Israeli Hospitals Overflowing With Flu Patients

In particular, hospitals on the northern coast say their beds are filled with flu victims.

Haifa hospitals reported they had reached full capacity in most departments.

Rambam Medical Center in Haifa admitted a large number of children as well as adults stricken by the epidemic, according to Army Radio. Haifa’s Bnei Tzion Hospital was also at capacity.

In Netanya, Laniado Hospital was reportedly 55 percent over its maximum capacity on the patient floors – but the medical center said it would keep its doors open anyway.

The hospital stressed that if a flu patient feels a worsening situation, such as difficulty breathing, high fever or any other symptom, the patient should “hurry to the
hospital for treatment” right away.

“Despite the overload at the hospital, health stands above all, and the hospital staff will address every patient,” said the medical center in a statement.

Influenza can be life-threatening, especially among young or frail children or the elderly, or people with other underlying medical conditions.

This article appeared in print on page 6 of the January 29th, 2013 edition of Hamodia.