The first influenza related-death for the flu season of 2015-2016 has been reported by State Health Officials. Unfortunately, due to privacy issues, detailed reports and specifics regarding the patient have not been disclosed.
State health officials have proposed everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. Moreover, washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with one’s eyes, nose, and mouth with their hands and staying at home while sick can prevent a possible outbreak. Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is considered to be one of the most life- threatening viral infections. Most flu outbursts occur in late fall and winter. The alarming and dangerous factor to be kept in mind is that the symptoms might not start for a few days and you may pass the flu to someone else before you even know that you have it.
Previously, there had been 146 deaths related to flu in Indiana in the 2014-2015 season. Most occurred in people who were 65 or older. It usually takes 1 to 4 days to see symptoms of the flu after you have been around someone who has the virus.
Most people get better without serious problems. But sometimes, the flu can lead to a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection, a sinus infection, or bronchitis. Less often, the flu may cause a more serious problem, such as pneumonia. Moreover, symptoms also include having a fever of 100 degrees or more, headache and other aches, sore throat, coughs, fatigue etc.
“ACIP strongly recommends that healthy children receive FluMist since recent studies show a better coverage in children than the injectable”, explained Blaine Brock, Preventive Medicine Department Division officer.
He further suggested that people should consider getting themselves vaccinated not just for their personal protection but also for the greater benefit of the society. The vaccine is basically a shot which prevents you from getting the seasonal flu virus.
Health officials have also suggested the practice of the following three C’s to prevent the spread:
- Clean : Washing hands thoroughly
- Cover: Covering your cough and sneeze into your arm or a disposable tissue
- Contain: Staying at home when sick.
“Unfortunately, this is a sad reminder that influenza can be very serious and deadly, and our sympathies go out to the patient’s family,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “Though our flu activity is minimal so far, people shouldn’t get complacent about the flu. Getting your flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent serious influenza illness in yourself and others.”
It is also important to note that historically, the flu season runs from January through March in the state of Indiana. However, the virus remains and is present all year round allowing to severely affecting the young and the elderly.
Health officials have urged the Hoosiers to seriously consider taking flu vaccines as early as they can to prevent themselves from this dreadful disease.
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