The flu is being blamed for 10 deaths in Indiana so far this season, according to data released Wednesday by the Indiana State Department of Health.
According to WRTV-6 Indianapolis, this pushes the total number of deaths related to the H1N1 flu virus to 34 since last June.
"We are seeing higher than usual rates of influenza, but nowhere near the rate as in '09," said Dr. Alexander Stemer, an infectious disease specialist and president of Munster-based Franciscan Medical Specialists.
The volume can be attributed to fewer people being vaccinated this year or because the World Health Organization's recommendation for the type of vaccination was wrong, he said.
Multiple Chicago-area hospitals had to divert ambulances to other hospitals because emergency rooms were so packed with people complaining of flu-like symptoms.
At least two region hospitals were also diverting patients to other hospitals, but the flu is not necessarily to blame.
The Community Hospital in Munster went diverted patients on Tuesday of this week.
Franciscan St. Margaret Health hospital in Hammond had to do the same thing on Tuesday because of high emergency department volumes, but flu cases were not the sole reason, a spokesperson said.
Hospitals across the region are reporting busier emergency departments.
Methodist Hospitals has experienced an increase in flu cases, particularly in children.
"We have implemented procedures and processes to continue to accommodate patients," said Victor Garcia, director of critical care for Methodist Hospitals. "We have not turned patients away or gone on bypass. We continue to fulfill our mission to provide services to all those in need."
The flu comes on suddenly, with muscle aches, headache, high fever, inflamed sinuses and a cough that produces phlegm, Stemer said.
Those who improve but have a returning fever should seek immediate care, as should pregnant women in their third trimester and older people with a sustained temperature above 103 degrees and shortness of breath, Stemer said.
Dr. Daniel Netluch, chief of emergency medicine and urgent care for Franciscan St. Anthony Health hospital in Crown Point, said doctors can perform a nasal swab to confirm whether a patient has the flu.
Caught in time, symptoms can be lessened with prescription Tamiflu.
"The first line of defense is vaccination," he said.
The flu can be spread by inhaling infected air droplets or touching an infected surface and then touching your nose or face, so washing your hands and using hand sanitizers are helpful preventive steps, Netluch said.
Have to had your vaccination? Has your children been vaccinated?
Drop us a comment and let us know
Comments