Seven hospitalised patients with laboratory-confirmed flu have died in Cyprus since the start of the current epidemic period, the Health Ministry’s deputy general director told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Friday.
Dr Elisavet Konstantinou said the deaths, recorded from December until now, involved elderly people hospitalised in surveillance network hospitals, with most presenting comorbidities, according to data from the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases Unit.
A total of 98 flu cases required hospitalisation, with 85 admitted to State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) state hospitals and 13 to private hospitals. Of these cases, 39 were confirmed through molecular laboratory diagnosis, whilst the remaining 59 were identified through rapid antigen tests.
Konstantinou chaired an emergency meeting at the Health Ministry on Friday with all stakeholders to better coordinate efforts in addressing the surge in seasonal infections, as hospitals face increased pressure and a lack of available beds.
The meeting discussed patient management through public-private sector cooperation, with representatives from SHSO, HIO and private hospitals attending.
Konstantinou said the health mechanism is “adequately prepared” and the ministry has made necessary preparations, with vaccination as the main pillar.
With increased seasonal flu activity, Konstantinou appealed to citizens to follow basic personal protection measures, particularly those in vulnerable groups, stressing the importance of personal care and prevention.
“Due to increased seasonal flu activity, the Health Ministry reminds the public about individual protection measures that should be taken,” she said, explaining that good hygiene, mask use in enclosed spaces and avoiding contact with people showing symptoms are crucial for limiting spread.
Citizens should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol solution, cover their nose and mouth with their elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and ensure adequate ventilation of enclosed spaces, according to Konstantinou.
Frequent disinfection of commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, counters and phones is also important, as is wearing masks during hospital or nursing home visits, she added.
If symptoms such as fever, cough, breathing difficulty, runny nose or sore throat appear, Konstantinou recommended self-isolation, wearing a mask when in contact with others, taking a rapid test or PCR, and immediate contact with one’s personal doctor for evaluation and possible antiviral treatment.
The deputy general director stressed: “Vaccination against flu, especially for high-risk groups, remains the most effective preventive measure against serious illness.”
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