Cyprus’ state health services are urging the public not to visit hospital emergency departments for routine influenza A tests.
The State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) said emergency units are intended for life‑threatening conditions, not as substitutes for personal physicians.
The practice of seeking flu checks at emergency departments “must stop immediately,” the agency said, warning that it delays care for genuinely urgent cases.
People who wish to test for flu can use the self‑testing kits available in pharmacies and the wider market, OKYPY noted.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their personal doctor for appropriate medical advice, the organization added.