In light of the heightened flu activity The Oklahoma City-County Health Department says it’s never too late to receive a flu vaccination. In addition, OCCHD says the best way to protect yourself and others is prevention…hand washing and covering your cough. The OCCHS is also providing a Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Van to all local school districts for scheduled visits, as a way to provide parents information and access, according to Patrick McGough, Divisional Director/Clinical Services. Flu immunizations are also available at the following OCCHD clinic locations: OCCHD Kelley, 921 NE 23rd, OKC, Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm and Friday from 8am to 1pm. OCCHD South Regional Health and Wellness Campus, 2149 SW 59th, Suite 104, OKC, Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm and Friday from 8am to 1pm. (Appointment Required) OCCHD West, 4330 NW 10th Street, OKC, Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm and Friday from 8am to 1pm. For more information on accessing the Caring Van visit www.occhd.org. As of last Thursday, the Oklahoma Department of Health says influenza has taken the lives of 11 people during the past week. On Friday, OCCHD confirmed an additional flu related death in the pediatric population. Health officials reported Thursday 58 Oklahomans have died due to flu-related illness since the flu season began Sept. 28. About 1,400 others have been hospitalized, including 116 during the past week. Forty-three of the flu victims were 65 or older while eight were in the 50-64 age group, two were aged 18-49 and three were 5-17. Two victims have been younger than 4. Tulsa County has recorded the most deaths with 12, followed by Oklahoma and Garfield counties with five. A record 61 people died in the state during the last flu season to break the previous record of 46 deaths in the 2009 season, when the state began tracking the statistic.
-----
KGOU produces journalism in the public interest, essential to an informed electorate. Help support informative, in-depth journalism with a donation online, or contact our Membership department.
