Newsletters
Greece has been grappling with a sharp rise in seasonal influenza cases that has begun to weigh heavily on public hospitals, while health authorities have confirmed that eight people died from flu-related causes over the past week.
According to reports carried by the Greek media, the spread of influenza has been picking up pace across the country, pushing emergency departments close to capacity. Admissions linked to respiratory infections and flu-like symptoms have gone up noticeably, especially in large urban hospitals.
In Athens, the pressure has been most visible. The Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital examined more than 160 children within just a few hours, a figure that underlined the scale of demand. At the same time, Laiko Hospital took in more than 250 patients, while over 100 people sought care at Sotiria Hospital, mostly for breathing problems and flu complaints.
The National Public Health Organization, known by its Greek acronym EODY, said most healthy individuals tend to get through influenza with mild symptoms. However, the agency stressed that the virus can lead to serious complications in people considered at risk, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
EODY reported that more than 870 patients were hospitalized due to influenza during the past week. Among them, 15 were treated in intensive care units, reflecting the severe course the illness can take in certain cases. The same period also saw eight confirmed deaths linked directly to the flu.
Health officials have been calling on people in high-risk categories to get vaccinated against influenza.
They have pointed out that flu vaccination helps bring down the likelihood of severe illness and cuts the risk of hospital admission, a message aimed at easing the strain on the health care system as case numbers continue to climb.
Set as preferred source
1 min read
