22.10.2026 15:01
With the arrival of autumn in Istanbul, upper respiratory tract infections have increased, and in the last month, 559 thousand people have applied to hospitals with the same complaints. Istanbul Provincial Health Director Abdullah Emre Güner, noting that the risk of transmission has increased especially with the opening of schools, warned the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Güner announced that there has been no unexpected increase compared to the same period last year and that there has been no problem with hospital capacity.
With the arrival of autumn in Istanbul, activity has begun in upper respiratory tract infections. Istanbul Provincial Health Director Associate Professor Dr. Abdullah Emre Güner announced that approximately 559,000 people applied to hospitals with upper respiratory tract infection complaints in the past month. Güner noted that especially with the opening of schools, the likelihood of infections spreading has increased, and made important warnings to citizens in the risk group.
559,000 PEOPLE APPLIED TO HOSPITALS IN ONE MONTH In a statement to an Anadolu Agency reporter, Istanbul Provincial Health Director Associate Professor Dr. Abdullah Emre Güner said that with the change of season, the expected activity in upper respiratory tract infections had begun.
Güner said, "With autumn in Istanbul, upper respiratory tract infections have begun to increase as we predicted. In the past month, approximately 559,000 people applied to our hospitals with upper respiratory tract infection complaints."
Güner, stating that they closely follow case numbers, emphasized that there has been no unexpected increase compared with the same period last year.
THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION INCREASED WITH THE OPENING OF SCHOOLS Güner, noting that seasonal change and the opening of schools are effective in the spread of upper respiratory tract infections, drew attention to the fact that children being together increases the likelihood of transmission.
He stated that changes in air temperatures, the use of air conditioning and heating, inadequate nutrition, and irregular sleep can also negatively affect resistance to infections.
Güner, noting that especially schoolchildren can carry infection agents home, said that families should be more careful during this period.
CRITICAL WARNING FOR THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH CHRONIC DISEASES Güner, stating that infections mostly progress mildly in children and people in the middle age group, said that in the elderly with chronic diseases, those bedridden, or those with poor general health, they can lead to serious consequences.
Güner emphasized that viral and bacterial infections can progress severely in these groups, and in some cases fatal conditions can occur.
Istanbul Provincial Health Director Associate Professor Dr. Abdullah Emre Güner CHILDREN SHOWING SYMPTOMS SHOULD NOT BE SENT TO SCHOOL Güner, stating that measures should be taken to prevent transmission when symptoms such as runny nose, cough, fever, and sore throat are seen, especially addressed families.
Güner, noting that sick children should not be sent to school before they recover, drew attention to the importance of frequently ventilating enclosed spaces.
He said that balanced nutrition and regular sleep are also important in protection against infections.
HE CALLED FOR FLU VACCINATION Güner, touching on the importance of getting flu vaccinations before the disease occurs, stated that especially the elderly and citizens in the risk group should apply to their family physicians regarding vaccination.
Güner stated that eligible people can get their prescriptions from family physicians and obtain their vaccines free of charge from pharmacies.
"WE HAVE NO PROBLEM IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS" Güner, explaining that the early warning system that monitors possible outbreaks and case increases in Istanbul is actively used, said that hospitals are ready for the winter period.
Güner, stating that there are 46,000 ward beds and more than 6,000 intensive care beds throughout the city, said, "We are not facing an increase compared with last year. At the moment, we have no problem with our bed occupancy rates or intensive care occupancy rates."
Güner emphasized that citizens should pay attention to personal measures to prevent the spread of diseases, and stated that their aim is to strengthen protective measures before infections occur.