Israel’s Health Ministry issued a public health warning on Monday amid a sharp increase in influenza cases this winter, recommending that the entire population get vaccinated and that those who are sick stay home to avoid spreading the virus.

The recommendations come after the Advisory Committee on Epidemic Control held an emergency meeting Sunday night to discuss the rapid rise in flu cases, which, according to Hebrew media reports, has caused the deaths of three children under 18 in recent weeks—compared with four child deaths during all of last flu season.

Flu season ‘began early with high intensity’

Flu morbidity data in Israel and worldwide were presented during the discussion, which included, in addition to the expert committee, professionals from hospitals, community health s

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