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Seasonal influenza is predicted to achieve exceptionally excessive ranges this yr, well being officers mentioned Sunday because the nation kicked off its annual flu vaccination marketing campaign. 

The flu is among the most typical and extremely infectious winter viruses. Just like coronavirus, the flu is transmitted from individual to individual primarily by droplets made when folks cough, sneeze and even discuss.  

Since March 2020, Israel has had no recognized circumstances of the flu. Dr. David Mossinson, the chief medical officer for Meuhedet Well being Companies, defined that the state of affairs arose largely as a result of residents have been cautious about carrying masks in almost all conditions final yr. As well as, in the course of the top of when influenza would have been spreading across the nation, folks have been in lockdown and colleges and preschools have been closed. 

“Social distancing and masks made the flu season final yr nearly non-existent in our lives, and the final time there was such a low morbidity fee was in 1988,” mentioned Meuhedet Head Nurse Mali Kusha. 

Nonetheless, what Israel and the remainder of the world noticed in the summertime when folks began taking off their masks was a “soar in respiratory viruses and infections,” Mossinson mentioned. “There was an uncommon and surprising improve in respiratory infections that normally characterize the winter months. The consequence was a major burden on the well being system that we don’t usually see in the summertime months – and this phenomenon was additionally reported worldwide.” 

The flu virus modifications yearly and due to this fact folks must obtain a brand new shot. The flu vaccine is produced primarily based on the forecast of the World Well being Group as to which strains are anticipated to flow into. Normally, the forecasts have been correct and the vaccine labored.  

The vaccine is most essential for folks in 4 goal teams: people over 65, pregnant ladies, folks with continual illness and infants and youngsters six months to 12 who can’t be vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19. 

This yr, Meuhedet is providing the Fluzone Excessive-Dose influenza vaccine for folks over the age of 65, which is 24% more practical. 

Between 70% and 80% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in folks 65 years and older, in accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management and Preventions. Additionally, 50% to 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred amongst folks on this age group. 

Most years, round 60% of Israel’s aged inhabitants is vaccinated.

The entire well being funds have the usual and nasal spray flu vaccines for folks in different age cohorts.

George Washington College pupil Jessica Hirsh is given the H1N1 flu nasal spray vaccine on the Pupil Well being Service clinic in Washington, November 19, 2009 (REUTERS/HYUNGWON KANG).

Furthermore, this yr, folks can obtain the flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the identical time, though ideally in several limbs. 

“Final yr, once we began vaccinating in December, we lacked details about the brand new COVID vaccines so we didn’t enable folks to take them collectively,” Mossinson mentioned, noting that the protocol had been to have a 14-day hole between the 2 photographs. 

He mentioned that individuals ought to rush to get their vaccines earlier than the tip of subsequent month when the flu is predicted to reach.  

May taking the flu vaccine assist beat back COVID and vice versa? 

“We’ve some preliminary proof,” Mossinson mentioned. “However normally, individuals who take their vaccines are additionally people who find themselves extra conscious of their well being and I believe that has extra to do with it.”  

He mentioned, “There’s nothing that’s proof primarily based thus far, however possibly, we’ll see.”