This year’s flu season has arrived earlier than usual, filling hospitals across Cyprus, according to Pambos Charilaou, spokesperson for the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY). Typically, flu outbreaks peak around mid-January, but hospitals are already facing a surge in patients, he told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

Charilaou noted that the flu is not the only factor driving increased hospital admissions. A variety of infections, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19, have added to the strain on healthcare facilities. RSV is particularly affecting children and the elderly, further contributing to the heavy patient flow in emergency departments.

“This combination of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 is sending patients to emergency rooms in large numbers. At Nicosia General Hospital alone, we see over 200 admissions daily, both adults and children. The same trend is evident at other hospitals,” Charilaou noted.

Despite the challenges, he reassured the public that the situation remains manageable, with public hospital occupancy rates exceeding 90%.

“This is something we deal with every year,” Charilaou said, underlining the readiness of hospitals to serve patients during the seasonal surge in illnesses.