The Indiana Department of Health encourages Hoosiers to protect themselves against influenza (flu) after confirming 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 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 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.
Applications open for new United Way of Central Indiana initiative to build community solutions
Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC announces increases over next three years
Fountain County man arrested on sex crime charges, Parke County investigation remains
Friday is National Wear Red Day
Vermillion County DCS worker facing felonies
One week left to file for office in Indiana
Bridge closures to impact State Road 42 over I-70 in Clay County
Road renaming resolution co-authored by Criswell to honor Bobby Knight passes House
Thrive West Central to host Utility Workshop
Greene Realty continues to grow
World Food Championships set for 2026 Indianapolis return
SW Parke Community Schools looking at Revision Project
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
Scholarship Fund honors former Coach Blank
Winter Storm Watch in effect for the weekend, heavy snow possible
ISP releases Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative results
