State Health Department Confirms Seventh Flu-Related Death

The Indiana State Department of Health confirms seven flu-related deaths this season in a report released Friday. 

Five cases were people age 65 years or older. ISDH says children under five, adults over 65 and people with chronic diseases like asthma or diabetes are at a higher risk.

More than half of the specimens collected in public health labs are Influenza B. The strain is typically seen in late winter and hits kids harder than adults.

ISDH encourages people to wash hands, disinfect surfaces, and to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing to best prevent the spread of the flu. 

Contact Darian at dbenson@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @helloimdarian.