Statewide—As of the last Indiana health department report for the week ending November 30, 47% of the flu cases were for children between 0-4 and 36% of all reported flu cases were for people between the ages of 5-24 years old. There have been 3 flu-associated deaths reported so far this season in Indiana. All were in the 65+ age range.
Jefferson County’s Rykers’ Ridge Elementary is having an E-Learning Day today to allow students who are ill to stay home and students who are well to avoid the outbreak of Influenza B, strep throat and respiratory illness that saw 48 students (about 25%) stay home sick Thursday.
The Center for Disease Control says the flu shot is the best protection for all ages against the flu. They offer these other tips for prevention
- Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick - Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others. - Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands. - Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. - Practice other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
