The Indiana Department of Health is encouraging Hoosiers to get vaccinated against influenza after confirming the first two flu-related deaths of the 2023-24 season. No additional information about the patients will be released due to privacy laws.
Hundreds of Hoosiers become sick from influenza, and some cases are fatal. More than 270 Hoosiers died after contracting influenza during the 2022-23 flu season, which typically runs from October through May, according to IDOH data.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. The CDC also recommends early vaccination as it takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body.
People can also help prevent the spread of flu by washing their hands thoroughly and frequently, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands, and staying home when sick. Hoosiers should practice the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:
- Clean: Properly wash hands with warm, soapy water
- Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or disposable tissue
- Contain: Stay home from school or work when you are sick to prevent the spread of germs.
While anyone can get the flu, there are some people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death. Pregnant women, young children (especially those too young to get vaccinated), people who are immunocompromised or who have chronic illnesses, and the elderly are most at risk for complications from flu. It is especially important for these individuals to receive an annual flu vaccine, health officials say.
Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:
- fever of 100° Fahrenheit or higher
- cough
- sore throat
- headache
- fatigue
- muscle aches
- runny or stuffy nose
