The number of
flu-associated deaths in Indiana this flu season increased sharply in the most
recent weekly
report from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). As of Dec. 30,
25 Hoosiers have died from the flu, up from nine the week before. Sixteen
of the people who died were aged 65 or older. Children younger than 5, adults
65 and older, pregnant women and individuals with chronic medical conditions
are most vulnerable to developing flu-related complications. Get the latest
data on flu activity in Indiana on the ISDH website and nationwide on the CDC website.
Currently, emergency
departments (EDs) are experiencing high patient volumes, resulting in long wait
times and filled capacity. Patients experiencing mild flu-like symptoms are
asked to first contact their primary care physician or visit an urgent care facility
or community health center. This will allow EDs to focus resources on treating
patients who are critically ill.
IHA will provide
updates in IHA Weekly throughout the flu season and at regional patient safety
coalition and district meetings. If you have any questions or would like to
share how the flu is impacting your hospital, please contact Karin Kennedy, IHA
vice president of quality and patient safety, at kkennedy@ihaconnect.org or
317-423-7737.