Indiana Has 21 More Flu-Related Deaths

ACROSS INDIANA — The latest influenza report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) report more than two-dozen more flu-related deaths in Indiana during the last week of February. That brings us to 265 deaths this flu season, up from 244 since the last report. Indiana's flu activity is at the highest, widespread level, as the CDC says we are in the peak of flu season.

State health officials report the following number of flu-related deaths per county, with Marion and Hamilton being in the top three highest.

ISDH says people who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact their physician or visit an urgent care facility to keep emergency rooms available for people who are critically ill. Patients whose symptoms began within 48 hours are encouraged to ask their provider whether Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, is appropriate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age six months and older get a flu vaccine each year.

Hoosiers can help prevent the spread of flu by practicing the "Three Cs" of infection prevention:

• Clean: Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.
• Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze into your arm or a disposable tissue.
• Contain: Stay home when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.

Common symptoms of the flu include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

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More information: ISDH weekly flu report, ISDH website

Photo credit: Darron Cummings/Associated Press