Indiana flu cases see marked increase as new strain spreads in U.S. according to the Indiana Department of Health
This year’s flu season is shaping up to be particularly rough, local health care officials say, as Indiana reaches a “high” level of flu reports that continue to increase as a new strain soars and holiday activities wane.
While the flu circulates year-round, typical flu season runs from October to May, according to the Indiana Department of Health’s Indiana influenza dashboard.
The dashboard, which describes the spread and prevalence of influenza-like illness in the state, is updated each Monday. As of this week, the number of flu cases reported by emergency department and urgent care centers has gone up 1.43% from last week. Outpatient health care providers have seen a similar rise, up from 1.34% last week.
Last year, Indiana saw 662 deaths attributed to influenza, the Indiana Department of Health reported. This season, 12 deaths have been reported, four of them during the week of Dec. 29.
Harris said Indiana is seeing a jump in levels of influenza-like illness driven by an aggressive strain called H3N2, a mutation of influenza A. The Indiana Department of Health’s influenza dashboard, which describes the spread and prevalence of influenza-like illness, lists Indiana’s flu activity code as “high.”
Key Flu Information
Symptoms: Fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, sometimes vomiting/diarrhea.
Prevention: Get vaccinated, wash hands often, avoid touching face, cover coughs/sneezes, stay home when sick, clean surfaces.
High-Risk Groups: Adults 65+, young children (<2), pregnant women, people with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease).
Current Activity: Indiana is experiencing high flu activity, with recent reports of deaths and an aggressive strain (H3N2) circulating.
For more information visit www.in.gov.