On Friday, January 17 the Indiana State Department of Health released the weekly influenza report. This 2019-2020 flu season, the state of Indiana lost 31 individuals to the virus. The deaths were confirmed through laboratory testing or as indicated on the cause of death on the death certificate. This is a tough year for flu in the state as previous years, with the exception of the 2017-2018 season, were not as deadly.
The department reported that from 2018-2019 there were eight deaths, in 2017-2018 there were 79 deaths, and in the 2016-2017 season there were eight deaths from the virus. For the most current flu season, 15 deaths were in mature adults 65 years of age and older. There were six deaths for those just under this age, from 50-64 years. There were 10 deaths in the age group of 25-49 years old.
At the end of 2019, Marion County hospitals saw a dramatic increase in emergency room visits from people suffering symptoms similar to those that would be felt with the flu. There was such an influx of people to the ER that officials had to urge the public to visit their doctor before resorting to coming into the ER for testing and treatment.
Across the country, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that for this 2019-2020 flu season there have been 13 million infected. Approximately 120,000 individuals were hospitalized with the illness and there have been 6,600 deaths involving the flu so far.
Facts About the Flu
The flu can have different symptoms for different age groups. The most common symptoms one can experience if they have the flu include:
- Stuffy nose
- Immense fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Body soreness and stiffness
- Chills
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Fever
- Vomiting and diarrhea are more prone to occur in younger children
The CDC indicates that the highest risk group for complications from the flu are older adults and 65 and up, pregnant women, and very young children. Additionally, if you suffer from heart disease or asthma, you are also at increased risk.
How can You Ensure Your Family’s Safety During Flu Season?
There are a couple of things that you and your family can do to help avoid sickness and the flu.
- While the flu shot will not have every single strain that may be percolating throughout the nation, it is still the best form of defense against the flu every year.
- As a rule, always wash your hands with warm soapy water. Every time you come into your home, wash your hands.
- If you are infected with the flu, see your doctor and try an antiviral drug to limit the scope and strength of the flu’s symptoms.
- Keep your body strong all year long by eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables and getting regular exercise and sleep.
- Do not smoke because smokers have a more exaggerated response when they get ill with colds and viruses like the flu.
I am Christopher L. Arrington, P.C., an Indiana family law attorney. I am proud to provide legal services to the residents of Danville, Plainfield, Avon, Brownsburg, and the surrounding communities regarding divorce, personal injury, child custody, criminal defense, OWI, and more. I hope that during this flu season you and your family stay safe and healthy.
If you have any legal matters where you need guidance or representation, please call my Danville family law firm at 317-745-4494 today so we can discuss your situation during a free consultation.