GP surgeries in Cyprus are seeing more colds, coughs, sore throats and other respiratory viruses, alongside a small, gradual rise in Covid-19 cases, with the increase varying by district.
Seasonal flu has yet to arrive in force, however, and the picture remains relatively mild for now. In the European region, seasonal flu usually begins between November and December and peaks in January or February, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, which can cause serious complications mainly in babies, older people and those with underlying conditions, remains low.
Vaccination is particularly recommended for older people, pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and those who are immunocompromised, along with simple protective measures such as staying at home with symptoms, keeping indoor spaces well ventilated and washing hands.
Europe
The picture in Europe appears similar. According to the latest reports from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which has already issued recommendations, flu circulation is gradually increasing in Europe, but the seasonal epidemic has not yet begun at EU level.
Influenza A is dominant among detected cases, while SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate, with activity varying from country to country.
H3N2 changes
An ECDC report published on 6 November recorded significant genetic changes in the A(H3N2) flu subtype. Subclade K accounted for 92 per cent of the A(H3N2) strains for which genetic data were available, making it dominant among the subtype’s genetically analysed strains during the previous surveillance period.
Subclade K is characterised by a series of changes to haemagglutinin, a protein on the surface of the virus that plays an important role in how the immune system recognises it.
Global picture
The WHO’s latest global report, published on 4 November, recorded low flu activity overall, with test positivity below 10 per cent worldwide. Flu circulation has risen slightly in temperate and subtropical areas of the northern hemisphere, while some countries in Asia, Africa and Central America are already recording significantly higher activity.
The WHO said the respiratory infection season was not developing in the same way in every country and that continuous epidemiological surveillance was needed.
Influenza A is dominant worldwide, though the subtypes in circulation vary by region. A(H3N2) dominates in parts of East Asia, while A(H1N1)pdm09 is more prevalent elsewhere.
Covid-19 positivity has risen slightly worldwide, though overall activity remains low. In some countries in southwestern Europe, however, positivity exceeds 10 per cent.
In its statement on this year’s flu season, the WHO noted that there are three to five million cases of severe flu illness worldwide every year and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths from respiratory complications.
RSV activity also remains low worldwide, although some areas are recording higher rates.
