Indiana Department of Health officials are encouraging eligible Hoosiers to get vaccinations against influenza as soon as possible, as high levels of transmission are impacting hospitals across the state.
Indiana has recorded 24 deaths from influenza as of the week ending December 3. With many respiratory illnesses currently circulating, including flu, RSV and COVID-19, Indiana hospitals are experiencing significant patient caseloads.
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box and Indiana Hospital Association President Brian Tabor urge residents to seek routine testing for respiratory illnesses or care for mild symptoms through urgent care centers or a family physician’s office rather than through an emergency department whenever possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Dr. Box says it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies, which protect against flu, to develop in the body. The flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the new COVID-19 booster, which protects against two strains of COVID-19, including new subvariants.
Common symptoms of the flu include a fever, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.
