1 Hoosier, 2 US kids have died from flu this season

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana State Department of Health has announced the first death during flu season of 2018. 

According to the department’s weekly flu report, the victim was someone at least 65 years old. 

Also, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said two children in the United States have died from the flu. The CDC did not release the exact ages of the children or which state they were from. 

Overall, the CDC said the nation is experiencing moderate to low flu activity now.

Indiana’s health commissioner, Dr. Kris Box, released a statement Friday about the flu in the state:

We don’t typically see flu-related deaths this early in the season, but flu viruses circulate year-round and can have heartbreaking consequences at any time. With influenza activity beginning to increase, I encourage anyone who hasn’t gotten a flu shot to get one to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

The Indiana health department said it takes about two weeks for vaccination against the flu to be effective. The CDC recommends early vaccination. Common signs for the flu include:

• headache
• fatigue
• fever of 100 degrees or higher
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• runny or stuffy nose

Flu season typically runs from October to May. 

The name and circumstances of the deceased have not yet been released.