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Cyprus braces for surge as “three-virus cocktail” hits: new COVID variant, flu and RSV on the rise
In recent days, health officials in Cyprus have sounded the alarm: the island is seeing a noticeable rise in cases of COVID-19 , partly driven by a new variant dubbed “Stratus” , while also facing increased circulation of seasonal influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
According to a leading molecular biologist, immunity acquired through past infections or vaccinations has waned in many people. As a result, symptoms among newly infected individuals are reportedly more severe than what was common in previous quieter periods.
What makes the situation especially concerning is the simultaneous spread of multiple respiratory pathogens. Health experts emphasize that this “viral cocktail” , combining COVID-19, influenza, and RSV , “poses a serious threat to public health,” particularly for children, the elderly, or people with underlying conditions.
On top of that, declining immunity means that even people who have been vaccinated or previously infected are no longer guaranteed mild symptoms or protection from complications. The risk of hospitalization may therefore increase, putting additional pressure on the health-care system during the winter season.
This wave of overlapping respiratory viruses should serve as a wake-up call for both the public and health authorities. With immunity waning and multiple pathogens circulating, individual prevention , vaccination, maintaining hygiene, avoiding crowded indoor spaces , becomes more important than ever.
Moreover, it’s a test for Cyprus’s healthcare infrastructure: hospitals, clinics, and emergency services must be ready not just for occasional spikes, but potentially a surge across several fronts. Given the pending winter season and the possibility of more contagious variants, now is the time for renewed campaigns on vaccination and public awareness.
Finally, this isn’t just a “medical issue” , it’s a question of public-policy readiness. The government and health authorities should consider re-mobilising testing, monitoring, and support systems (especially for vulnerable groups) to avoid unnecessary hospital overload and protect public health.
Market Cyprus - News Service
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