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.
-
Camp Riley participant shares experience, sign up deadline approaching
More than 300 kids attend Camp Riley each year and medical care is available 24/7. The priority deadline to sign up for Camp Riley is Monday, March 31st.'Pink Out the State House' pushes for more legislation for breast cancer
The Indiana Statehouse is turning pink all in an effort to raise awareness and drive action for breast cancer.Cars and Cards: Hundreds of fans attend IndyCar Trading Card event
On Sunday, an event at the Indy Card Exchange offered fans an opportunity to meet their favorite NTT IndyCar series drivers and trade the Parkside Collectibles IndyCar trading cards.17-year-old dead, another juvenile injured in northeast side Indy shooting
One person is dead and another is in critical condition after a double shooting on the northeast side of Indianapolis Sunday evening, police said