Disease season in Cyprus: the president’s health adviser warns and lists protection measures

With the start of winter, Cyprus is seeing an increase in colds, flu and COVID-19. The president’s health adviser, Professor Nedime Serakıncı, stated that the “disease season” has officially begun and urged residents to pay closer attention to symptoms and prevention.

According to her, dozens of respiratory viruses circulate simultaneously in winter, while warm indoor environments create ideal conditions for their spread. Particularly vulnerable are elderly people, patients with chronic illnesses, children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Doctors are paying special attention to the new H3N2 “K” flu subtype, which has already caused a rise in cases in several European countries, as well as the expected surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). At the same time, new COVID-19 variants (Stratus and Nimbus) continue to circulate, with symptoms increasingly resembling those of typical flu.

Serakıncı reminded that vaccination against flu and COVID-19 remains the key protection for risk groups: people over 65, patients with cardiovascular and lung diseases, people with weakened immunity and young children from vulnerable categories.

Residents are advised to:

• avoid crowded indoor spaces;
• ventilate homes and workplaces more frequently;
• stay home when ill and not send sick children to school;
• wear a mask when symptomatic or when interacting with people in risk groups;
• consult a doctor in cases of high fever, shortness of breath, severe weakness or prolonged illness.

The professor emphasized that responsible behaviour and timely vaccination help not only reduce personal risks but also protect the most vulnerable — the elderly and patients with chronic diseases.