OKYPY urges public to avoid emergency departments for routine flu tests

The State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) in Cyprus issued a statement on February 14, 2026, regarding the misuse of public hospital emergency departments (TAEP). Spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou emphasized that these departments are designated for life-threatening situations rather than routine testing for Type A influenza. The organization stated that the current practice of visiting emergency rooms for mild flu symptoms must stop immediately to ensure resources are available for critical cases. Citizens seeking influenza testing are advised to use diagnostic kits available at pharmacies and in the general market. In the event of symptoms, patients should contact their personal doctors for medical advice instead of seeking primary care at hospitals. OKYPY reiterated that emergency departments do not serve as substitutes for personal physicians. The announcement concluded by acknowledging the hard work and professionalism of the emergency medical staff during the current flu surge.