The Indiana Department of Health reported five flu deaths this week, bringing the total number up to 66 for the season. None of the deaths were in children.
Heath officials say flu activity in Indiana is “moderate,” which was the same as last week.
Flu season typically runs from October through May.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone age six months and older to get a flu vaccine.
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.
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.
