to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues immediately, and wash their hands thoroughly, noting that the flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Sick individuals should avoid work or school for 1–2 days after their fever resolves, with symptoms typically lasting five days.
For children, she highlighted the importance of proper ventilation in classrooms, outdoor breaks, physical activity, and maintaining healthy nutrition. Parents should keep sick children at home, avoiding sending them to school with fever-reducing medication, which she called “irresponsible and dangerous.”
Authorities continue to monitor flu activity across Cyprus, urging vaccinations and adherence to preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations and reduce hospital burden.
Also read: Four-year-old girl dies from influenza A complications after hospitalisation
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