Widespread cases of the flu spiked within the past three weeks in Indiana, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From the week of Jan. 28 through Feb. 11, the state’s flu reports increased by five and remained steady each week through March 11.
In early January, officials from the Indiana State Department of Health urged everyone ages 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine due to the surge in cases.
According to reports from the health department, 39 people in Indiana died since flu season began. The majority of those with flu-related deaths were those over the age of 65.
The most flu-related deaths were reported the week of March 10.
RELATED | Indiana's flu cases
"It’s always heartbreaking to learn that someone died of the flu, and we are just now beginning to enter peak flu season,” said Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams. "Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent this serious illness, so I hope any Hoosier who hasn’t received a vaccine yet will consider getting one.”
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 health department.
Some find it difficult to recognize flu symptoms from those brought on by the common cold.
Flu symptoms include:
-
Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
-
Headache
-
Fatigue
-
Cough
-
Muscle aches
-
Sore throat
The common cold usually last about a week and may come with a mild fever and some body aches.
You can learn more about Indiana's flu cases here.
RELATED | Do you have allergies, a cold, or the flu? | How difficult is it to avoid the flu? | When does flu season begin? | 4 apps to use during flu season | Health commissioner to Indiana: Get flu shots | 6 things to know about flu shots this season
