Hospitals Confront Mounting Pressure From Influenza A
Hospitals across Greece are reporting significant strain as a rapid escalation of Influenza A and seasonal viruses drives a wave of patients into emergency departments.
Many individuals seeking urgent care present with flu like symptoms, placing additional pressure on already stretched facilities.
At Evangelismos Hospital, 28 patients are currently being treated for flu or other circulating viruses, with 6 in severe condition and 1 intubated in the ICU.
At Attikon Hospital, 12 patients are hospitalized, including 1 person receiving intensive care.
According to doctor Stylianos Loukidis, symptoms such as fever lasting beyond 3 days and difficulty breathing require immediate evaluation at a tertiary healthcare center.
Pediatric hospitals are also experiencing heightened demand, with more than 150 children examined on Friday and Saturday and 15 requiring hospitalization.
Experts attribute the surge partly to the large number of people who skipped the flu vaccine, noting that sub variant K appears partially resistant.
Despite this partial resistance, the vaccine continues to provide robust protection against severe illness.
Concerns are growing that the return of students to schools may trigger a further increase in infections.
Doctors urge parents to keep children displaying symptoms at home to limit the spread.
