Officials: H1N1 flu may be tapering off

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana health officials say they're seeing some encouraging signs that the H1N1 flu might be tapering off in the state at least for now.

A lower percentage of hospitals reported seeing elevated levels of flu-like illnesses in the week that ended Saturday compared to the week before. And fewer schools reported large numbers of students being absent.

Three people died from confirmed H1N1 flu during the week, bringing the total number of such deaths to 22 since June 1.

Click here for the latest numbers from the Indiana Department of Health

State epidemiologist Pam Pontones said Thursday it's too early to tell whether the H1N1 flu has reached a peak or is simply showing fluctuations.

She said officials are glad to see some signs of a decrease, but noted that pandemics can have several peaks.