The Indiana Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed the state°®¶¹app™s first flu-related death of the 2024-25 season.
More than 270 Indiana residents died after contracting influenza last year, officials said.
Dr. Lindsay Weaver, state health commissioner, commented on the severity of the virus.
°®¶¹appœDuring respiratory illness season, it is important for Hoosiers to practice healthy habits, like frequent and thorough handwashing, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands, and staying home when sick. This helps prevent the spread of flu, which can quickly become a serious, even life-threatening illness for some Hoosiers,°®¶¹app she said in a statement.
No additional information about this year°®¶¹app™s fatality will be released due to privacy laws.
State health officials encouraged Hoosiers to protect themselves against the flu by getting vaccinated and following healthy practices, including covering coughs and sneezes.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu shot each year. Annual flu vaccines are available and are safe and effective protection against becoming seriously ill.
The CDC also recommends early vaccination as it takes about two weeks for the antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body.
Holiday season, when families gather indoors, is a time when the flu virus can easily spread.
Although anyone can catch the flu, some people are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death. Pregnant women, young children (especially those too young to get vaccinated), people who are immunocompromised or who have certain chronic illnesses, and the elderly are most at risk for complications from flu. It is especially important for these individuals to receive an annual flu vaccine.
Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:
°®¶¹app¢ Fever of 100° Fahrenheit or higher
°®¶¹app¢ Cough
°®¶¹app¢ Sore throat
°®¶¹app¢ Headache
°®¶¹app¢ Fatigue
°®¶¹app¢ Muscle aches
°®¶¹app¢ Runny or stuffy nose
Flu season data is reflected on the Indiana Department of Health influenza dashboard each week and is updated most Fridays. The dashboard also contains historical flu surveillance data, broken down by county, region and age group.
Go to the Indiana Department of Health website at for important health and safety information.
