The flu in Israel is increasing – the Ministry of Elections recommends wearing masks

In Israel, influenza activity began earlier than expected. During the last three weeks, four children died as a result of flu complications, three of them were not vaccinated and one suffered from significant underlying diseases. For comparison, during the previous flu season, four children died throughout the season, when the first case also happened in December. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that this is a worrying figure, but one that still does not indicate a change in the severity of the disease in children.

As part of the preparations for the health system, last week the Ministry of Health convened the CTM, the epidemic treatment team, for a comprehensive discussion with the participation of experts from the fields of medicine and public health. At the end of the discussion, the team members joined the ministry’s call to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. At the same time, additional discussions were held led by the Director General of the Ministry of Health, at the end of which it was decided to expand the recommendations to the public.

In the official announcement, it was stated that the ministry recommends that populations at risk, including those aged 65 and over and patients with chronic diseases, consider wearing masks in closed places and in gatherings. It was also recommended that medical staff and visitors to nursing homes and geriatric institutions wear masks. As part of the seasonal winter circular, which was already published in October, the health institutions were instructed to increase the manpower in the medical centers, in the internal departments and in supporting structures, with the aim of reducing burdens and providing a response to the winter illness.

Despite the call, the vaccination figures in Israel are still low: as of Monday, December 15, more than one and a half million people, representing about 15.7% of the total population, had been vaccinated against the flu. Among those aged 65 and over, the vaccination rate is 50.1%. The numbers are still low, but this is a certain increase of about two percent in about a week and a half in the proportion of those getting vaccinated

The Ministry of Health admits that despite the increase, vaccination rates are still below the target. For example, in the 2022-2023 winter season, the vaccination rate among those aged 65 and over was about 55%. Against this background, the ministry continues to call on the entire population, especially at-risk populations and the elderly, to come and get vaccinated.

According to the data of the National Center for Disease Control, as of week 49, 513 new patients positive for type A influenza and one case of type B influenza were reported in the general hospitals, according to a report from 14 hospitals. The Ministry of Health states that the vaccines available in Israel this season provide significant protection against severe illness and death from the prevailing influenza strains, even if they do not completely prevent infection. According to the medical literature, the flu vaccine protects against infection at a rate of about 50-60%, and protects against medical complications and mortality at a rate of 80-90%.

Is this year’s outbreak really unusual?

The data from the health insurance funds and hospitals shows that the flu season started early and the most virulent A strain among the four flu viruses is probably more contagious than in previous years, but is not necessarily more virulent. This is a winter that reveals patterns reminiscent of the difficult seasons in the southern hemisphere, where hundreds of thousands of infected and a large number of hospitalized people were reported.

Are children at greater risk?

The flu can be dangerous at any age, but young children are especially susceptible to complications. In Israel, these days, babies and toddlers are hospitalized in intensive care, some of them are ventilated and connected to an ambulatory. This pattern is also known from other countries. The risk is higher in children with underlying diseases, but even healthy children may suffer from rapid deterioration. The young immune system, along with the fact that some children have been less exposed to viruses in recent years, increases their sensitivity. Apart from children, the risk groups include pregnant women, the elderly and chronic patients.

How is the flu treated?

In most cases, this is a disease that can be treated at home, through rest, drinking plenty of water and medicines to reduce fever and relieve pain. Sometimes a dedicated antiviral treatment against the flu is given, mainly for at-risk populations, with the drug “Tamiflu”, which from this year can only be purchased privately. The medicine is only effective if you start taking the pills in the first days of the disease. In cases where complications such as shortness of breath, decreased oxygen levels or extreme fatigue develop, treatment in a hospital is necessary, which includes respiratory support and sometimes the use of more complex technologies such as Acmo.

Can the flu lead to death?

yes. Although the disease usually passes without complications, it can be dangerous and even fatal. In the last week alone, three children died after contracting the flu. Two of them were not vaccinated. These figures correspond to patterns also known in Western countries, where deaths among children and adults are reported every year.

Why is the number of critically ill patients increasing now?

The flu season in Israel, affected by the data coming from Australia and New Zealand, was expected to be difficult. Vaccination at the beginning of the season was low, so many entered the winter without a sufficient layer of protection. The children are the main victims, among other things because of a young immune system and lack of sufficient exposure to viruses in recent years. Persistent symptoms at home, especially high fever and shortness of breath, sometimes cause a late visit to the hospital, which is often accompanied by a significant deterioration. Meanwhile strain A of the virus this year is probably more contagious than in previous years.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine does not prevent all cases of infection, but it significantly reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. The effectiveness varies from year to year depending on the common strains, but even in seasons where there is only a partial match, the vaccine provides cross protection that reduces the severity of the disease and the risk of complications. The level of protection against infection is about 50 to 60 percent, but the level of protection against complications is 80-90 percent.

The high occupancy levels lead to delays in testing and receiving treatment, but the screening systems are designed to quickly locate those who are at immediate risk. In a situation where worrisome signs such as shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, confusion or a decreased level of consciousness appear, seek treatment without delay. In milder cases, you can contact emergency medical centers or the family doctor to avoid unnecessary burdens in the emergency rooms.

What is the difference between flu and corona?

Both are respiratory diseases caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by type A or B influenza viruses while corona is caused by the SARS CoV 2 virus. The symptoms are largely similar, including fever, cough and fatigue. Loss of smell and taste was more common in previous corona waves, but the exact distinction is made in laboratory tests only. The significant difference is in “long covid”, a prolonged illness after contracting corona, which may include dozens of symptoms including fatigue, impaired memory, difficulty breathing, and loss of sense of taste and smell.

What is the difference between the regular vaccine and the enhanced vaccine for the elderly?

The regular vaccine is intended for children and healthy adults, and is based on four different strains of the flu virus. There is also the option of live attenuated spray for children. The elderly are offered a vaccine in an increased dose, which stimulates a stronger immune response and is suitable for a weak immune system in old age. Studies show that this vaccine significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and mortality among the elderly.

If the vaccine only starts working after about two weeks, is there any point in getting vaccinated now?

yes. The vaccine starts working in about two weeks, but the flu season lasts for many months. Therefore, vaccination in the middle of the season can also be beneficial and reduce risks later in the winter. For children, the elderly and people with underlying illnesses, any reduction in the risk of serious illness is significant. This year there is also the option of getting vaccinated using a nasal spray, which makes it easier for those who have difficulty with injections.

What caused the early morbidity in Israel?

The early increase in morbidity is attributed to a new sub-strain of influenza A type A(H3N2), known as sub-strain K, which is characterized by a wider scope of infection compared to previous seasons. The subspecies was first identified in the summer of 2025, and has since spread in various countries, mainly in Europe and East Asia.

How many have we vaccinated against the flu so far?

Despite the call to get vaccinated, the vaccination figures in Israel are still low: as of Monday, December 15, more than one and a half million people, representing about 15.7% of the total population, had been vaccinated against the flu. Among those aged 65 and over, the vaccination rate is 50.1%. The numbers are still low, but this is a certain increase of about two percent in about a week and a half in the proportion of those getting vaccinated

The Ministry of Health admits that despite the increase, vaccination rates are still below the target. For example, in the 2022-2023 winter season, the vaccination rate among those aged 65 and over was about 55%. Against this background, the ministry continues to call on the entire population, especially at-risk populations and the elderly, to come and get vaccinated.