The wave of seasonal infections has arrived, marking the resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19.
Pediatric departments are grappling with occupancy rates soaring to 90%, while Accident and Emergency Departments in state hospitals witness a surge in admissions.
According to Phileleftheros, from dawn till 3 p.m. yesterday, Nicosia General Hospital’s Emergency Department saw seven patients with seasonal infections awaiting transfer to wards, alongside other COVID-19 patients in the Emergency Department, waiting admission for extended care. Meanwhile, a crowded waiting room housed at least 30 patients, awaiting attention.
“The heightened attendance due to seasonal infections has been evident in all Emergency Departments over the last twenty-four hours,” reported Haralambos Charilaou, spokesperson for the State Health Services Organisation (Okypy), to Phileleftheros. Charilaou stressed that most cases involved older adults requiring care for various chronic health issues. While a slight increase in COVID-19 cases was noted in recent weeks, the predominant trend remains respiratory infections, with influenza cases gradually making an appearance.
Elizabeth Constantinou, Director of the Ministry of Health’s medical services, highlighted the recorded cases, with increased numbers of RSV among children and coronavirus across the general population. Notably, age groups showing the highest increase fall within the 0-3 years old and 80-84 years old brackets.
“Typically, following an RSV outbreak, influenza follows suit. Presently, influenza cases are relatively low, but, as anticipated annually, heightened activity is expected as we enter the holiday season, leading to more gatherings in enclosed spaces,” explained Constantinou.
Concurrently, with the upward trajectory of RSV cases, a similar trend is observed in coronavirus cases. Hospital admissions for COVID-19 have surged, higlighting the importance of adhering to protective measures to curb transmission, as underscored by the director of medical services.
Constantinou lamented the low vaccination rates against coronavirus, citing only 18,000 vaccines administered, primarily to individuals above 70 years old. In contrast, influenza vaccinations have yielded positive results, with 104,000 vaccines administered out of 170,000 introduced.
Private physicians echoed the concerns, noting an upward trend in COVID-19 cases and a rise in cases of seasonal viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, including acute tonsillitis.
Adding to the discussion, Avraam Elia, director of the pediatric department at Makarios Hospital, highlighted the ongoing surge in RSV cases, with pediatric departments consistently operating at 80%-90% occupancy.
Notably, one in three hospitalised children presents with RSV. Elia emphasised the need for vigilance as we approach the holiday season, urging isolation and restriction for symptomatic children and adults to prevent further transmission.
