Twenty-two people have died from seasonal respiratory infections in Cyprus, with 20 deaths linked to flu and two to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), health officials said Friday.
Seven patients are currently in intensive care units across public hospitals, with six being treated for severe flu symptoms and one for RSV, according to Charalambos Charilaou, spokesperson for the State Health Services Organisation.
About 400 patients have been hospitalised with flu and RSV since January 1, while 440 patients have been transferred to private hospitals since December 23 to ease pressure on public facilities.
Health officials expect a new surge in cases in early February, particularly with recent temperature drops. Emergency departments are experiencing high pressure, with increased patient visits expected over the weekend.
Charilaou noted that some patients continue to show severe symptoms even after testing negative for flu, adding that elderly people remain most vulnerable to hospitalisation and mortality.
The high activity levels of both flu and RSV continue alongside other seasonal infections, health authorities reported. (/in-cyprus.philenews)
