Has this flu season hit its peak?

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The flu season is hitting us hard this year but doctors aren't sure when Indiana will hit its peak.

As of Thursday, the total number of deaths from the flu this season in Indiana is 15. The State Respiratory Epidemiologist said no deaths were reported last year during this time period.
    
Infectious Disease Specialist Thomas Meyer with IU Health Arnett said this season isn't as bad as 2009 with H1N1.
    
The flu season in our area started earlier than usual when the first cases appeared in November. Meyer said the season normally lasts a few weeks to a month so it's hard to tell when flu numbers will start decreasing.

"Now whether it's going to get worse or sort of pitter out is hard to know. There's some parts of the country where the incidents of influenza are already on the decline. They've already had their peak. So where we're out, time will tell," Meyer explained.

Meyer said if you are sick with the flu, stay home. Don't go to work, school, or any other heavily populated places.
    
If you haven't caught the flu, keep washing those hands. Also, try to avoid heavily populated places.

Still needing a flu shot? IU Health Arnett is offering additional flu shot clinics. They are listed here:

 

Monday, January 14

Noon – 12:30

2995 N. Salisbury St., West Lafayette

Pediatrics department

                                   

5:15 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.

2800 Ferry St., Lafayette

 

Tuesday, January 15

2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

2995 N. Salisbury St., West Lafayette

Pediatrics department

                                   

3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

1 Walter Scholer Drive, Lafayette

Family Medicine department

 

Wednesday, January 16

1:50 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.

2995 N. Salisbury St., West Lafayette

Pediatrics department

                                         

4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

1 Walter Scholer Drive, Lafayette

Family Medicine department

 

Thursday, January 17

Noon – 12:30

2995 N. Salisbury St., West Lafayette

Pediatrics department

                                       

5 p.m. – 6:40 p.m.

1 Walter Scholer Drive, Lafayette

Family Medicine department

 

Friday, January 18

Noon – 12:30

2995 N. Salisbury St., West Lafayette

Pediatrics department

 

Sunday, January 20

8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

2600 Greenbush St., Lafayette

Pediatrics department

Vaccinations are available for adults and children even when clinics occur in pediatric departments. The cost for a vaccination is $23. Patients may bill their insurance.