The flu is surging in Indianapolis this winter — and health officials warn cases haven’t peaked yet.
This is one of the worst flu seasons in 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indiana is among dozens of states where “very high” flu activity was reported in early February. Most of the cases reported nationally are influenza A, which can be a more severe strain.
In the past month, more than 3,700 people went to local emergency rooms with flu-like illness, according to Marion County Public Health Department data. Those symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees or higher and a cough or sore throat.
“This is one of the higher peaks, and we’re still climbing,” said Melissa McMasters, a nurse who heads immunization and infectious disease programs at the health department.
The department has tracked at least 18 flu deaths locally since September 2024.
Marion County hospitals started restricting visitors in December to stop the spread. IU Health urgent care locations are also seeing more patients with the flu, a spokesperson said. And the health department is hearing from Indianapolis schools overwhelmed with sick or absent students, McMasters said.
“After COVID, there tends to be this distrust,” she said, referring to anti-vaccine sentiment that grew during the pandemic. “I think a lot of people skipped the (flu) vaccine this year, maybe parents for their kids, and that’s worrisome right now.”
Flu vaccines are developed each year to protect against the strains scientists believe will be most common. If you get vaccinated, you can still get sick — but that doesn’t mean the shot didn’t work.
“Right now there’s a decent match between what’s circulating and what’s in the vaccine,” McMasters said. “The goal is to make sure what you have is not serious and you don’t end up in the hospital.”
If you have mild symptoms, doctors say it’s best to stay home and recover. But if you are struggling to breathe or have tightness in your chest, you should get immediate medical attention. People who are older or have underlying conditions should also seek emergency care.
Flu shots are still available to help protect you and loved ones. Call the Marion County Public Health Department at 317-221-2122 to find a clinic near you.
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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