According to data from the National Center for Disease Control, as of last week, 565 hospitalized patients have been reported since the beginning of the season, of whom 239 are hospitalized in pediatric wards and 39 pregnant and maternity women. Most patients have contracted the influenza A virus identified in the Central A / H3 Virus Laboratory, which is included in the influenza vaccine given this season in Israel.
In recent weeks, local outbreaks of influenza A virus have also been identified in various centers in the community across the country. The disease has been reported in children, adolescents, and young adults.
The flu virus can cause serious illness, such as pneumonia, other respiratory complications, myocarditis and even death.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu these days.
The Ministry of Health calls on the general public from the age of 6 months and up to be vaccinated against influenza. The flu vaccine can be given together with the corona vaccine or at any time interval from it.