Teen Recovers From Life-Threatening Flu in Asuta Ashdod ICU

A 17-year-old girl hospitalized in critical condition a week ago with flu complications has been taken off the danger list and is already taking her first steps in the ward — just days before her 18th birthday.

The teenager, who has no underlying medical conditions and had not yet been vaccinated against flu this season, arrived at Asuta Ashdod hospital in serious condition. Within hours her condition deteriorated rapidly, following severe pneumonia and acute infection that caused a dangerous drop in blood pressure. She was sedated, intubated and required intensive, life-saving treatment.

During her days in the pediatric intensive care unit, medical teams provided complex treatment that included life-saving medications to stabilize blood pressure, alongside advanced ventilation technologies. Gradually her condition began to improve: first her blood pressure stabilized, then her respiratory condition improved, until she could be woken and weaned off the ventilator.

The recovery process was accompanied by close care from medical and nursing teams, combined with respiratory physiotherapy and advanced equipment that assists in strengthening breathing and coughing. Today the girl is already eating on her own, walking and gradually regaining her strength. She still requires some respiratory support and continued treatment and rehabilitation.

Dr. Noa Rosenfeld, director of the pediatric intensive care unit at Asuta Ashdod public hospital, said: "The girl came to us in very serious condition, with significant respiratory impairment and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Rapid and intensive treatment was required to save her life. Fortunately, thanks to the joint work of the medical and nursing teams and the advanced treatment she received, her condition improved gradually. To see her today awake, eating and even beginning to walk — it's a great thrill for all of us."

Dr. Rosenfeld added: "This case is a reminder that flu can be a dangerous illness even among completely healthy children and teenagers. Sometimes the deterioration is very rapid, and therefore it's important to be alert to signs of worsening and to be strict about flu vaccination."

The girl's father, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I want to thank the teams of the pediatric intensive care unit at Asuta Ashdod. We went through harrowing days. The treatment our daughter received was beyond anything we could have imagined. The fact that our child, who just days ago was in very serious condition and in mortal danger, is standing on her feet today, that's the best proof. We are deeply grateful to everyone who treated her."

The father added: "We're a family that usually makes sure to get vaccinated against flu, but this year we simply didn't get around to it. After what we've been through, I understand even more how important the vaccine is, and especially how important it is not to delay it. Next year we'll make sure to get vaccinated earlier. I hope other families will also learn from our case and not wait with the vaccination."

In the coming days the girl is expected to continue the recovery process, which includes physiotherapy and respiratory rehabilitation, and depending on progress in her condition, a transfer from intensive care to continued hospitalization and follow-up will be considered.