IN ISRAEL, CASES OF FLU AND COVID ARE INCREASING AMID REDUCED VACCINATION.

By DR. ITAI GAL, JANUARY 3, 2024 19:07

Flu and cold season has arrived. (Photo Credit: HERBALIFE, PR)

Hundreds Of Parents And Babies Are Now Hospitalized For Severe Pneumonia.

Predictions of winter diseases began to appear. With the conflict in Gaza and the North and the lack of vaccinations, coronavirus and flu are spreading rapidly. Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that morbidity among both adults and children is rapidly increasing. In addition, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, which cause severe illness in infants and children, are also increasing.

Hundreds of parents and babies with severe pneumonia are currently hospitalized. Community clinics are also reporting numerous cases of coronavirus, flu, and RSV. Samples of the RSV virus and influenza types A and B were also found positive in laboratory tests.

A very low vaccination rate in the population is associated with an increase in these infections. For example, Maccabi Health Services ordered 500,000 vaccines, but only 347,000 people received them. This figure is about 100,000 lower than the number of flu vaccinations given the previous year. At Clalit, only 150,000 of the 260,000 available doses have been used, down 14% from the previous year. In Leumit, too, only 65, 000 of the 120, 000 vaccines ordered have been administered, down from 74, 000. About 775,000 people have been vaccinated in Clalit, down 15 percent from the previous winter.

The situation when receiving a coronavirus vaccination is even worse. According to data from the Ministry of Health, only about half a percent of Israelis have been vaccinated against the virus at the moment. In the past, about 70% of people have been vaccinated, but their immunity is now ineffective against this new strain. The majority of vaccinated people are 70 years of age or older.

As the virus is constantly changing, this extremely low vaccination rate is not just happening in Israel; it is a worldwide trend. The latest Omicron family strains, JN1 and HV1, replaced the previous strains and spread rapidly in the United States. In Israel, the Jn1 strain has been found in hundreds, causing new symptoms such as anxiety and sleep disorders. Loss of taste and smell is less common in this breed, unlike the previous variant.

"The flu came rather late this year, causing a false sense of security among the public," says Dr. Roni Ferber, Clalit's Director of Public Health. Most at-risk groups have been vaccinated less since the conflict began. The number of flu cases has risen in recent weeks, increasing hospitalizations and burdening the health care system. Compared to unvaccinated individuals, the flu vaccine has been shown to be 67% effective in preventing hospitalizations and severe cases. The Orthomyxoviridae virus family (influenza A, B, and C) is responsible for the flu, which kills millions of people each year worldwide. 

How to Avoid Hospitalization:

Vaccination large quantities of : flu and coronavirus vaccines are still available in health funds. Even if you were given the flu vaccine a year earlier, your immunity will decrease after a year. Previous coronavirus infections do not provide immunity to new strains of the virus. Infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with long-term illnesses are especially important to be vaccinated.

Home testing : you can have a corona antigen test at home if you experience symptoms such as high fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or vomiting. You can also take tests for flu and laryngitis at home. Stay at home and consult your doctor if the result is positive.

Online consultation : the Health Fund offers medical advice and a nurse telephone service over the internet for 24 hours a day. Some even offer a "Tytocare" device for a complete physical examination that can be done at home.

Medicine delivered : now healthcare organizations deliver medicine to your home. If necessary, check the stock of the drug, its validity, and your order. Delivery is about thirty shekels, and parents are free.

Prevent spread : if you are sick, avoid work or school and keep your children at home. Good hygiene practices, such as sneezing in the elbow and washing your hands frequently,

Manage symptoms : over-the-counter medications can be used to treat fever, and inhaling saline can help with coughing and shortness of breath. If the symptoms do not go away, consult a doctor.

Emergency care : if you experience serious symptoms such as prolonged high fever, rapid breathing, severe dehydration, or unexplained bleeding, visit the emergency room. Always consult your health fund nurse hotline or online doctor service before using such services. To ensure better health and safety for everyone, these practical measures and increased awareness can reduce the impact of flu and coronavirus.

News Sources : ( https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-780630 )