Flu Cases Surge in Israel, Prompting Winter Health Concerns
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Israel is facing a concerning increase in influenza A hospitalizations, with 66 new cases reported in the past week and a total of 277 since August. The elderly are most affected, and four patients required intensive care. Concurrently, COVID-19 hospitalizations have also risen. Despite the surge, the national flu vaccination rate stands at a low 4.1%, with only 16.7% of those over 65 vaccinated.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 66 new influenza A hospitalizations were recorded in Israel in the past week.
- A total of 277 flu patients have been hospitalized nationwide since August.
- Over half of flu hospitalizations, 147 cases, are among individuals aged 65 and older.
- The national flu vaccination rate is only 4.1% as of October 11.
- COVID-19 hospitalizations also increased, with the percentage of positive cases rising to 4.2%.
Israel is experiencing a worrying rise in influenza cases as winter approaches, with the Ministry of Health reporting a significant increase in hospitalizations due to the virus. In the past week alone, 66 new patients were admitted with confirmed influenza A infections. Since monitoring began in August, a total of 277 individuals have been hospitalized across 14 hospitals nationwide with the flu. Of these, 221 are adults, 54 are children, and two are pregnant women. The elderly are disproportionately affected, with 147 patients aged 65 and over, accounting for approximately 53% of all recorded cases. During the last week, three adults and one child required intensive care.
Alongside the flu surge, COVID-19 cases are also increasing. In the past week, 63 new patients tested positive for coronavirus and were hospitalized in 11 hospitals. The percentage of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 rose from 2.9% to 4.2% within a single week. In contrast, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity remains low, with only two new cases reported.
The vaccination rate against the flu remains critically low. As of October 11, only 409,664 individuals, representing 4.1% of all insured persons, have received the flu vaccine. Among those aged 65 and over, the vaccination rate is 16.7%, while for children aged two to five, it is a mere 1.9%. Despite the rise in cases, community flu-like illness is still below epidemic thresholds. However, these figures underscore the importance of preparing for winter and increasing awareness about vaccination, particularly among at-risk populations.
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