Indiana Has 'Early' First Flu-Related Death Of Season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — We've barely made our way into November and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is already reporting the state’s first influenza-related death of the 2018-2019 flu season. According to a release from ISDH, the flu season typically runs from October through May, so we're just a month in.

“We don’t typically see flu-related deaths this early in the season, but flu viruses circulate year-round and can have heartbreaking consequences at any time,” said Indiana State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, in a release sent to Patch. “With influenza activity beginning to increase, I encourage anyone who hasn’t gotten a flu shot to get one to help protect themselves and their loved ones.”

If you plan on getting a flu shot, now is probably a good time as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends early vaccination, and said it takes about two weeks after the shot for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body.(Get Fishers and local news delivered straight to your inbox with the free Fishers Patch daily newsletter and breaking news alerts here and don't forget to 'like' Fishers Patch on Facebook)

According to ISDH, the CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older, including healthcare workers, get a flu vaccine each year. Dr. Box said in a release that because infants under 6 months can’t be vaccinated, it’s important for anyone in a household where a young baby lives or visits to get a flu shot to protect the child.

What is influenza?

According to health officials, it's a viral infection of the respiratory tract.

How is influenza spread?

• By respiratory droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze nearby
• When people touch surfaces or objects contaminated with those infectious respiratory droplets.
• By touching surfaces or objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

People at higher risk of flu-related complications (pneumonia, hospitalization, death) than others who may get the virus:

• Pregnant women
• Young children (especially those too young to get vaccinated)
• People with chronic illnesses
• People who are immunocompromised
• The elderly.

According to health officials, it's especially important for these individuals to be vaccinated each year.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

Help prevent the spread of flu by:

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands
• Staying home when sick

ISDH said Hoosiers should practice the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:

• 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 from school or work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.

More information: ISDH's influenza reports

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