Health officials announce first flu death of season, Hoosiers urged to take precautions

The Indiana Department of Health encourages Hoosiers to protect themselves against influenza (flu) following confirmation of the first flu-related death of the 2025-26 season. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

During flu season, which typically runs from October through May, hundreds of people become ill from influenza. Some cases are fatal. More than 660 Hoosiers died after contracting influenza during the 2024-25 flu season.

“Each year we want to stress the importance of taking steps to prevent influenza, which can quickly become a serious illness for some Hoosiers and can even be life-threatening,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age six months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Annual flu vaccines are available and provide safe, adequate protection against serious illness. The CDC also recommends early vaccination, as it takes about two weeks for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, and the holiday season, when families gather indoors, is approaching.

People can also help prevent the spread of flu by practicing the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:

• Clean: Properly wash hands with warm, soapy water
• Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or a disposable tissue
• Contain: Stay home from school or work when you are sick to prevent the spread of germs.

While anyone can get the flu, there are some people who 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 imperative for these individuals to receive an annual flu vaccine.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• fever of 100° Fahrenheit or higher
• cough
• sore throat
• headache
• fatigue
• muscle aches
• runny or stuffy nose

Flu season data is reflected on the IDOH influenza dashboard each week and is updated on Mondays. Due to reporting timeframes, this death will be reflected in the Nov. 3 update. The dashboard also contains historical flu surveillance data, broken down by county, region and age group.

Visit the Indiana Department of Health at www.health.in.gov for important health and safety information or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.