Everything you (didn’t) want to know about the Flu
Everything you (didn’t) want to know about the Flu
Seasonal flu that is complicated by the threat of ‘Mexican flu’, which in turn is complicated by the menace of various other winter viruses… creates a troubling scenario. What are the facts, and what are the real dangers?
N. Ben Menachem 15/10/2009 12:16
One of the most enchanting seasons of the year, winter comes with its tantalizing smell of rain, blossoming flora and vegetation, fluffy down quilts, tea and hot soup… and the flu. This year, the flu has taken on a more menacing dimension – the mild virus which generally runs its course within a week and pampers its host with several days of ‘sick leave’ and some bed-rest, has become cause for extreme concern.
What is the flu? How can we prevent it? And why is it recommended to immunise the family this year? Dr. Hadar Yardeni, regional doctor in Kupat Cholim Leu’mit (Le’umit Health Fund), presents the visitors to the ‘Etrog’ website with vital and up-to-date information on the subject:
What is the Flu, and how can we prevent an outbreak?
The ‘flu’ is one of the most widespread diseases in the world, if not the most widespread. It is in essence a viral disease, caused by the infamous ‘Influenza Virus’. There are three strains of this virus – A, B and C. The first two are the main culprits in cases of human flu. The duration of the sickness is approximately one week, and it is a seasonal malady, appearing mainly towards the end of the autumn and continuing on through the winter. The illness is common amongst all ages: children through adults, but is particularly prevalent amongst patients afflicted with chronic diseases.
Every few years the influenza virus undergoes a genetic change (mutation) and this results in a particularly large and virulent outbreak of the flu – as has occurred frequently in recent times. Researchers believe that these viruses which undergo major genetic changes originate in the Far East, and their rapid global distribution is due largely to the transportation of animals or infected people, from place to place.
These mutated strains of the influenza virus are the cause for many of the particularly potent outbreaks of flu that hit the world from time to time. One such plague was the 1997 flu epidemic, which originated in Hong Kong.
Based on studies carried out in Israel and various other countries, there is evidence that each year in Israel 5% - 20% of the population fall sick with the flu. Amongst young children and adults over 65 there is a higher incidence of complications and hospitalizations resulting from the flu. It is estimated that the number of fatalities as a result of the flu ranges between 200 to 800 a year, with the majority of victims aged 65 and over.
How can we prevent an outbreak of the Flu?
Seasonal immunisation against the flu is the most proven way to help ward off the flu, or at least reduce its risk of complications. According to studies made by the CDC (Central for Disease Control) in the US, the success rate of immunisations in preventing the outbreak of flu amongst healthy adults and children is between 70 – 90%. In preventing hospitalizations resulting from complications of the flu, the success rate is 50 – 60%; and in preventing death from the flu, it is 80% successful.
Why is it worthwhile to be immunised this year?
Every year the debate begins once again as to the necessity of immunising children to the flu, particularly healthy children.
Paediatricians from all health funds and communities are supporting and encouraging the use of this immunisation amongst children of every age. This year, because of forecasts of a further outbreak of the ‘Swine Flu’ and expectations that it will target the younger population, it is all the more vital to immunise children against the ‘regular’ flu.
In recent years, the numbers of those requesting immunisation has diminished because of cases of fatalities (although there is no evidence showing any connection to the immunisation itself). Immunisation has now dropped to 20% less than in earlier years.
In wake of the decline in immunised patients, recent winters have seen a marked increase in flu-related illnesses. Similarly the incidence of pneumonia has risen alarmingly in recent years, as based on the number of patients turning to their local health funds for medical care in these cases. The mortality rate due to pneumonia in recent years has likewise reached a record high relative to previous years.
Kupat Cholim Le’umit calls forth to all members of society, particularly the ‘at-risk’ group, to come and receive an immunisation. The immunisation is offered free of charge, and is administered by a proficient nurse at your local clinic.
A healthy winter to one and all!
What is the flu? How can we prevent it? And why is it recommended to immunise the family this year? Dr. Hadar Yardeni, regional doctor in Kupat Cholim Leu’mit (Le’umit Health Fund), presents the visitors to the ‘Etrog’ website with vital and up-to-date information on the subject:
What is the Flu, and how can we prevent an outbreak?
The ‘flu’ is one of the most widespread diseases in the world, if not the most widespread. It is in essence a viral disease, caused by the infamous ‘Influenza Virus’. There are three strains of this virus – A, B and C. The first two are the main culprits in cases of human flu. The duration of the sickness is approximately one week, and it is a seasonal malady, appearing mainly towards the end of the autumn and continuing on through the winter. The illness is common amongst all ages: children through adults, but is particularly prevalent amongst patients afflicted with chronic diseases.
Every few years the influenza virus undergoes a genetic change (mutation) and this results in a particularly large and virulent outbreak of the flu – as has occurred frequently in recent times. Researchers believe that these viruses which undergo major genetic changes originate in the Far East, and their rapid global distribution is due largely to the transportation of animals or infected people, from place to place.
These mutated strains of the influenza virus are the cause for many of the particularly potent outbreaks of flu that hit the world from time to time. One such plague was the 1997 flu epidemic, which originated in Hong Kong.
Based on studies carried out in Israel and various other countries, there is evidence that each year in Israel 5% - 20% of the population fall sick with the flu. Amongst young children and adults over 65 there is a higher incidence of complications and hospitalizations resulting from the flu. It is estimated that the number of fatalities as a result of the flu ranges between 200 to 800 a year, with the majority of victims aged 65 and over.
How can we prevent an outbreak of the Flu?
Seasonal immunisation against the flu is the most proven way to help ward off the flu, or at least reduce its risk of complications. According to studies made by the CDC (Central for Disease Control) in the US, the success rate of immunisations in preventing the outbreak of flu amongst healthy adults and children is between 70 – 90%. In preventing hospitalizations resulting from complications of the flu, the success rate is 50 – 60%; and in preventing death from the flu, it is 80% successful.
Why is it worthwhile to be immunised this year?
Every year the debate begins once again as to the necessity of immunising children to the flu, particularly healthy children.
Paediatricians from all health funds and communities are supporting and encouraging the use of this immunisation amongst children of every age. This year, because of forecasts of a further outbreak of the ‘Swine Flu’ and expectations that it will target the younger population, it is all the more vital to immunise children against the ‘regular’ flu.
In recent years, the numbers of those requesting immunisation has diminished because of cases of fatalities (although there is no evidence showing any connection to the immunisation itself). Immunisation has now dropped to 20% less than in earlier years.
In wake of the decline in immunised patients, recent winters have seen a marked increase in flu-related illnesses. Similarly the incidence of pneumonia has risen alarmingly in recent years, as based on the number of patients turning to their local health funds for medical care in these cases. The mortality rate due to pneumonia in recent years has likewise reached a record high relative to previous years.
Kupat Cholim Le’umit calls forth to all members of society, particularly the ‘at-risk’ group, to come and receive an immunisation. The immunisation is offered free of charge, and is administered by a proficient nurse at your local clinic.
A healthy winter to one and all!
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