Hospitals were overflowing: Statement from Minister Koca

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca, stating that there is an increase in upper respiratory tract infections, issued warnings for individuals in risk groups to be cautious against flu and similar infections.

In a statement on his social media account, Minister Koca said,"We are in a period where upper respiratory tract infections, as well as complaints like the flu and common colds, are increasing. These ailments, which are mostly viral in origin, generally improve with rest and symptomatic treatment. However, infections carrying flu-like symptoms should be taken seriously in individuals with suppressed immune systems or those at risk due to their age." he stated.

In Minister Koca's message, the assessments of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Coordinator Chief Physician Aziz Ahmet Surelwere also included. Surel stated that their hospitals experience density every year due to seasonal upper respiratory tract diseases, but that the hospital capacity is able to respond effectively to this expected density. He noted that there has been no increase in the number of patients applying to the emergency department at the annual average level, but an increase has been observed in the proportion of patients applying with complaints of upper respiratory tract infections.

Surel emphasized that most such patients recover with symptomatic treatment and rest, but that infections should be taken seriously in individuals within certain age groups or those with weakened immune systems.

Furthermore, regarding the subject, The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) "What we are experiencing is not spring hay fever, but a deadly Influenza and COVID epidemic. The epidemic we are living through is not a simple cold. The public and healthcare workers must be constantly informed about the epidemic, protective measures must be reiterated, and training must be provided. Wearing masks in healthcare institutions is mandatory," they had stated.

News Source: 12punto