Man, 47, on ECMO life support after flu complications

A 47-year-old man with no known underlying conditions is in critical condition in the internal intensive care unit at Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva after severe complications from influenza.

The man, who had not received a flu vaccine, recently returned from abroad suffering from what began as cold symptoms. His condition rapidly deteriorated into significant respiratory distress.

Despite intensive treatment over the course of a week in the ICU, his lung function continued to worsen, leading doctors to connect him to an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine, which provides external support for heart and lung function.

Prof. Lior Nesher, director of the Institute for Infectious Diseases at Soroka University Medical Center, Clalit, emphasized the severity of the situation: "This case illustrates the risk of influenza complications, even among healthy people without underlying conditions. This year we are seeing mainly illness from influenza A virus."

According to Prof. Nesher, reports from the United States and Europe indicate a rise in illness from the H1N1 subtype, which belongs to the influenza A viruses. "It is important to emphasize that this season's flu vaccine includes coverage for this strain as well. Influenza can cause severe respiratory complications and even life-threatening situations, so it is important to maintain annual vaccination against the disease," Prof. Nesher explained.

Health Ministry Expands Campaign

The severe case at Soroka joins a series of serious cases in hospitals across the country. A two-month-old infant recently died in northern Israel after contracting influenza, marking the sixth child death from the disease this year.

The Health Ministry has purchased approximately 485,000 vaccine doses and begun distributing thousands of doses to health funds nationwide. As part of the campaign, protection kits were distributed to 255 nursing homes, including flu vaccines, masks, Tamiflu medication, and influenza diagnostic tests.

The Health Ministry recommends that the entire population get vaccinated as soon as possible. While the flu vaccine does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and complications. The vaccine is available free of charge at health funds.

In accordance with the precautionary principle, the Health Ministry recommends that at-risk populations consider wearing masks in enclosed spaces and gatherings. In addition, masks are recommended for medical staff and visitors to nursing homes and geriatric institutions, to protect residents and staff.