Flu shots arrive in Cyprus as colds and coughs fill GP surgeries
Family doctors report a growing number of patients with colds, sore throats and coughs, while flu vaccines have finally reached practices and pharmacies after delivery hold-ups.
Family doctors across Cyprus are seeing more people with coughs, sore throats and colds, according to Cyprus Mail, with pharyngitis, bronchitis and rhinitis among the complaints reported since last week. The flu vaccination campaign has now started at GP practices and private pharmacies after the shots arrived later than planned.
Actual influenza circulation is still minimal, and the island's flu season generally gains pace from mid-December. RSV activity is also low at present. Doctors point out that immune protection needs around a fortnight to build after the injection, which is why they want patients to come forward early.
Across the EU and the EEA, overall respiratory infection levels remain low, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports, although Covid-19 positivity is climbing in some countries — reaching 26.2 per cent in Lithuania and 16.5 per cent in France in the latest ERVISS data.
What it means for residents
The late arrival of supplies means the window for protection before the seasonal peak is shorter than usual. Anyone who wants cover ahead of the December rise should act now rather than wait for flu to spread.
- Book early: contact your GP or pharmacy and ask whether the vaccine is in stock before making the trip.
- Allow time: protection builds over roughly two weeks, so a jab taken now covers the period when flu typically starts circulating.
- Watch for symptoms: colds and coughs are already common — if you are in a vulnerable group, avoid delaying vaccination.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
