State health officials update flu information, report 3 new Oklahoma flu deaths
Dr. Anne Furey Schultz examines Alice Corcoran, who was experiencing flu-like symptoms, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on January 10, 2013 in Chicago City.
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Posted: 01/31/2013
TULSA - The latest information from state health officials shows three more flu-related deaths, one of which happened in Tulsa County.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, a total of 17 people have died from the flu this season, and as of Jan. 29 the state has seen 722 flu-related hospitalizations.
There are currently 216 hospitalizations in Tulsa County.
Deaths have occurred in the following counties:
- Tulsa (4)
- Comanche (3)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Pittsburg (2)
- Cleveland (1)
- Creek (1)
- Mayes (1)
- Muskogee (1)
- Rogers (1)
- Stephens (1)
Twelve of the state's 17 deaths happened to people older than 65.
Updated flu statistics are released every Thursday by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
Health officials continue emphasizing the importance of flu shots because people who already have the flu but show no symptoms can still spread it to others.
Vaccines are being encouraged for everyone, including pregnant women, the elderly and people with underlying health issues. The vaccine is available for anyone 6 months old or older.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
For tips on how to avoid the flu and other flu-related news, visit www.kjrh.com/flu .
Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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