H1N1 has yet to peak in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The number of new cases of H1N1 has stabilized across the state. But, the state health commissioner says that doesn’t mean the virus is any less dangerous.

In fact, Dr. Judy Monroe says those who were once considered low risk, aren't low risk anymore.

Dr. Monroe was at the statehouse Tuesday morning holding a flu clinic for Indiana lawmakers.

Dr. Monroe said while H1N1 flu cases are not increasing right now, the height of the flu season won't hit for another month or two.

So she said it's still important to get vaccinated.

"We still have as much influenza activity out there as we would typically have in early January and our peak is typically January, February, maybe even into March... that's when we get the majority of the deaths from influenza," Dr. Monroe said.

Dr. Monroe said about 10,000 deaths nationwide have been caused so far by H1N1. She said typically there are 36,000 deaths from flu each year.

So she believes, despite a lull in current cases, another outbreak is likely.

Even more likely because of a shift she's seeing in the kind of flu hitting Indiana.

Dr. Monroe said, "We've not seen any seasonal influenza, so it is possible that H1N1 will be the virus for the rest of the season."

That means there's an important change in recommendations about who should get vaccinated for H1N1.

When vaccinations began in Indiana, only those in high risk groups, like young children and pregnant women, were urged to get the H1N1 shots.

Now, there's a new message: "My message today is actually for those that we back in the fall said you're not a priority group, I'm saying now you are a priority group and you should be vaccinated.”

There is plenty of vaccine to go around right now says Dr. Monroe and shots are available free of charge at your local health department.

One other important note from the health commissioner, don't forget flu precautions.

She said use hand sanitizer, wash your hands, sneeze into your sleeve, and stay home if you are sick.