Flu claims second person in Oklahoma this season

Two Tulsa County residents have died since the flu season started in September.

Sixty-four people in Oklahoma were reported hospitalized last week from the flu, bringing the number of flu-related hospitalizations to 171.

Flu activity continues to increase in the United States, with high levels of activity in the South Central and Southeastern regions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Oklahoma's flu season typically peaks in January or February, and public health officials say Oklahoma is on course with what's to be expected this time of year.

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death, according to the state Health Department.

Amanda Winston, a Walgreens pharmacist in Oklahoma City, said there's still time to get a flu shot.

County health departments, physician's offices and some pharmacies have the flu shot available, as well as a flu nasal spray, a high-dose flu shot for people older than 65 and an intradermal flu vaccine that has a smaller needle.