Statewide—Indiana reported its fourth flu death of the season in the 50th week of the year. All four deaths have involved people older than 65. The state report did not indicate where the deaths were reported in Indiana.
Flu activity is still reported as “widespread” in Indiana according to the report. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu has already killed 1,800 people since the official season began in late September. It’s sickened at least 3.7 million others and sent 32,000 to a hospital.
Not only has flu season struck faster and earlier than usual, but it’s also brought an odd mix of viruses. Influenza B, which normally hits kids harder than adults and typically shows up later in the season has been seen in 60 percent of the specimens collected at public health labs.
The CDC does not expect new cases to slow down any time soon and says it’s not too late to get a flu shot.
