The number of flu deaths in Indiana has risen to 43, according to the Indiana State Department of Health on Monday. The new total adds three more deaths in less than a week since the agency released its last flu report with the death toll at 40.
Indiana has been hit especially hard this flu season, with more than 36 of the now 43 deaths occurring in those 65 years and older. Five of the 43 flu deaths occurred in those 18 and older – and two of the deaths involved those under the age of 18.
At least 38 of the total deaths involved underlying medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, asthma and renal disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the best protection against influenza is a flu shot. Other common sense tips for preventing the flu from spreading include frequent hand washing, avoiding sick people and staying away from crowded places where a lot of people are confined to a small space.
Meanwhile, the Marion County Health Department is holding free flu shot clinics this week at the following locations:
- Tuesday, Jan. 29: Marion County Public Health Department Training Building, located at 4012 N. Rural St., from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 30: Raphael Health Center, located at 401 E. 34th St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 31: Citizens Health Center, located at 1650 N. College Ave., from 8 a.m. to Noon
- Friday, Feb. 1: Shalom Heath Care Center, located at 3400 Lafayette Rd., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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