Oklahoma flu deaths hit 18 for the season

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The Oklahoma State Department of Health said one new flu death occurred between January 16 and January 22, bringing the total this flu season to 18. Officials said the death did not occur in either Tulsa or Oklahoma County. Northeast Oklahoma has seen the highest amount of flu deaths this season with six. Tulsa County has had three flu deaths and Oklahoma County has had two. 379 people have been hospitalized with the flu since flu season began on September 1. Flu season in Oklahoma typically peaks in January or February, but can continue until mid-May. OSDH lists the following tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this season: Stay home from work, school, and other public places if you are ill; Make “respiratory hygiene” a habit, including use of tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then disposing of them and performing hand hygiene immediately. When tissues are not readily available, use your sleeve, never your hands; Frequent hand hygiene using soap and water, or alcohol-based products such as hand gels when hands are not visibly soiled; and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive an influenza vaccine each year to protect against influenza. Officials recommend getting a flu shot in October, but said getting one in January or later would still be beneficial in protecting yourself from the flu. We’re told once you are vaccinated against flu, it takes two weeks before you are fully protected from infection.