Israel’s Health Ministry is warning of a severe and early influenza season, urging at-risk populations to wear masks as hospitalizations rise.
According to the National Center for Disease Control, 513 new influenza A–positive hospitalizations were reported by week 49, alongside one influenza B case, based on data from 14 general hospitals. Over the past three weeks, four children have died from the flu, three of whom were unvaccinated.
While vaccination rates are climbing, with about 15.7 percent of the population inoculated, the ministry says coverage remains insufficient. It recommends mask use in enclosed spaces for high-risk individuals, medical staff, and visitors to nursing and geriatric facilities.
Although the flu vaccine does not completely prevent infection with the disease, it helps alleviate its severity, and vaccinating a child against the flu may also provide some protection for the adults around them, the ministry added.
Last week, the Health Ministry urged the entire population to get vaccinated for the Flu, and for those who are sick to stay home, as Israel is facing an early and severe flu season.
Complications already reported among children and the elderly
Experts say the number of cases is rising sharply, with serious complications already reported among children and the elderly.
“Based on monitoring of global data, a season with serious infection is to be expected,” the Health Ministry said. “The rise in morbidity is steep, and serious complications in children have already been reported, including three deaths over the past two weeks.”