More Flu-Related Deaths In Indiana As This Strain On The Rise

ACROSS INDIANA -- The number of flu-related deaths across Indiana aren't as frequent and high in the last couple weeks, as there have been four since last week. according to a report from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). The total now sits at 293 compared to 289 during the week of March 17. However, the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its weekly release that while reports of the H3N2 virus — a vaccine-resistant influenza A strain that has dominated this season — declined in recent weeks, the B strain has ramped up.

Influenza in Indiana is still being labeled as widespread by the ISDH.
There were five more flu-related pediatric deaths reported across the country during the week of March 17, the CDC reported, two of them linked to the B-Strain.

RELATED: Indiana Flu: CDC Says New Strain Is More Severe For Kids

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Here are some tips to avoid the flu and curb it from spreading, according to the CDC:

• Stay home if you're sick. With the exception of seeking medical care, do not go out until 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of medication.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may have become contaminated with germs.
• Avoid others who are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Throw away tissues after use.

If you contact your doctor within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, you may be able to take an antiviral drug, which will reduce the severity of symptoms and length of the illness. You can be contagious from one day before and up to seven days after becoming sick.

More information: ISDH weekly flu report, ISDH website

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