INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health reported the first influenza-associated death of a child between the ages of 0-4.
The death, along with three others in the past week, bring the statewide total to 32 deaths as of April 1, 2022.
Allen County is the only county in the state with more than five deaths deaths across all age groups.
The DOH reports that statewide influenza-like illness activity is minimal currently, but Hoosiers should remain advised to potential for serious illness from influenza.
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.
-
Indy teens, community leaders gather for conversation on gun violence
Youth and community members gathered at the Far East Side Neighborhood Center in Indianapolis for a powerful conversation on gun violence.Victim critically injured in downtown Indianapolis shooting
A person has been left critically injured from a shooting in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday evening, police said.Fernando Mendoza leads No. 20 Indiana past Old Dominion 27-14
Fernando Mendoza scored on a 5-yard run in his debut as Indiana’s quarterback, and the 20th-ranked Hoosiers wore down Old Dominion in a season-opening 27-14 victoryBrowne helps Purdue past Ball State 31-0
Ryan Browne threw for 311 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another TD to lead Purdue to a 31-0 rout of Ball State in Saturday’s season opener for both teams