Flu death total reaches 10

TULSA — The number of flu-related deaths in the state this season is up to 10 as of Dec. 26, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported Thursday.

The number of hospitalizations is up to 425 statewide, with 88 in Tulsa County since the start of the flu season on Sept. 1, the health department said.

The number of deaths was not broken down by county “due to HIPAA and privacy concerns,” the department said.

Of the 10 deaths so far, three involved people ages 50-64 and seven were people age 65 or older.

Oklahoma is one of several states reporting high flu activity as of Dec. 16, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition to getting your flu shot, the Tulsa Health Department recommends these prevention tips:

• Frequent hand washing using soap and water, or alcohol-based products such as hand gels when hands are not visibly soiled.

• Make “respiratory hygiene” a habit, including use of tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then disposing of them and washing hands at once. When tissues are not readily available, use your sleeve, never your hands.

• Stay home from work, school and other public places if you are ill.

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is important for those experiencing flu-like symptoms to consult with a provider as soon as possible.

Visit www.tulsahealth.org for more information about the flu, including Tulsa-area flu vaccination clinic locations and hours of operation, and accepted insurance and other methods of payment. For Oklahoma City clinics, go www.occhd.org, and search for “flu.”

Visit www.health. ok.gov for Oklahoma flu updates.