State Health Officials Urge Flu Shot After 2nd Flu-Related Death

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is urging anyone who hasn't gotten a flu shot to do so, as Indiana has already recorded two flu-related deaths this season, up from Indiana's first reported flu-related death last month. It also happens to be National Influenza Vaccination Week, according to the ISDH, and the flu virus can still cause illness and death regardless of its activity remaining at minimal levels. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it's not too late to get vaccinated as the flu shot can reduce illnesses, missed work and school, doctor visits, and can prevent flu-related hospitalizations, the ISDH added.

“This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and it’s the perfect time to get a flu shot if you haven’t already done so,” said Indiana State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, in a release. “Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.”

The sooner you get vaccinated the better, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends early vaccination because it takes about two weeks after the shot for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. (Subscribe to the Indianapolis Patch daily newsletter which is delivered to your inbox once a day to keep you updated with breaking news and other updates, for free. Make sure to "Like" Indianapolis Patch on Facebook).

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

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.

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.

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

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

More information: ISDH's influenza reports

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