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Hospitals are already recording admissions for Influenza A and other seasonal viruses as winter begins, while COVID-19 vaccination uptake remains low, according to officials from the State Health Services Organization and the Ministry of Health.
Charalambos Charilaou, press spokesperson for the State Health Services Organization (OKYpY), confirmed Monday that there have been hospitalizations linked to Influenza A and coronavirus, describing the situation as expected for this time of year. “There may be increased activity, but we are at the same levels as last year,” Charilaou told 24news. He said authorities anticipate an increase in cases as holiday gatherings continue through the New Year, adding that the health system is prepared for seasonal pressures. “There will be an increase in cases,” Charilaou said. “We are prepared and we are at the beginning of the winter period.”
Regarding COVID-19, Charilaou said case numbers remain low and do not raise concern at this stage. “We have not seen anything worrying,” he said. He added that cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among children also remain within normal seasonal levels, noting that Cyprus has not experienced the spikes reported in some other countries.
Hospital admissions have nevertheless risen in recent days. Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health Elisabeth Konstantinou said admissions to both public and private hospitals have doubled, although intensive care unit occupancy remains, for now, within expected limits. “The epidemic wave is on an upward trajectory, as happens every year during this period,” Konstantinou said during a visit to Limassol General Hospital alongside Health Minister Neofytos Charalambidis.
Konstantinou also pointed to a clear difference in vaccination uptake between influenza and COVID-19. She said approximately 110,000 people have already received the seasonal influenza vaccine, including about 75% of individuals in vulnerable groups. By contrast, COVID-19 vaccination uptake remains low for a second consecutive year, with roughly 3,800 people vaccinated, a figure similar to last year.
Health authorities continue to urge caution during the holiday period. Charilaou advised people with respiratory symptoms to avoid close contact with others, particularly elderly individuals and those in vulnerable groups. Despite the rise in admissions, OKYpY officials said emergency departments have been operating without significant delays. Charilaou said staffing levels were adequate and supported by the use of fast-track clinics to handle non-emergency cases. Konstantinou encouraged citizens who wish to receive the flu vaccine to contact their personal doctors, while those seeking COVID-19 vaccination were advised to visit Ministry of Health vaccination centers.
As Cyprus moves deeper into winter, officials say seasonal respiratory illnesses are increasing as expected, even as vaccination patterns and public behavior continue to shape the overall impact on the health system.
With information from CNA and 24news.
