INDIANAPOLIS — There have been 11 recorded deaths from flu-related illnesses this season across the state of Indiana.
All 11 deaths being reported by the Indiana State Department of Health have been adults ages 50 and older.
Influenza-like illness remains very high in Indiana.
The ISDH says three long-term care facilities have reported flu outbreaks.
The flu 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,” according to the ISDH.
Symptoms include:
- fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
- headache
- fatigue
- cough
- muscle aches
- sore throat
While there is no cure for the flu, some medications can help ease symptoms, according to health officials.
How can you tell if you have the flu, allergies or the traditional cold?
If you are feeling the effects of allergies, you typically won't have a fever or much fatigue or body aches. If you have a cold, you might have a mild fever and some body aches. You might feel weak and even have some ear congestion. Colds generally last about a week.
If you're diagnosed with the flu, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands and stay home.
-
IMPD, ISP make 8 arrests in weekend street takeover crackdown
IMPD and Indiana State Police worked together to make eight arrests, issue 22 traffic citations, and tow six vehicles related to reckless driving over the weekend."Workers Over Billionaires" Rallies held in Indianapolis, Bloomington
Labor Day rallies took place Monday in Indianapolis and Bloomington as part of a nationwide "Workers Over Billionaires" protest.Two Lafayette teens in critical condition after Clinton County rollover crash
Two 19-year-old Lafayette males are in critical condition after a rollover crash Sunday evening in Clinton County.Midwest Food Bank Indiana seeks final $500,000 for new warehouse
Midwest Food Bank Indiana needs $500,000 more to reach its $9 million fundraising goal for a new 50,000-square-foot warehouse. The food bank serves one million Hoosiers annually.