Indiana health officials are warning residents that the H1N1 flu is becoming a problem here in the Hoosier state.

Hospital emergency rooms are currently experiencing an influx of patients suffering from this nasty virus, and officials say the jury is still out on whether the epidemic will grow into something as detrimental to the public as it has been in recent years.

However, the good news is the H1N1 outbreak is not as bad as it was in 2009, when the state experienced a record breaking number of flu cases, causing hospitalizations and even death. Officials say we can expect flu season to peak in late January or early February.

Preventative measures are the best way to stay healthy during flu season, says John Silcox, Communications Director with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health. “The number one preventative measure being, get your flu vaccine if you haven't already,” he said. ‘The other things to do would be to try to take some precautions in terms of washing your hands frequently, covering your cough or sneeze, and then staying home if you do have symptoms."

Silcox says symptoms can include fever, aches, coughing, sneezing, and fatigue. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention within 48 hours.

More From WDKS-FM