Flu death toll hits 13 in state

Three more flu deaths have been reported in the state as of Tuesday, bringing the total to 13 so far this flu season, state health officials said.

The deaths include nine of people age 65 and older and four of people age 50-64, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A breakdown of the deaths by county has not been released this year “due to HIPPA and privacy concerns,” the Health Department said.

A breakdown by region shows one new death in Tulsa County, and two others in east-central and northeast Oklahoma. For Tulsa County the agency has reported two deaths and 120 hospitalizations since the start of flu season, Sept. 1.

A total of 602 people have been hospitalized for the flu, including 120 in Tulsa County, between Sept. 1 and Tuesday, according to the state.

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.tulsa-health.org for more information about the flu, including 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 posted every Thursday.