Posted on January 9, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Twenty-five flu-related deaths have been reported in Indiana this season and officials with the Indiana State Department of Health are urging residents to reduce the spread of influenza.
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box suggests getting a flu shot to prevent the flu or decrease its severity.
Elderly residents, especially those with health conditions can be susceptible to the flu as well as pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and those with compromised immune systems.
Influenza is spread when infected people cough or sneeze and people touch surfaces or objects contaminated with droplets. Common symptoms of the flu include a high fever, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose.
Dr. Box encourages everyone to wash hands frequently with warm, soapy water, and cover coughs by sneezing into an arm or a disposable tissue. Also, stay at home when sick to keep germs from spreading.
Showing posts with label flu-related deaths. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flu-related deaths. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
State Health Officials Warn of Increase in Flu Deaths
An increase in flu-related deaths has Indiana health officials urging residents to get vaccinated. The Indiana State Department of Health says 19 Hoosiers have died from the virus since October, including two children. They say many of those people did not get a flu shot.
Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months of age or older gets vaccinated if they haven’t already, since flu season typically continues until May. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year’s vaccine is 59 percent effective, which is among the highest rates they’ve seen.
People with the highest risk of suffering major complications from the flu include pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and the elderly. Influenza viruses can be caught by inhaling droplets spread when people who have the flu sneeze or cough. People can also get infected by touching contaminated objects and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. In addition to getting a flu shot, health officials say you can prevent the spread of the flu and other diseases by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, and staying home if you’re sick.
More information on the flu can be found on the Indiana State Department of Health website.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)