Health experts are encouraging Hoosiers to get their flu vaccination after Indiana recorded the first flu related death of the season on Friday.

Local health officials say this year's flu season will be unpredictable and they're urging residents to get vaccinated.

Local health officials say the protection offered by a seasonal flu shot is critical right now as the spread of COVID-19 continues.

Seven Indiana schools have closed due to the flu, so far. And several others are reporting high absentee rates. But state education officials say there's no cause for concern.

Five cases were people age 65 years or older. ISDH says children under five, adults over 65 and people with chronic diseases like asthma or diabetes are at a higher risk.

The Marion County Health Department requested the temporary visitor restrictions in January when flu activity began to peak.

Liberty Christian School in Anderson says it's cancelling middle and high school classes Thursday and Friday because about half of teachers and one in five students are sick.

The Marion County Public Health department says increased flu activity is likely to last several more weeks.

"It is late, but it's not too late" to get your flu shot, one infectious disease expert says. "But run, do not walk, to get your influenza vaccine, and bring everyone in the family along with you."

So far this season the Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed 79 flu related deaths.