Two more people died of swine flu complications, health officials report, both patients who had underlying chronic illnesses. Such patients medical experts explain are at increased risk, since the flu can and does compromise their body’s ability to function, and in extreme cases, such as the swine flu deaths, may lead to the cessation of function of major organs. The latest victims were both men, ages 67 and 76.

Health officials on Sunday instructed hospitals to prepare to address some 14,000 swine flu deaths this winter, an ominous prediction but officials insist data resulting from Israel’s own experience with swine flu coupled with WHO information points to such a reality.

Hospitals are expected to be inundated with flu patients and health experts predict this winter we will see 1.8 million visits to HMOs (kupot cholim) for flu related illnesses. It is estimated that 5% of the swine flu patients will require hospitalization.

At the very least, the swine flu will place an increased strain on the nation’s already overtaxed healthcare system.

AS WE GO TO PRINT: A 62-year-old female, a kidney transplant recipient died of swine flu complications in Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital during the night.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)