Flu surge overwhelms Tallinn hospitals as holiday cases spike beyond capacity
Flu cases have surged in Tallinn during the holiday season, putting pressure on emergency services. The North Estonia Medical Center has seen a sharp rise in patients, with over 250 daily visits compared to the usual 200. Health officials are advising the public on when to seek urgent care and how to prevent further spread.
Dr. Arkadi Popov, a virologist, reported a spike in flu patients at the centre’s emergency department on Christmas Eve. Many of the most severe cases involve elderly patients needing hospital treatment. The flu wave has now peaked, but complications remain rare for young, healthy individuals.
To ease the strain on emergency services, residents are urged to contact their family doctor or the medical advice line first. An after-hours clinic in Tallinn also offers initial triage before directing patients to the emergency department. A visit there is only necessary if pneumonia is suspected or if symptoms worsen—such as a fever lasting over three days or an intensifying cough, which may require a chest X-ray. Health authorities remind the public that flu season typically ends by March or April. Vaccination is still recommended for those who haven’t received it. Meanwhile, anyone feeling unwell is advised to skip large gatherings, including New Year’s Eve events, to avoid spreading the virus further.
The emergency department continues to handle high patient numbers, with daily visits exceeding 250. Officials stress the importance of seeking the right level of care and following preventive measures. The flu outbreak is expected to decline in the coming months as the season winds down.
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