Indiana health officials announce first flu death of season, urge hoosiers to take precautions

The Indiana Department of Health encourages Hoosiers to protect themselves against influenza (flu) after confirming the first flu-related death of the 2024-25 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 Hoosiers become sick from influenza, and some cases are fatal. More than 270 Hoosiers died after contracting influenza during the 2023-24 flu season.

“During 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,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine 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 which protect against flu to develop in the body and 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 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 especially important 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 Fridays (Monday, Dec. 2 due to the holiday). The dashboard also contains historical flu surveillance data, broken down by county, region, and age group. Click here to learn more about influenza or to view the CDC weekly flu report.