January 2013 one of worst flu months in recent years; Oklahoma still among the hardest-hit states
Posted: 02/15/2013
TULSA - New data released Friday puts this year's flu season in perspective, and it's not pretty.
According to Gallup, more Americans reported coming down with the flu in January 2013 than in any year since 2009.
Nearly five percent of those polled said they had the flu the day before they were surveyed, significantly higher than the five years prior.
The virus has been particularly tough on seniors, who have been five times more likely to be hospitalized for flu than last year, according to Center for Disease Control data.
Oklahoma hasn't avoided the epidemic either, and is one of 32 states to still be dealing with "widespread" flu.
Twenty-five people have died from the flu in the state since Sept. 30, including two in the last week, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health's weekly influenza study.
And while influenza does typically taper off in February, health officials suggest those that haven't yet had their flu shot do so soon.
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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