INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department urges residents to protect themselves from the flu as the percentage of emergency department visits at Marion County hospitals for influenza-like illness (ILI) has increased and is considered to be high based on flu data from recent years. Emergency department visits in Marion County with ILI symptoms during the week of Dec. 21-27, 2025, increased by 37 percent over the previous week. The Indiana Dept. of Health reported that 17 people state-wide have died from influenza during the current season. Almost all the deaths were individuals 65 and older. Six of the deaths were in Marion County.
Flu is highly contagious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu is spread from person to person by droplets from an infected person who coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can travel up to 6 feet in the air and stay on surfaces up to eight hours. Individuals are considered contagious from about one day before they develop symptoms and remain contagious for approximately 3-5 days.
In addition to the flu shot, other ways to reduce the spread of the flu include washing hands frequently, covering all coughs and sneezes, staying home when feeling ill, and avoiding contact with people who are sick.
Anyone who is experiencing mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, body aches, cough and headache should seek evaluation and treatment first through a primary care provider, community health center, or urgent care center. Individuals exhibiting severe flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, difficulty breathing, confusion, severe weakness or unsteadiness with an inability to walk, seizures, and persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, should seek emergency treatment immediately.
Hospitals in Marion County recently implemented temporary visitor restrictions which remain in effect to better protect patients, staff and other visitors from the flu.