Flu threat

IU Health Jay has treated 69 patients with confirmed cases of the flu since Dec. 1.

Jay County Health Department is urging residents to get a flu shot to combat the rising threat of the virus.

Heath Butz, the health department’s environmentalist, said the influenza virus is “very viable” right now and that there is a “higher prevalence” of the flu earlier in the year than usual. He also said there is an elevated threat for the flu in the Jay County area compared to other parts of the state because of a high number of residents who already have the virus.

According to a report from Indiana State Department of Health, the health district that includes Jay County has the third highest percentage of patients seeking treatment for flu-like illnesses in the state.

Nine Indiana residents have died so far from illnesses associated with the flu, according to the state health department. More than 110 died from the disease last flu season, which runs until about the end of April, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat and/or nasal congestion, according to the health department.

While getting a flu shot is the best way to combat the flu, Butz said not touching your face, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue, and staying home when sick are additional preventative measures.

IU Health Jay on Wednesday announced flu restrictions for visitors.

Those visiting the hospital must be “essential” family members 18 or older. Anyone who has flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, chills, muscle aches) will not be permitted to visit. Those who are seeing doctors because of flu-like symptoms must wear a protective mask.

Butz advised residents to call the health department at (260) 726-8080 to schedule a flu shot.