Cyprus reports four death from Influenza A, others intubated

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A patient died on Thursday from flu-related complications, bringing the total death toll to four, health authorities said.

Intensive care units across the country continue to admit patients with severe seasonal infections, while hospital wards are operating at full capacity.

An elderly person died of influenza A on Friday, bringing the death toll this winter to four.

The man was being treated at a private hospital with severe symptoms.

On Wednesday a 43-year-old man had died in Nicosia general hospital and on Thursday a further two patients, aged 87 and 73, died, who were being treated in Nicosia and Paphos general hospitals respectively.

All three had been suffering from underlying diseases.

Meanwhile, other patients have been intubated in hospitals across the island.

Hospitals continue to be under significant strain, with most having exceeded 90 per cent occupancy.

The exception is Makarios hospital in Nicosia with 60 per cent occupancy, according to Reporter website.

Hundreds of patients continue to visit hospitals on a daily basis due to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid, with Nicosia receiving over 200 a day.

Health authorities report that Influenza A and B strains and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are the predominant infections, while Covid-19 continues to hospitalise dozens daily despite showing no significant surge.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warned earlier this week about an expected increase in flu and RSV cases in the coming weeks. The World Health Organisation is monitoring the situation.

Dr Panagiotis Demosthenous, a general practitioner, told philenews that Type A influenza cases are gradually increasing. He advised that patients should self-isolate when showing initial symptoms and seek medical advice if fever persists for more than three days.

Ploutarchos Georgiades, president of the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association, told philenews that there are increased visits to pharmacies for rapid tests and fever medication.

He confirmed that antiviral flu medication returned to private pharmacies yesterday after a 12-day shortage, but emphasised these are only available with prescription.

Charalambos Charilou, spokesperson for the State Health Services Organisation, confirmed that intensive care units across Cyprus are treating five patients with severe infections.

He reported that pathology and pulmonology wards are operating at full capacity, with approximately 30-35 Covid-19 patients currently hospitalised across state facilities.