(haipo) Flu, coronavirus, and RSV (a virus that affects the respiratory tract) are expected to place additional strain on the health system in the coming months. The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to hospitals and health insurance funds for preparing for the winter season, while at the same time urging the public, especially at-risk populations, to get vaccinated against the flu early. The vaccines are already available at health insurance funds across the country.
Preparing for an increase in morbidity
In preparation for the upcoming winter season, the Ministry of Health has begun early preparations for the expected increase in respiratory disease morbidity. Within this framework, the Ministry has sent hospitals and health funds circular instructions for preparing for winter, which is currently in the process of receiving public comments until next week.
The preparations are mainly focused on dealing with respiratory illnesses, including influenza, the coronavirus, and RSV, a virus that can cause significant illness, especially among infants, the elderly, and people with underlying illnesses. According to new reports from citizens and family doctors, the coronavirus has advanced and is beginning to show its signs.
What awaits us this coming winter?
The Ministry of Health notes that every year the winter season brings with it an increase in respiratory morbidity, and accordingly an increase in the number of visits to doctors, medical centers and emergency rooms. The main concern is the accumulation of several factors at the same time: the spread of influenza, the activity of coronaviruses and RSV, along with other respiratory diseases. Such a combination may increase the burden on both hospitals and medical services in the community.
Therefore, the emphasis this year is on early preparation rather than waiting until a significant increase in morbidity. Hospitals were required to prepare for possible overloads by reinforcing professional staff, adjusting department activities, and preparing to separate patients suffering from respiratory symptoms. In addition, protective measures will be used according to the situation and need.
Health funds are preparing
Adjustments are also being made in the community for the winter. Health funds have been instructed to expand the distribution of vaccination sites, increase information to insured people, and prepare, if necessary, to extend operating hours. In addition, the funds are expected to expand the use of telemedicine services, with the aim of enabling medical care without physically visiting a clinic and reducing burdens on the system.
Vaccination campaign for at-risk populations
In parallel with the systemic preparations, the Ministry of Health began last week a campaign to distribute flu vaccines to approximately 400 points across the country. Among other things, the vaccines are being delivered to geriatric institutions, assisted living homes, and the Disability Administration frameworks of the Ministry of Social Affairs. The goal is to make the vaccine accessible to populations at increased risk of flu complications.
At the same time, the drug Tamiflu, which is used to treat influenza in cases where it is required according to medical guidelines, is also distributed in geriatric institutions.
Not just flu: also corona, pneumococcus and childhood vaccines
Winter preparations also include reference to additional vaccinations. The guidelines deal with vaccines against coronavirus and the pneumococcal vaccine, depending on the medical indications and the patient's age and health condition.
In addition, the Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of completing routine vaccinations among children, as well as the need for healthcare workers to be vaccinated against influenza, both to protect them and to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to patients.
How can the risk of illness be reduced?
The Ministry of Health's main message to the public is not to wait until the incidence increases.
The key step is early vaccination against influenza, especially for people in risk groups. In addition, it is important to practice hand hygiene, avoid close contact with sick people as much as possible, and stay home if you are sick and have symptoms, depending on the situation and need.
In the event of significant symptoms or worsening of your health condition, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
The head of the medical division at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, said: "Every year, winter brings with it an increase in respiratory illnesses and burdens on the healthcare system, so it is important to prepare early. Alongside the preparation of hospitals and health funds, we call on the public, and especially at-risk populations, to get vaccinated against the flu early. The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of serious illness and complications."
It is very important to get vaccinated against the flu and one hour in advance, especially the elderly among us.
There are still no vaccines at the Moshav Maderech Oz clinic and the Omer clinic, a central clinic in Afula.
Don't give up on vaccines. For the good of all of us.
All vaccine rejecters risk disease
of themselves and their family. I too have avoided in the past
But starting with the Corona vaccinations, my family and I
Get vaccinated every year against the flu and in general.
By getting vaccinated, you are also protecting the environment, not just yourself.