INDIANAPOLIS -- The number of people who have died from the flu in Indiana has climbed to 107 and the Center for Disease Control says the season hasn't even reached its peak yet.
For the week ending January 20, the Indiana State Department of Health reported 29 new flu deaths for the season, bringing the total number of deaths now over 100.
The first flu-related death in Indiana for the 2017-18 season was reported on December 8, more than a month later than the first death of 2016. The first death of the season was a juvenile, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.
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Of those 107 deaths, 83 of them were Hoosiers 65 and older and 15 of those deaths were Hoosiers between the ages of 50-64.
But the number of deaths in those younger than 50 has also increased with two between the ages of 5 and 24 and seven between the ages of 25 and 49. 
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A 37-year-old Plainfield woman who died earlier this week after being diagnosed with the flu just three days earlier was likely not included in those numbers.
The number of flu deaths in Marion County also doubled in that week, from five to nine. Eight people have also died in Hamilton County and six each in Shelby and Allen counties. 
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Flu activity is widespread in Indiana which has prompted several central Indiana hospitals to start restricting visitors.
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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?
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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.
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