Indiana Has Nearly 200 Flu-Related Deaths This Season

ACROSS INDIANA -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) report 28 more flu-related deaths in Indiana during the week of Feb. 10. That brings us to nearly 200 deaths this flu season, up to 195 since the last report. Indiana's flu activity is at the highest, widespread level.

Therefore because of yet another recent spike in flu-related deaths across the state, ISDH is urging Hoosiers to take precautions against influenza. According to ISDH, there have now been 95 long-term care facility outbreaks this season (up from 92 since the last report) - putting these patients at risk. ISDH adds that pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and individuals whose immune systems are compromised are also at risk.

There's also been four school-wide outbreaks across Indiana, including one in Anderson this week.

Please see below for what you need to do to protect yourself and others from this season's dangerous flu:

Influenza is a viral infection spread by droplets released by coughs or sneezes from an infected person, or when people touch things contaminated with the infectious respiratory droplets, and then touch their eyes, mouth or nose.

Flu Activity On The Rise In Indiana: CDC

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: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images

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