A little 4-year-old girl has died after catching the flu A virus. Doctors say she passed away from multi-organ failure because of the infection. This happened at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, and it shows how bad the flu wave is hitting the island.
The girl got very sick fast. Last Saturday, she was moved from the General Hospital in Limassol. She was already on a breathing tube and in really bad shape. They took her to the kids’ intensive care unit at Makarios. Sadly, she died on Monday.
A health official named Charalambos Harilaou spoke about it. He works for the State Health Services Organization. He said the doctors who took care of her confirmed it was the flu A that led to her organs failing.
This is not the only bad news. Since December, 13 other people have died in Cyprus from flu A. Most were older folks. Now this young child makes it even harder to hear.
Hospitals are feeling the pressure big time. Just over the last weekend, things got worse at the General Hospital in Limassol. Flu A patients jumped from 14 to 25. At the same time, coronavirus patients went from 1 to 5. That means more people need beds and care all at once.
The flu is spreading quick across Cyprus. Many are ending up in the hospital with breathing problems. Kids and older people seem hit hardest. This comes as flu cases rise faster than usual in parts of Europe this winter.
Doctors remind everyone that the flu can turn serious, even for little ones who seem healthy at first. It starts with fever, cough, body aches, and tiredness. But in some cases, it leads to pneumonia or worse, like what happened here.
Health experts push for the flu shot. It’s the best way to stay safe, especially for kids, older people, and anyone with health issues. Getting vaccinated early can cut the chance of getting really sick or ending up in the hospital. It’s still worth it now if you haven’t done it yet.
This loss hits families and the whole community hard. A young life gone because of something that starts like a normal cold or flu. It makes parents think twice about watching for signs and acting fast if a child gets sick.
Stories like this remind us flu season is no joke. Wash hands a lot, stay home if sick, and cover coughs. And talk to a doctor quick if things get bad.
Cyprus is dealing with a tough moment. Hospitals work hard to help everyone. But this young girl’s story puts a face on the numbers. It shows why getting ready for flu matters so much.
People everywhere feel for her family. Losing a child is the worst pain. May they find comfort, and may this push more folks to protect their loved ones this season.