09.12.2025 15:26
An outbreak that has caused hospitals in England and Spain to overflow has also put one of our cities on alert. Prof. Dr. Recep Tekin from Dicle University announced that there has been a significant increase in mutated influenza cases in Diyarbakır in recent weeks. Tekin stated that this year the symptoms have lasted longer and have been more severe, with patients presenting complaints of fever, cough, headache, body aches, and shortness of breath.
In Diyarbakır, the rapidly increasing respiratory infections in recent weeks are causing concern. Prof. Dr. Recep Tekin, a faculty member of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Dicle University, evaluated the reasons for the increase, why viruses are more severe this year, and what citizens should pay attention to.
"SEASONAL CYCLE AND CLOSED ENVIRONMENTS INCREASE TRANSMISSION" Tekin pointed out that the increase in the time spent in closed areas with the arrival of winter months has raised the transmission speed of viruses, emphasizing that sudden temperature changes negatively affect the immune system. He stated, "The reason for this increase is, of course, part of the seasonal cycle. Spending more time in closed environments, seasonal changes, and sudden temperature fluctuations weaken the body's defense system, and due to more transmission in crowded environments, we see more cases during these periods. Among the viruses we detect more frequently, we see more influenza, RSV, and rhinovirus during these times," he expressed.
"THE DOMINANT VIRUS OF THIS PERIOD: INFLUENZA" Recalling that rhinovirus and RSV were more prominent in previous months, Tekin noted that influenza cases have been predominantly observed in recent weeks, stating, "In previous months, rhinovirus and RSV were more prominent. In recent weeks, influenza is more prevalent. As is known, the influenza virus changes every year, and we especially recommend new vaccinations each year. This year's influenza cases are particularly presenting with severe muscle pain or high body aches, and patients are coming to us with fever lasting 3-4 days. When we look at it, the symptom duration in patients can be a bit longer. In such cases, we especially recommend that patients rest, avoid spending too much time in closed environments, and seek medical attention if fever persists for 3 days. However, we also recommend that the elderly, pregnant women, and children be monitored more closely during this period, as they can have a more severe course. Since it mutates every year, it can present with different symptoms, but especially during this period, we are seeing the influenza virus more frequently," he said.
"COVID HAS NOT DISAPPEARED, NOW IT PRESENTS LIKE INFLUENZA" Addressing the frequently asked question in society, "Has Covid ended?", Tekin clarified that Covid is still present but does not cause severe clinical pictures like during the pandemic, stating, "It is not correct to say Covid is gone. However, it now presents like a classic flu. We occasionally encounter Covid, but in recent weeks, we are encountering more influenza," he said.
"CONTACT WITH VIRUSES DECREASED DURING THE PANDEMIC" Prof. Dr. Tekin pointed to the impact of the pandemic on the immune system as a reason for the more severe course of the disease this year. He reminded that due to the measures taken during the pandemic, contact with viruses decreased, and as a natural consequence, the immune system is not as strong against respiratory viruses as it used to be, continuing, "Currently, especially when we look at it, the symptoms of this year's influenza viruses are indeed very severe. Of course, the virus has mutated a bit. The effects of the pandemic are still ongoing, meaning people have not been exposed to viruses for a long time. As a result, our immune system has somewhat forgotten this virus. When we encounter it this year, it can inevitably present a bit more severely. Our patients can come to us with severe muscle pain, body aches, headaches, cough, and nasal congestion, and we also have patients saying, 'Doctor, I haven't recovered for a week or two.' This indicates that the situation is a bit more severe. Of course, due to seasonal changes, we spend more time in closed environments, which increases the transmission rate of the virus. Especially in schools and closed environments, we see that this outbreak is quite prevalent among students during this period. We can think of this as part of the seasonal cycle. Therefore, we always say that the purpose of recommending the annual updated influenza vaccine, especially for at-risk groups, is this. Because it is known to be more severe every year. Therefore, we recommend that the elderly, diabetics, and immunocompromised individuals receive the influenza vaccine, especially around September, October, and sometimes even extending to November," he advised.
WHEN SHOULD PATIENTS SEE A DOCTOR? Explaining when patients should seek medical attention, Tekin made the following warnings: "When should patients see a doctor? As we know, in upper respiratory infections like influenza, there can be fever. This fever generally lasts for 3 days. If the patient's fever continues for more than 3 days, and if there is shortness of breath, cough, or general deterioration in condition, we want these patients to seek medical attention. In addition, we recommend closer monitoring for the elderly, pregnant women, children, or immunocompromised individuals, and if their symptoms persist, they should consult a doctor or the nearest healthcare facility.""
"ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS" Prof. Dr. Tekin emphasized that antibiotics should not be used for any upper respiratory tract infections, stating: "One of the points to be noted here is that antibiotics should not be used for any upper respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately, in our society, when individuals experience an upper respiratory infection, they immediately use an antibiotic, which is a wrong approach. We recommend that these patients use antibiotics under medical supervision, especially if they have a fever lasting more than 72 hours, if symptoms persist, or if there is an additional infection. What are our recommendations for this illness? Of course, the most important thing is bed rest. Good sleep is important, balanced nutrition, along with plenty of fluid intake and vitamin C, especially as part of recommendations to strengthen the immune system against this illness."