Newsroom / CNA
The seasonal flu has arrived earlier this year compared to other years, as stated by the Spokesperson of the Organization of State Health Services (OKYPY), Charalambos Charilaou, to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
He noted that flu outbreaks are usually observed around mid-January; however, hospitals in Cyprus are already filling up at this time.
However, the flu is not the only cause for the increased hospital occupancy these days.
Ms. Charilaou mentioned that, in general, the prevailing infections have led to an increased number of patients visiting the Accident and Emergency Departments (AED).
Specifically, the respiratory virus RSV affects children and the elderly, while in addition to the flu, there are also increased cases of COVID.
"This combination is sending patients to the AEDs, where at the General Hospital alone, we see more than 200 admissions daily, whether they are adults or children, and the same is happening at other hospitals," she said.
She added that the occupancy rate of public hospitals is over 90%, but the situation is manageable at this stage.
"It is something we deal with every year," she said, noting the hospitals' preparedness to serve the public.
