Indiana Department of Health officials confirmed the first two flu-related deaths of the 2023-2024 season. No additional information about the patients will be released due to privacy laws.
Officials urge residents to get vaccinated against the flu.
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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone age 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 which protect against flu to develop in the body and holiday season when families gather indoors is approaching.
People can also help prevent the spread of flu by washing their hands thoroughly and frequently, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands, and staying home when sick.
Flu season data is reflected on the state’s influenza dashboard each week and will be updated on Fridays.
