Indiana health officials say high levels of flu are significantly impacting hospitals across the state. As of the week ending December 3, 2022, Indiana has recorded 24 influenza deaths this season. The Indiana Department of Health also said the state’s first pediatric flu death of the season was recorded last week and will be reflected on the flu report posted December 16.
“Like many states, Indiana is experiencing very high levels of flu activity right now,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box. “With the upcoming holidays, travel and family gatherings, it is more important than ever to protect yourself and those around you from this highly contagious respiratory infection. This year’s flu vaccine continues to be a good match for the circulating strains, and it is your best protection against a severe, and possibly tragic, outcome.”
Indiana Hospital Association President Brian Tabor says with many respiratory illnesses currently circulating, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, hospitals are experiencing significant patient caseloads. “Hospitalizations are currently trending above last year’s levels, and at this pace, Indiana could meet or exceed the record levels of inpatient capacity we saw during the peak of COVID-19,” Tabor said. “As of this week, inpatient volume jumped 15 percent, with numbers surpassing 11,000.”
In a news release, Tabor and Box urged Hoosiers to seek routine testing for respiratory illnesses or care for mild symptoms through urgent care centers or a family physician’s office rather than through an emergency department whenever possible. “Our hospitals are dealing with the triple impact of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 right now, along with normal emergencies and illnesses, and we want to keep emergency rooms clear for Hoosiers who urgently need them,” Box said.
Officials said individuals can help prevent the spread of flu by washing their hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands, and staying home when sick. They also said Hoosiers should practice the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:
• Clean: Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.
• Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or a disposable tissue.
• Contain: Stay home from school or work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.
To learn more about influenza or to view the IDOH weekly flu report updated each Friday, go to https://www.in.gov/isdh/22104.htm . The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) also has an influenza dashboard that is updated each Friday with the weekly flu report.
