Ministry of Health Issues Mask Recommendation as Flu Claims Four Young Lives

A Deadly Start to the Season

The current flu season has arrived earlier than expected and with devastating consequences. Over the past three weeks, four children in Israel have died from flu complications. Medical officials reported that three of these children were unvaccinated, while the fourth suffered from significant underlying health conditions.

Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov addressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are preparing for a difficult winter illness. The principle driving us is preventive caution." He added that the ministry is particularly concerned about the pediatric deaths, which led to the early convening of the Epidemic Management Team.

The Push for Vaccination and Masks

The Ministry of Health is officially recommending that the public wear masks during indoor gatherings, specifically during Hanukkah events and family celebrations. "Regarding Hanukkah candle lighting, we recommend wearing a mask, and certainly not to attend gatherings in closed spaces if you are sick, to prevent infection," Bar Siman Tov said.

While the ministry clarified that the mask recommendation is not a mandatory directive, it is strongly encouraged for high risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Additionally, medical staff and visitors to nursing homes are urged to wear masks and ensure they are vaccinated.

Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of the Medical Division at the Ministry of Health, noted that while vaccination rates are rising, they are not yet sufficient. Currently, over 1.5 million Israelis have been vaccinated, representing 15.7% of the population. Among those aged 65 and over, the rate is 50.1%, a slight decrease from the 55% recorded during the 2022-2023 season.

Global Mutation and Hospital Strain

The early surge in illness is being attributed to a new mutant sub-variant of Influenza A (H3N2) known as the "K" strain. This sub-strain, which appeared in the summer of 2025, is characterized by a higher infection rate than previous seasons. Currently, hospitals report 513 new patients positive for Influenza A and one for Influenza B.

Despite the mutation, health officials emphasized that current vaccines provide significant protection against severe illness and death. "Although the vaccine does not provide 100% protection, it can make the difference between life and death," the ministry stated, noting it can prevent a patient from moving to intensive care or even allow them to recover at home with a cup of tea.

Healthcare institutions have been instructed to reinforce staff in emergency rooms and internal medicine departments to manage the heavy loads. Medical workers with symptoms have been told to stay home for at least five days, and all staff are required to wear masks when meeting high risk populations.