Istanbul emergency rooms overburdened by flu epidemic

ISTANBUL

Istanbul’s emergency services were completely full on the night of Jan. 4 due to a flu epidemic, according to Doğan News Agency.

Bad weather conditions reportedly triggered a flu epidemic throughout Turkey, especially in Istanbul, following heavy snowfall in many parts of the country.

Emergency services at state and private hospitals in Istanbul were left strained by the large numbers of locals seeking medical assistance due to flu symptoms. 

Meanwhile, Infection Disease Specialist Dr. Okan Derin encouraged people to take precautions against the epidemic, urging them to take care of their hygiene, Doğan News Agency reported.

“Flu opens the door to diseases that can be life-threatening,” he said, noting that infection can spread with sneezing and coughing. “The virus shortly spreads to all cells via the respiratory tracts. The virus causes chills, shaking, fever, weakness and myogenic pain. Hygiene is very important in protecting against the epidemic,” he added.