According to Health Ministry data, since the beginning of winter 5776, eighty-eight people have been diagnosed with the flu, of which nine have died. Most of the diagnosis’s have been swine flu.

According to the Yediot Achronot report, this year’s winter will mimic the winter of 2013-2014, which documented 116 cases in serious condition and over 30 fatalities.

This year, over 20 of the patients are in serious condition with swine flu, most with background illnesses as well including diabetes or chronic cardiac issues. However, the number includes children and pregnant women too.

A senior health official told Yediot that over 50% of the patients diagnosed with the flu have swine flu. Health officials continue to urge persons in higher risk categories including the elderly, persons with chronic illness, pregnant women and children to get vaccinated. One only needs to visit’s one’s kupat cholim and one can be vaccinated free of charge. Health Minister Yaakov Litzman commented recently that 2 million vaccines have been purchased and if more are needed, they will be ordered.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)