Two new flu deaths reported in Oklahoma even as overall flu activity declines

Oklahoma's flu numbers have continued to decrease over the past few weeks.

BY JACLYN COSGROVE jcosgrove@opubco.com | Published: February 14, 2013 Comment on this article

Half of the people in Oklahoma reported to be hospitalized because of the flu were 65 or older. Of the 862 hospitalizations that were reported since September, 442 were among people 65 and older.

Public health officials say the best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get the flu shot. A high-dose flu shot was designed specifically for people 65 years and older, according to the CDC.

Also, washing your hands and covering your cough are important in promoting good hygiene and decreasing the likelihood of spreading the flu.

The state Health Department will continue to monitor flu activity in Oklahoma, Coffman said. The department reports its latest flu data every Thursday during flu season.

“We've got our fingers crossed that we're approaching the end of our flu season this year,” Coffman said.

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