KONYA, Turkiye

As an increasing trend of seasonal flu is observed, a chief physician in the central Anatolian Konya province said people could curb the spread by following simple preventive measures.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Dr. Hasan Kucukkendirici, the head physician at Meram Medical Faculty Hospital, said there is an increase in viral infections related to upper and lower respiratory tract such as cold and flu.

"Patient admissions increase seasonally and we expected this. But there has been an increase in respiratory tract illnesses recently," he said, adding that there were fewer numbers in previous years as people adhered to anti-virus measures.

He urged everyone to follow the same measures related to COVID-19 such as masking, social distancing and hygiene.

Kucukkendirici said consuming enough fluids, and a healthy diet are necessary to prevent viral infections.

*Writing by Merve Aydogan in Ankara