Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, January 15, 2014
(UNDATED) - The strain of flu that caused a pandemic five years ago is strong again this flu season.
H1N1 has been reported in many states, including Indiana, which is rated as having a high level of overall flu activity according to the Centers For Disease Control. Though it causes the same symptoms as other flu strains, doctors are baffled as to why H1N1 affects so many more people. "It tends to affect younger people who are other healthy. So, it often comes unexpected and can lead to some very serious complications," said Dr. Christopher Belcher, an infectious disease specialist at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital in Indianapolis.
H1N1 isn't the only flu strain going around. "We still see some H3N2 and some Influenza B, but we have plenty of flu vaccine available which contain all of those strains," said Belcher. "The best thing you can do is get your flu vaccine," because flu season can run as late as April or May.
Three flu deaths have been reported in Indiana so far - the State Health Department hasn't said which strains of flu caused the deaths. But Belcher says all flu strains are part of this year's flu shot, including H1N1. "We've had that strain in the vaccine since the pandemic of 2009 of 2010."
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.