Visits to Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) at state hospitals increased over the New Year holidays, largely due to a rise in seasonal infections, according to the spokesperson of the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY), Charalambos Charilaou.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Charilaou said the combination of low temperatures, which keep people indoors, and festive social gatherings has contributed to the spread of infections. He once again urged the public to remain vigilant and to follow basic personal hygiene measures, particularly to protect vulnerable groups.
Hospitals prepared for increased demand
Charilaou assured that public hospitals were prepared to manage the higher volume of visits, noting that the situation is also influenced by the fact that general practitioners and specialist doctors were on holiday during this period.
To ease pressure on emergency departments, he said, new fast-track clinics are in operation across state hospitals. These units manage non-urgent cases, allowing patients to be seen without long waiting times and helping to keep A&E services focused on more serious incidents.
Flu cases and hospital admissions
Asked about the rise in seasonal viruses, and influenza A in particular, the OKYPY spokesperson confirmed that some cases are currently being treated in state hospitals. Admissions are taking place on a daily basis, he said, with most hospitalised patients being elderly people or individuals with underlying health conditions and weakened immune systems.
Charilaou noted that a further increase in cases was expected in the coming days. He advised people experiencing symptoms to avoid social gatherings and remain at home, while also reminding citizens of simple preventive measures, such as regularly ventilating indoor spaces during gatherings.
Source: CNA