Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 06, 2024 5 days, 18 hours, 54 minutes ago
Medical News: As winter deepens, hospitals are grappling with an increasing load of respiratory infections that are filling both adult and children’s wards across Cyprus. Emergency departments are seeing a surge in daily cases, putting immense pressure on healthcare facilities.
Hospitals Strain Under Rising Respiratory Infections in Cyprus
Seasonal Infections on the Rise
Public hospitals are dealing with a growing number of patients suffering from upper respiratory infections, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and flu-like symptoms. While coronavirus cases remain stable, they still contribute to the overall burden. Flu infections are expected to surge in the coming weeks, adding to the strain.
Nicosia General Hospital recently faced a challenging situation, with its Emergency Department at full capacity by midday. Over 15 patients who arrived the night before had to endure long waits for admission. According to Charalambos Charilaou, spokesman for the State Health Services Organisation, elderly individuals and young children are particularly vulnerable this season.
This
Medical News report sheds light on the challenges faced by healthcare systems as seasonal infections rise. Charilaou emphasized that increased attendance at emergency departments, especially in pathology, cardiology, and pulmonology wards, is a common winter occurrence. While RSV predominantly affects children, many adults, particularly the elderly from care homes, are also showing symptoms.
A Growing Epidemic Across Europe
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has highlighted the strain on healthcare systems across the continent due to respiratory infections. Although flu viruses are circulating at low levels, there are signs of increasing activity in some areas. The ECDC described the rise in RSV cases as an "epidemic," urging the public to vaccinate where possible.
COVID-19 cases remain stable, but individuals aged 65 and older are still at risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes. Public health experts recommend continued vigilance to protect these vulnerable groups.
Pediatric Cases Climbing
Makarios Children's Hospital in Cyprus is also facing overwhelming numbers, with its occupancy rate nearing 90 percent. Most of the admitted patients are infants and children under four suffering from respiratory infections. Dr. Abraham Elias, Director of the Pediatric Clinic, reported a recent spike in cases due to colder weather.
He urged parents to keep symptomatic children at home, as respiratory pathogens are highly contagious among young ones. Currently, the hospital is treating around 45 children, with many presenting severe conditions like acute bronchiolitis. These cases primarily involve infants and toddlers under the age of two.
Dr. Elias advised parents to consult a pediatrician if an infant under two months develops a fever. He also stressed that children with chronic illnesses
should be fully vaccinated to prevent serious complications from infections.
A Call for Precaution and Awareness
Healthcare professionals are encouraging the public to take preventive measures during this challenging season. For parents, keeping sick children at home and seeking timely medical advice for severe symptoms are critical steps to reduce the spread of infections. Vaccination remains a vital tool in protecting high-risk groups, including children with underlying health conditions and the elderly.
As hospitals continue to battle this seasonal influx, authorities urge everyone to follow guidelines to protect themselves and others.
Conclusion
The ongoing winter surge of respiratory infections, including RSV, flu, and COVID-19, underscores the need for vigilance and preventive care. While healthcare systems work tirelessly to manage the burden, the public can play a significant role by adhering to safety measures, vaccinating against preventable diseases, and promptly seeking medical attention when needed. These efforts can help protect the most vulnerable and ease the strain on healthcare facilities during this critical period.
References:
https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/rsv-covid-19-and-flu-strain-cyprus-hospitals/
https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/11/19/spike-in-children-with-respiratory-infections/
https://erviss.org/
For the latest in Respiratory Infections, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-cases-and-hospitalizations-rising-in-victoria-australia-as-holidays-approach
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/winter-respiratory-viruses-surge-across-uk-rsv-flu-and-covid-19-threaten-to-overwhelm-hospitals
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-cases-rise-in-japan-for-the-first-time-in-three-months-driven-by-the-highly-contagious-xec-variant
Share
Tweet
Share
