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Indiana's 244 flu-related deaths include 3 kids 4 or younger

Posted at 9:36 PM, Mar 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-02 21:36:40-05

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Indiana's latest influenza report shows the state has experienced 244 flu-related deaths this season, compared with 219 a week earlier.

The report released Friday for the week ending Feb. 24 says 183 of the deaths have involved people age 65 and older, but three children ages 4 and under also have died. There have been six deaths in the 5-24 age group, 12 in among people ages 25-49, and 40 in the 50-64 age group.

Geographically, 20 deaths have occurred in Allen County, 18 in Marion County and at least 10 each in Floyd, Hamilton and Lake counties.

The report says 102 long-term care facilities in the state have reported outbreaks of flu-like illnesses this season, as have six Indiana schools.

IU Health says there are six things you should do if someone in your family is sick with the flu:

  • Stay home
    • The flu is infectious and if you are already infected, it is important to reduce transmission to other people around you
  • Be on the lookout for warning signs in adults
    • Worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, severe vomiting
  • Be on the lookout for warning signs in kids
    • Confusion, decreased appetite, very high fevers (>103 degrees F), neck stiffness, persistent vomiting, worsening shortness of breath
  • Call your physician or go the emergency room
    • If you have any of the above listed symptoms
  • If symptoms remain mild to moderate, it's OK to let the disease run its course
    • This is typically seven days. You can always call your primary physician and ask for their opinion
  • You can get the flu multiple times per flu season
    • It's not too late to get your vaccine even if you've already been sick

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