13.10.2025 14:40
The Istanbul Provincial Health Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Emre Güner, stated that with the arrival of autumn, there has been an increase in upper respiratory tract infections in Istanbul, but this is a seasonal pattern that repeats every year. Güner said, "A seasonal increase is also observed in influenza and coronavirus tests. In Istanbul, only 13 out of 100 patients are currently infected with the influenza virus."
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The Istanbul Provincial Health Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Emre Güner stated that with the arrival of autumn, there has been an increase in upper respiratory tract infections in Istanbul, but this situation is a seasonal pattern that repeats every year. Güner noted that, as in previous years, the expected pattern has emerged this year regarding upper respiratory tract cases in the city.
Güner pointed out that upper respiratory cases in Istanbul are closely monitored by public health experts through an early warning system, stating, "There is an 8% increase in upper respiratory tract cases this month compared to the same month last year across Istanbul. However, we see the same correlation compared to previous years, and we can discern that there is nothing to worry about by comparing it with our previous data." he said.
"THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE INCREASE IN VIRAL INFECTIONS"
Güner emphasized that seasonal transitions and the opening of schools play a significant role in the increase of upper respiratory tract infections, stating, "We already expect seasonal increases during the transition from summer to autumn and at the beginning of spring. The main problem here is the increase in viral infections. Additionally, with the opening of schools, the sensitive population, meaning those who could get sick, come together more. After schools open, we notice that children bring respiratory infection agents home." he said.
Recalling that during the tenure of Health Minister Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu, a study was initiated regarding hygiene training in schools, Güner continued: "We are instilling in children the awareness of being health ambassadors by acting like health professionals. With these trainings, we want our children to pay attention to handwashing, hygiene, and to ensure that classrooms are ventilated frequently so that they can break the infection cycle while they are receiving education together in the same school and classroom when they are sick. We teach this to the children and ensure that they pass these habits on to their friends."
"FREQUENT HANDWASHING AND VENTILATING ROOMS ARE IMPORTANT"
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güner stated that although upper respiratory tract infections generally have mild courses, they pose a risk for certain groups, and therefore it is important for this group to protect themselves. Emphasizing that everyone should pay attention to hygiene rules, Güner said, "If we pay attention to hygiene and maintain our distance in public transport, we can get through this period more comfortably. If we are sick, we need to wear masks and maintain our distance to avoid infecting others. This sensitivity is very important not only for ourselves but also for our fellow citizens. For this reason, frequent handwashing and ventilating rooms are important." he stated.
Güner noted that they are aware of the agents they encounter since upper respiratory tract infections are viral infections, and recorded the following: "A seasonal increase is also observed in influenza and coronavirus tests. In Istanbul, only 13 out of 100 patients are currently infected with the influenza virus. In addition, various viral infections such as rhinoviruses and adenoviruses can also cause upper respiratory tract infections. We have been preparing for this period for years. When autumn arrives, we anticipate an increase in cases related to the flu and hospitalizations, and we complete our preparations in advance to avoid such problems. We keep our chest disease beds and infection services on alert regarding this matter. Our backup reserves are ready to meet any potential needs related to intensive care. Our citizens can be assured that there is currently no issue regarding receiving treatment from intensive care to outpatient clinics or from hospital beds to family medicine if needed."
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