Health authorities in Cyprus are bracing for the peak of seasonal respiratory illnesses during the Christmas holidays, following a sharp rise in flu activity across the island.
New data shows that approximately 20 per cent of individuals tested for respiratory symptoms are now positive for influenza, prompting experts to renew calls for vaccination and vigilance.
Associate Professor Constantinos Tsioutis—Scientific Coordinator of the European Committee for Infections—confirmed that the flu virus is increasing rapidly at both a pan-European level and in Cyprus, judging by patient attendance at clinics. Dr. Tsioutis warned that the country has not yet entered the period of the “great surge,” which is expected to coincide with the festive season.
Flu symptoms, including myalgia, fatigue, and cough, are not currently causing grave concern, but the latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirms the high rate of flu positivity, a trend also noted by personal doctors reporting a surge in cases. Additionally, doctors are seeing an increase in gastroenteritis cases, which typically appear with the first substantial drop in winter temperatures.
RSV and public advice
While flu dominates, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia in children under five, is circulating, though at a lower frequency than in previous years. Dr. Tsioutis said a surge, similar to the one observed last Christmas, is still possible.
He advised that the RSV vaccine is available for the elderly and pregnant women, while a monoclonal antibody is available for young children, depending on the paediatrician’s advice. The COVID-19 virus remains at much lower community levels.
Dr. Tsioutis stressed the importance of immediate prevention ahead of the anticipated surge, noting that it is “not too late to be vaccinated” against the flu. He concluded with a warning to the public:
- Limit contact and self-isolate when exhibiting any respiratory symptoms.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, such as high fever or severe cough.
- Vulnerable groups must be particularly careful in their interactions.
- Avoid taking antibiotics for viral infections.
The trend mirrors the wider European situation, with the ECDC and the UK Health Security Agency confirming a rapid and widespread increase in flu activity, with positivity rates in the UK reaching 21 per cent.