By Giorgos Vichas
An outbreak of viral infections in Cyprus recently with experts describing the event as expected, estimating that the picture will continue in the coming period.
Covid19, Flu, Cold, and in children the RSV virus are the most prevalent infections at the moment around the world.
Speaking to the Cyprus Times, Professor of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Dr Petros Karagiannis, said the spike in viral infections was expected at this time of year.
The first cause was the non-use of masks. He explained that in previous years, due to the coronavirus, the mask brought by citizens in public and other places with high confusion acted as a deterrent to the transmission of other viruses. Now these infections can be transmitted much more easily.
"We have not had any particular problems in recent years, we have not suffered much. Because of not wearing a mask we have seen these pathogens manifest much earlier," he noted.
Circulating Flu, Coronavirus and RSV, which mostly affects children from 5-6 months to 5 years old. "In the US, 50% of hospitalizations in pediatric wards involve children with RSV," he said, adding that a number of children with this respiratory infection are also hospitalized in Cyprus.
Asked about the changing weather, falling temperatures and the onset of winter, Dr. Karagiannis estimated that we will see a further increase in these infections.
"This is why we have long recommended that the public be vaccinated against influenza, against covid-19, the elderly for pneumococcus, etc.," he explained.
One death a day due to covid-19
Asked to comment on the epidemiological picture with regard to covid-19 and the increase in cases seen, which was also recorded in the latest Ministry of Health report, with an average in the last week of 600 cases per day, the Professor of Molecular Virology and Microbiology said that this was also to be expected. "It was expected that we would have an increase in hospitalizations but not at the rate one would expect if we were not vaccinated," he added.
In terms of deaths, the average is now one death per day. "We have one death a day involving people over 70 years of age. That is why we are saying those over 60 should receive an additional dose, either 4th or 5th, depending on what stage they are at," he stressed.
He concluded by noting that recommendations have been made and those who are eligible and recommended to proceed with vaccination have also been informed by SMS.
He concluded by noting that recommendations have been made and those who are eligible and recommended to proceed with vaccination have also been informed by SMS.
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