Thirty-two people have died from influenza A in Cyprus so far this season, following the notification of six additional deaths in recent days.
While the figure has raised concern, health authorities say it does not represent a significant deviation from last year’s data.
Of the total deaths, 22 involved individuals aged over 80. Approximately two weeks ago, authorities also confirmed the death of a four-year-old girl who had contracted influenza A.
On Monday, the first fatality of the year linked to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was recorded. The case concerned a 40-year-old man with underlying health conditions.
Admissions fall by 50 percent
According to Health Ministry spokesperson Dimitris Constantinou, there is no increase in deaths compared to the corresponding period last year.
Between November 2024 and early February 2025, 41 influenza-related deaths were recorded. In the current season, from early November 2025 to date, the total stands at 32.
Hospitalisation data shows an improving trend. Over the past week, admissions dropped by around 50 percent. A total of 68 admissions were recorded, compared with 130 the previous week.
In earlier weeks, hospital admissions in both the public and private sectors had exceeded 140 to 150 per week.
Protective measures and vaccinations remain crucial
Speaking to Politis 107.6 & 97.6, Professor Petros Karayiannis of the University of Nicosia Medical School said the number of flu-related deaths may appear high but should be assessed in context.
“It may seem like a large number, but not if we consider it in relation to the total number of cases or what is happening in other countries,” he said.
Karayiannis stressed the importance of personal protective measures, particularly for vulnerable groups. He highlighted mask use in crowded indoor spaces and criticised the tendency of symptomatic individuals not to self-isolate.
On vaccinations, he noted that a significant proportion of vulnerable individuals receive the flu vaccine annually, a factor reflected in hospitalisation and mortality rates, which remain lower than in countries such as Greece.
This year, nearly all influenza A vaccines supplied by the Health Ministry were administered. “This shows that citizens, especially those who need them most, trust the vaccines,” he said.
Vulnerable individuals who have not yet been vaccinated can still do so, he added, as influenza B cases may rise over the next two to three weeks before typically subsiding towards the end of March.
RSV cases are also expected to persist in the community for several more weeks. The virus traditionally emerges around late December, though this year its circulation began later than usual.