Nicosia, Cyprus. The possibility of a second wave of influenza in Cyprus remains open despite a currently stable epidemiological picture, Professor Petros Karayiannis of the University of Nicosia Medical School said.
Current flu situation and health system pressure
Karayiannis told the Cyprus News Agency that existing data do not allow for complacency, as infections continue to be recorded even without a sharp surge placing severe pressure on the health system.
“At the moment we are seeing continuous cases, but not a serious outbreak,” he said, adding that the health system is nonetheless facing increased challenges.
He said the difficulties are largely linked to the need to isolate patients with different infections in separate wards.
Uncertainty over a second wave
Karayiannis said it remains uncertain whether a second wave with a noticeable surge will materialise or whether different viruses will continue circulating at manageable levels.
“It is something we cannot know at this stage,” he said.
Influenza strains and the role of influenza B
He said the prospect of a second flu wave is “real” because there has so far been no significant circulation of influenza B, which typically peaks around this time of year.
Instead, he said influenza A strains are dominant, with the new K sub-variant being the most prevalent.
Rise in RSV cases among older people
Karayiannis also pointed to an unusual rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among older people, describing this as a cause for concern.
He said RSV typically affects young children and usually appears earlier in the winter, around late December, but that this year the usual pattern has not been followed.
He attributed part of the shift to the emergence of the K sub-variant.
Possible drivers: new strain and immunity
Asked whether the possible second wave is linked to the new strain or to low population immunity, Karayiannis said both factors are relevant.
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