Flu still widespread in Indiana, 56 deaths reported this season
Influenza activity in the Hoosier State continues to be widespread according to data from the Indiana State Department of Health.
Image/We,Ruhrfisch and Appraiser via Wikimedia Commons
To date, 56 people have died in Indiana as a result of of influenza-like illnesses; four of those were younger than 18 years.
“Tragically, we are continuing to lose lives due to flu-related illnesses in the state,” said State Health Commissioner William VanNess, M.D. “We still have a few months left in this flu season. These deaths and the cases of flu we are seeing around the state are a reminder that flu can be serious and every one of us has a responsibility to take steps to prevent its spread.”
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that
- the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like illness (ILI) continued to decrease for the third consecutive week. Most regions are showing stable or declining levels of ILI activity again this week.
- Eleven states and New York City reported high ILI activity. Last week CDC reported 19 states and New York City with high ILI activity.
Thirty-one states reported widespread geographic influenza activity for the week of February 3-9, 2013; a decrease from 38 states in the previous week.
The Indiana State Department of Health recommends flu vaccination for everyone six months of age or older. It is especially important for those at higher risk of complications related to the flu and their family members to get vaccinated. High risk individuals include pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems and the elderly.
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