Hike in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections

DUE to the weather there has been an increase in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, doctors said on Wednesday, and warned vulnerable groups to be proactive.

The rise in has led to an increase in occupancy at the children’s wards at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia.

Speaking on state broadcaster CyBC, epidemiologist Michalis Voniatis urged vulnerable groups – children, the elderly and people with health conditions such as asthma, serious diseases, and diabetes – to be proactive especially in cases when symptoms like cough and fever persist more than five days.

He also recommended that people in these categories, who have no been affected, to have a flu shot. Within ten to 15 days of the shot, the first flu antibodies develop Voniatis said.

He also advised people to keep washing their hands, air closed rooms, and follow a healthy diet.  Voniatis also warned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics, as it leads to the development of resistant germs.

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