Dubois County Health Officials Warn of "High Prevalence of Flu" Statewide

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR

JASPER -- The Dubois County Health Department is warning residents of the high prevalence of the flu in Indiana.

As of January 31st, there have been 45 influenza-associated deaths reported statewide.  Also, across Indiana, there have been 4 school-wide outbreaks this season.  The Dubois County Health Department has had only one (1) school called to notify that their percentage of students absent from school was equal to 20% of their enrolled students. 

Per 512 Indiana Administrative Code 1-2-2, public and accredited nonpublic schools are required to report to the local health department and the state attendance officer of the Department of Education the percentage of student absences when the percentage of students absent from a school is equal of greater than 20% of the enrolled students.  There has been 9 long-term care facility outbreaks this season state-wide.  We have a 87% of influenza specimens collected were tested positive for the flu at the ISDH laboratory.     

Local health officials are urging residents to take steps to avoid getting the flu, including getting your flu shot.  Those officials say it's not too late to do that.

Other ways to prevent spread of disease is to:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.  Get plenty of rest.   
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Consider wearing a mask.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

WITZ News Director David Shepherd will meet with Dubois County Health Officials Tuesday morning and bring you more information on the local impact the flu is having this year so far.

 Read the full release from the Dubois County Health Department below....

 We are receiving high prevalence reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Indiana.  There are a reported 45 influenza-associated deaths in Indiana as of January 31, 2020.  Also, across Indiana, there have been 4 school-wide outbreaks this season.  The Dubois County Health Department has had only one (1) school called to notify that their percentage of students absent from school was equal to 20% of their enrolled students. Per 512 Indiana Administrative Code 1-2-2, public and accredited nonpublic schools are required to report to the local health department and the state attendance officer of the Department of Education the percentage of student absences when the percentage of students absent from a school is equal of greater than 20% of the enrolled students.  There has been 9 long-term care facility outbreaks this season state-wide.  We have a 87% of influenza specimens collected were tested positive for the flu at the ISDH laboratory.      

By far, the single best way to prevent the flu is for individuals to get a vaccination.  Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine.  No prescription is required, and no appointment is necessary.  Additional late-night walk-in clinics will be held 4-6 pm on the Wednesdays of February 5th and March 4th.

We have the regular pediatric and adult vaccine as well as the high dose Influenza vaccine still available.  Human immune defenses become weaker with age, which places older people at greater risk of severe illness from influenza, so for those aged 65 and up you may want to consider getting the high dose. 

Why get vaccinated? Flu is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May.  Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people.  Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greater risk of flu complications.  Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications.  For those with weakened immune systems, may not be able to fight the flu and may need hospitalized for treatment. 

Other ways to prevent spread of disease is to:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.  Get plenty of rest.   
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Consider wearing a mask.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Everyone can help contribute towards the prevention and spread of illnesses.  There are many different flu viruses and they are constantly changing.  This means that people who get vaccinated may still get sick, but they are about half as likely to get sick as someone who was not vaccinated.  Another important thing to remember is that vaccination my make illness less severe in people who get vaccinated and still get sick.  In general people who get vaccinated are better off than people who do not get vaccinated.