in-cyprus 29 December 2025
Respiratory virus activity has increased in Cyprus, prompting the Health Ministry to issue a public advisory on protective measures, with seasonal flu driving most cases.
The ministry has urged regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution. People should avoid touching their face, particularly the eyes, nose and mouth, which serve as entry points for viruses.
Those in vulnerable groups should limit contact with anyone showing respiratory infection symptoms, according to the ministry. Vaccination remains the best defence against serious illness and death from flu.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control assessed the risk as moderate for the general EU and European Economic Area population on 20 November 2025.
But the risk is high for vulnerable groups, including people over 65, those with chronic metabolic, pulmonary, cardiovascular or neuromuscular diseases, pregnant or immunocompromised people, and residents of long-term care facilities.
Anyone who develops a severe cough, fever or runny nose should stay home for at least 24 hours after symptoms subside, the ministry said.
It recommends covering the mouth and nose when sneezing with a tissue or the inner elbow, wearing masks in crowded settings, and consulting a personal doctor or the GHS On-Call Personal Physicians Services.
The Health Ministry said it is “closely monitoring the situation and will inform the public if there are new scientific developments”.
