Influenza A is in high gear, while other viruses such as RSV and adenovirus are also circulating, Dr. Maria Koliou, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and Associate Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Medical School of the University of Cyprus, told CNA.
Asked by CNA about influenza A and whether there is a general outbreak of infections, Ms. Koliou stated that, at least as far as Makarios Hospital is concerned, they see not only influenza still in a fairly large outbreak, but also other viruses that are circulating at this time of year.
"The flu is still in high gear, it has not shown any decrease," he said, adding that the RSV virus and adenoviruses are also circulating.
"The flu is in its seasonal peak phase, we have this every year anyway, this year we have an intense wave, I would say, of flu, which, unfortunately, has also caused mortality in some people, mainly the elderly," he added.
He noted that it is at the expected levels for the season, due to the low temperatures that favor the outbreak of viruses, as he mentioned.
According to Ms. Koliou, so far influenza A is prevalent, while there have been no significant cases of influenza B. She noted that influenza B usually comes in March towards the end of the flu season.
Ms. Koliou pointed out that protective measures “are extremely important.” “The first and best is the vaccine, of course, which vulnerable groups must definitely get – people over 60, people with chronic diseases, heart, lung, kidney, neurological, hematological, immunosuppressed, pregnant women.”
And of course, he added, children between 6 months and 5 years old. "These definitely need to get the vaccine," he noted.
Highlighting the importance of the vaccine, Ms. Koliou said that the flu sometimes causes complications "and bad ones, in fact, which is why vulnerable groups should be vaccinated." "We had also seen necrotizing encephalitis in flu, myositis and myocarditis. We have seen too many complications, they are not all one and the same, which is why they must receive the vaccine but also be careful not to get infected," she said.
Ms. Koliou also referred to precautionary measures at an individual level, such as not getting too close to someone who is sick, coughing, sneezing or has a fever, opening the windows a little and thoroughly ventilating the spaces we move around in.
He also said that if someone is sick or their children are sick, they should stay home until the fever and severe symptoms subside, so as not to spread them to others.
Asked about the RSV virus, Ms. Koliou said that the virus "used to only affect children," but in recent years it has also affected people over the age of 65. "Especially those who have chronic lung diseases can get a serious infection, which is why there is a vaccine for RSV in adults," she added.
"In young children, who were and are the most serious category for RSV - and we are talking about infants - there is currently a monoclonal antibody that babies who are born during the RSV season, that is, October to March, receive," he added.
Asked if there are any children with RSV in the hospital, she said there are. "Of course, we don't have many young infants, fortunately, because it seems that this monoclonal antibody that is circulating is starting to be administered and it seems that it has largely protected children, young ones, who were sick and more dangerous from RSV," she noted.
"But, strangely enough, we also have children over a year old – some cases, not too many of course – but the point is that RSV is also circulating. It also exists along with the flu," he added.
When asked about it, she said that the situation is under control.
Source: KYPE
