Eleven Flu Deaths Reported

 
 

Health officials are urging those who can to get the flu vaccine.

Eleven flu deaths have been confirmed with six of those being reported out of St. Joseph County. In a change from last year’s flu season, health officials say that all but one of the deaths occurred in individuals between the ages of 25 to 64.

The flu vaccine can typically be found at local health departments, pharmacies and with health care providers. The vaccination is recommended for anyone six months of age or older. High risk individuals include pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems and the elderly.

State health officials also encourage influenza vaccination of health care workers, and household contacts and caregivers of children less than six months of age, as well as household contacts of people at high risk for flu complications.

Remember to wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water, cover your cough with your arm or disposable tissue, and stay home from work or school when you are sick to keep germs from spreading.