First Cases of Flu Confirmed In Children In Tulsa And Oklahoma Counties

The Oklahoma State Department of Health said Thursday two children under the age of five are the first two laboratory-confirmed cases of flu in Oklahoma this year. 

The OSDH says one case is an Tulsa County child and the child was hospitalized for influenza. The other case is an Oklahoma County child and that child was not hospitalized.

State health officials stress an annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

“If you haven't done so already, now is the time to get your flu shot before influenza activity is elevated,” said Epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed, M.P.H. 

“Persons who have the flu can spread it to others even before they feel sick. The flu vaccine provides protection for the individual who receives it and reduces the chance of spreading the flu to persons who have not been vaccinated, including babies too young to receive a vaccination.”

Vaccination is especially important for those persons at high risk from flu complications including persons age 65 years and older and children less than two years of age.

In addition to getting a flu shot, the OSDH offers these prevention tips:

• · Frequent hand hygiene 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 performing hand hygiene 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.