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.
Conrady seeks Rockville Town Board seat
Peebles looks to keep Vermillion County Commissioner seat
Indiana launches enforcement campaign to target distracted driving and speeding
Indianapolis Indians named title partner of the 2026 Indiana State Fair
Carlisle man leads Parke County officers, others on chase
Game audio: 2A State Championship, Parke Heritage 57, Westview 56 (Air date March 28, 2026)
Parke Heritage captures first ever state championship
New Space Force license plate design
Indiana announces launch of enhanced system for Hoosier military and overseas voters
Wolves look to take final step in 2A title game
Gov. Braun praises IURC for defense of ratepayers, expresses disappointment with utilities’ defense of high rates
Parke Heritage dance team in state competition
Parke Heritage earns berth in Class 2A state championship game
Size, experience leads Parke Heritage to semistate semifinal win over Triton Central
Indiana Corn Marketing Council seeks farmers to serve on its board of directors
ICAC looks to grow in search for online predators
