Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, December 4, 2018
(UNDATED) - The Indiana State Department of Health is urging anyone who hasn’t already gotten a flu shot to do so now.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says although influenza activity remains at minimal levels, the virus can still cause illness and even death.
Indiana has already recorded two flu-related deaths this season.
It also happens to be National Influenza Vaccination Week, according to the ISDH, and the flu virus can still cause illness and death regardless of its activity remaining at minimal levels.
As long as flu viruses are circulating, it's not too late to get vaccinated as the flu shot can reduce illnesses, missed work and school, doctor visits, and can prevent flu-related hospitalizations, the ISDH added.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year.
Dr. Box says because infants under 6 months can't be vaccinated, it's important that anyone in a household where a young baby lives or visits get a flu shot to protect the child.
The sooner you get vaccinated the better, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends early vaccination because it takes about two weeks after the shot for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body.
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