Tulsa County adult 1st Oklahoman of the season to die from flu in early influenza uptick
Photographer: KJRH
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 12/27/2012
TULSA COUNTY, Okla. - Oklahoma has suffered its first flu death of the season.
The state department of health has not yet released the victim's name, but officials have confirmed the person lived in Tulsa County and was between 19 and 64 years old.
The virus has come quickly this season, with 16.3 percent of tests ringing positive for influenza. Last time around, that number was not reached until February.
Since Sept. 30, there have been 75 flu-related hospitalizations, according to the Oklahoma Health Department .
"I think as we go in to January and February we will start to see our peaks," said Kelly VanBuskirk from the Tulsa Health Department. "Since we're getting ready to head into January, this is the time of year we start to see the numbers increase with influenza."
Doctors and nurses are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.
They say the vaccine is especially important for pregnant women, the elderly and people with underlying health issues.
It is available for anyone, six months or older.
For more information on where you can receive the flu vaccine, click here .
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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