Flu claims 11 more people in Indiana

Another 11 people in the state have died from flu-related illnesses this week, bringing the state's total number of deaths for the season to date to 30, state health officials said.

Almost two-thirds of the deaths —19 out of the 30 — have occurred in people ages 25 to 64, not the typical demographic for those hit hardest by the flu.

Eleven of the deaths have occurred in those older than 65. There have been no Indiana flu deaths reported this season in those younger than 25, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

Story:Why young, middle-age adults need flu shots this year.

St. Joseph and Marion Counties have each seen six flu-related deaths as of the week ending Jan. 25.

Most of those who have fallen ill have had the H1N1 strain of the virus, the same strain that caused a pandemic in 2009 when it was a new form of the illness.

This year, however, all flu vaccines contain protection against this virus so health officials urge anyone over the age of six months who has not done so yet to get a flu shot.

People are also encouraged to practice the so-called "three C's" to help prevent the spread of flu and other diseases: to clean your hands; cover your cough; and contain your illness, i.e. stay home if they fall ill.

About 28 percent of samples sent to the state's laboratory for testing this week came out negative for flu, suggesting another virus was to blame for the person's symptoms.

Call Star reporter Shari Rudavsky at (317) 444-3654. Follow her on Twitter @srudavsky.