The Ministry of Health’s warnings come after the publication of data indicating that the global flu season started early in the southern hemisphere and was particularly difficult in many countries, including Australia. This pattern, according to the health intelligence system, is an indication that the trend of high morbidity may also return in the northern countries, including Israel. In recent weeks, countries such as Great Britain, Japan, South Korea and Spain have already shown a sharp increase in morbidity and reports of the predominance of the 2N3H/A virus.
In the breakdown by health insurance, the highest rate of vaccinators is found in Klalit Health Services with 12.5 percent of the insured, followed by Maccabi Health Services with 11.7 percent, United with 8.1 percent and National with 7.5 percent. The Ministry of Health notes that despite certain gaps between the funds, in the vast majority the vaccination rate is still far from what is desired for the winter season, which may be unusually difficult.
The data from last November of the World Health Organization detail that the flu activity in the world is still relatively low but the influenza A viruses continue to be dominant. Considering that East Asian countries have already experienced an early and busy start to the season, the concern in Israel is growing. Historically, seasons in which the 3N2H type A virus is dominant are characterized by particularly high mortality and morbidity rates among adults.
Influenza viruses belong to the family of respiratory viruses, where as mentioned strain A is dominant in most flu seasons and is known for its ability to change frequently. These changes allow it to evade the immune system and cause seasonal outbreaks and sometimes also global epidemics. The infection occurs mainly through droplets secreted when coughing, sneezing or talking, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. The incubation period is short, usually one to four days, and symptoms often appear suddenly. They include high fever, chills, dry cough, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, significant fatigue and sometimes also diarrhea and vomiting, especially in children.
The complications of flu may be minor, such as muscle pain, exhaustion, ear and sinus infections, but in some cases more serious complications develop, including viral or bacterial pneumonia, worsening of existing heart and lung diseases, myocarditis, impaired nervous system function, and even respiratory failure. Populations at increased risk include infants, adults over 65, chronically ill and pregnant women.
The components of the vaccine include vaccines against four different strains of the flu virus: a killed vaccine in a normal dose, a live attenuated component that is given as a nasal spray and causes immune reactivity without getting sick, and a killed vaccine in an increased dose intended for the elderly. The vaccines can be obtained without a prescription and without a direct referral from the health insurance nurses.