INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health announced the first flu-related death of the 2024-25 season on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Health officials said no additional details about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season usually happens in the fall and winter. While the flu is detected year-round, the CDC says flu activity peaks between December and February. During flu season, officials said hundreds of Hoosiers become sick, and some cases are fatal.
More than 270 Hoosiers died after contracting the flu during the 2023-24 flu season, health officials said.
“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 Lindsay Weaver, state health commissioner.
The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Annual flu vaccines are also available.
According to the CDC, the flu is caused by influenza viruses.
Symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
For more information about the flu, click here.
