Hoosiers are encouraged to get the flu vaccine now that flu season has arrived.
Health officials say the virus can be deadly.
“Last season it was reported that we had 113 influenza associated deaths, two of which were pediatric,” says Sally Hallyburton with the Indiana State Department of Health.
The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year — at least by the end of October since it takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against the flu to develop in the body.
Health officials can’t predict how severe the flu season will be, but there are already signs of influenza activity in Indiana.
Washing your hands can help protect against the flu. It's also advised to stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Flu shots can be obtained through primary care providers and many pharmacies.