Unvaccinated 17-Year-Old Girl in Critical Condition with Severe Flu

A 17-year-old girl with no underlying medical conditions is in critical condition in the pediatric intensive care unit at the public hospital Assuta Ashdod after suffering severe influenza complications. The teenager, who had not been vaccinated against the flu, is currently sedated, on a ventilator, and receiving medication to support her blood pressure.

She arrived at the hospital early Monday morning suffering from a severe infection and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Within hours, her condition deteriorated further—initially in the emergency department and subsequently in the pediatric intensive care unit, where she remains hospitalized.

Dr. Noa Rosenfeld, director of the pediatric intensive care unit at Assuta Ashdod, warned against the dangers of influenza, even among healthy young people. "Influenza is not necessarily a mild illness, and even children and adolescents without underlying conditions can develop severe, life-threatening complications as a result. This case highlights the importance of the flu vaccine, which can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization," she stated.

This incident unfolds against the backdrop of rising influenza morbidity in Israel and low vaccination rates at the start of the season. According to Ministry of Health data as of October 18, approximately 4.9 percent of health HMO members have received the flu shot.

In the Ministry of Health's latest monitoring report published on October 21, data showed that 359 patients tested positive for the virus across 14 hospitals nationwide since the beginning of the flu season. Among them were 72 children, four of whom required intensive care hospitalization. The Ministry of Health continues to strongly recommend annual flu vaccinations for all age groups, including children and adolescents, to mitigate the risk of severe complications.