INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department reported the state's first influenza-related death of the season on Tuesday.
The health department and the Indiana State Department of Health want to take this time to remind families that a seasonal flu shot is highly recommended to prevent this respiratory illness.
READ | Hoosiers urged to get flu shots as sickness starts spreading |
“The flu vaccine helps protect the most vulnerable patients from the virus,” Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director of the Marion County Public Health Department, said. “Influenza can cause significant illness and, in certain cases, lead to extended hospitalization or death.”
The Marion County Health Department offices are offering walk-in flu shot clinics for $20, and for free to children 2-years-old and younger.
The last of the clinics are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24 at the following locations:
Cathedral Kitchen
1350 N. Pennsylvania Street
9-11 a.m.
Englewood Christian Church
57 N. Rural Street
4-6 p.m.
Other ways to prevent spreading or becoming infected with the flu, according to the health department, include:
· Wash hands often with soap and water.
· If sick, limit contact with others as much as possible and avoid people who are sick.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can spread this way.
· Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
“This is a tragic reminder that we should never underestimate how serious the flu can be,” Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, State Health Commissioner, said. “Vaccination is the best defense against influenza, so please make sure you and your loved ones receive a flu shot.”
