WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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The first flu death in Indiana came unusually early this year.
The Indiana State Department of Health reports the state’s first victim died on November 2nd. ISDH reports the victim was 65 years old or older. They do not release personal details about flu victims. The death came five weeks earlier than the first death of last year’s flu season.
Indiana Health Commissioner, Dr. Kristina Box, says that this death is unusually early for the regular flu season.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Flu seasons generally last from October to as late as May in the northern hemisphere, but Commissioner Box says the flu virus can strike individuals at any time. There is no cure for influenza. Medications can only help ease symptoms. Those commonly include a fever over 100 degrees, tiredness, aches and pains, and coughing or congestion.
Indiana resident can get a flu shot from pharmacies, clinics, and even some grocery stores.
