The Indiana State Department of Health recorded the state’s first influenza-related death of the season.
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said it is unusual to see flu-related deaths this early in the season. She encourages everyone to get a flu shot, especially with the increase in influenza activity during this time of the year.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older to get a flu vaccine every year. Officials say it takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies that protect against the flu to develop in the body. The flu vaccine can be administered at any time during the season, which typically runs from October through May.
Some people are at higher risk of flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death.
People can help protect the spread of flu by washing hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands and staying home when sick. Cover your cough and sneeze into your arm or a disposable tissue.
