Indiana News

State Health Officials: Indiana flu season proving to be severe…

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): State health officials are urging Hoosiers to take extra steps in the wake of what their calling a particularly severe flu season. 85 deaths associated with flu have now been reported in Indiana and that’s higher than the total deaths in each of the previous 10 years—and flu season is only halfway through.

 

Indiana, like most of the country, is continuing to experience high flu activity,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., MPH. “This is clearly a severe flu season. Because of that, it’s especially important to see a health care provider right away if you have flu symptoms. If it is flu, starting early on antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and length of illness.”

 

Influenza or the “flu” is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. It's spread by close contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.


Symptoms of the flu include:

* Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater

* Headache

* Fatigue

* Cough

* Muscle aches

* Sore throat


Although anyone can get the flu, higher at risk individuals include:

* Pregnant women

* Young children (especially those younger than two years)

* People older than 65

* People with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems.

 

Our older population is being hit hard this year by flu,” said Dr. Adams. “We’ve seen the most deaths in Hoosiers 65 and older. Tragically, we must also report that there has been a pediatric flu-related death this week. We each have a responsibility to do our part to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities healthy—get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, cover your cough and stay home and call your doctor if you’re sick.”

 

Doctors suggest practicing the the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of the flu:

* Clean: Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.

* Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze.

* Contain: Stay home from school/work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.

 

To find a flu vaccine location near you or to learn more about the flu, visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov.

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