Turkish doctors have warned the public to take urgent measures as hospitalisations due to respiratory infection cases have risen sharply in recent weeks.

Physicians urged citizens to avoid crowded places, use masks, and get vaccinated to prevent infections against the rising respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and COVID-19 cases.

In a video message posted on X, Ates Kara, an infectious diseases specialist, said, “In the last months, we know that there have been many patients around us and an increase in hospital admissions.

“The threat posed by COVID-19 to vulnerable populations should not be underestimated.”

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca also shared Kara’s video on his X account on Monday evening, urging people to follow the specialists’ recommendations.

According to Turku Yagmur Nehir, president of the Association of General Practitioners, the health system across the country has been struggling to cope with the increasing number of cases.

“We are seeing a significant rise in the number of visits to emergency departments and primary healthcare centres,” Mr Nehir said on Monday.

“The system is struggling to cope. Patients are unable to get appointments or are queuing in front of health centres.”

Celalettin Kocaturk, a thoracic surgery specialist, told Xinhua that the recent infections are more severe and last longer than in previous years.

“It is even possible to recover from one virus and get sick with another one,” Mr Kocaturk said, warning that the virus sometimes turns into sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

The specialist urged people to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 and obey the rules recommended by healthcare workers, such as wearing masks in crowded places and taking hygiene measures.

Iftihar Koksal, a specialist in infectious diseases, said the cases have doubled in recent weeks, affecting both adults and children.

“Unfortunately, this year, influenza A is not limited to the upper respiratory tract symptoms.

“In many cases, we observe it descending into the lungs, resulting in a severe clinical condition,” Mr Koksal said, according to Hurriyet Daily. 

(Xinhua/NAN)