Although it is early in the flu season, IU Health Bloomington is reporting an increase in in-patient cases.
Brian Shockney, president of IU Health south central region, said reducing the number of flu infections would help reduce hospital admission rates.
“We are seeing some in-patient flu cases right now over the last few weeks that are similar to our 2019 numbers prior to the pandemic,” Shockney said. “So that’s causing us a little concern.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 913 Hoosiers died from the seasonal flu in 2019.
Shockney said 2020 flu cases and hospital admissions were low because of enhanced safety measures; however, this is no longer the case.
He said the best way to reduce communal impact from the flu was to get vaccinated as early as possible.
“Do it now,” he said. “Do it as preventative medicine.”
Kirk White, IU assistant vice president for strategic partnerships, said about 2,500 students, faculty, and staff received flu shots at Assembly Hall on Oct. 12. The next clinic is scheduled on Oct. 24 from 12-6 p.m.
