A four-year-old boy from northern Israel died from the flu on Friday after being brought to the hospital that morning. He was pronounced dead after prolonged medical efforts to save him.
The Health Ministry said that this is the fifth case this year in Israel of a child who has died from the disease that has been reported to the ministry.
The ministry added that the child was generally healthy and had not been vaccinated against the flu, noting that flu morbidity in Israel is increasing. It reiterated its recommendation that the entire population be vaccinated as soon as possible. It was further emphasized that although the vaccine does not completely prevent influenza, it reduces illness severity in most cases.
The vaccine is available free of charge through health insurance.
Return to wearing masks?
As a precaution, the Health Ministry recommends that at-risk populations wear masks in enclosed spaces and at gatherings. In addition, mask-wearing was recommended for medical staff and for visitors to nursing homes and geriatric institutions.
The Galilee Medical Center reported that the boy was suffering from influenza for several days. Prolonged resuscitation attempts were carried out at his home, first by his father and later by MDA emergency teams. Upon arrival at the emergency room, doctors continued advanced resuscitation efforts, but were forced to pronounce his death.
The medical center noted that the case underscores the importance of flu vaccinations, especially for children, and added that staff are accompanying the boy's family and offering condolences.