Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, January 16, 2017
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is urging residents to take precautions amid recent increases in flu-like illnesses in several areas of the state. Four Indiana residents have died of the flu since the influenza season began in October.
"It's always heartbreaking to learn that someone died of the flu, and we are just now beginning to enter peak flu season," said Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. "Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent this serious illness, so I hope any Hoosier who hasn't received a vaccine yet will consider getting one."
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. It is especially important for healthcare workers to get a flu vaccine to reduce their risk of transmitting illness to their patients. Pregnant women should also get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their newborns from serious flu illness. The vaccine takes about two weeks to be fully effective.
Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is spread by respiratory droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze nearby or when people touch surfaces or objects contaminated with those infectious respiratory droplets. People can also become infected by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.
Flu symptoms include:
Although anyone can get the flu, some people are at higher risk of flu-related complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death. High-risk individuals include pregnant women, young children (especially those too young to get vaccinated), people with chronic illnesses, people who are immune-compromised and the elderly.
There is no cure for the flu, but some medications can help ease symptoms. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms is urged to contact their healthcare provider.
People experiencing symptoms of flu-like illness should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands and stay home when sick. Practicing the "Three Cs" can help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:
Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.
To see the Indiana State Department of Health's weekly flu report, visit http://www.in.gov/isdh/22104.htm.
Hoosiers who do not have health care coverage or access to a doctor are encouraged to check availability for the new Healthy Indiana Plan--HIP 2.0--by visiting www.HIP.IN.gov or calling 1-877-GET-HIP-9.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.