Oklahoma Health Officials Brace for Swine Flu

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State health officials said they are prepared to deal with swine flu in Oklahoma and are expecting cases to start appearing.

State health officials said it's not a matter of if the virus arrives, but rather when the swine flu will strike.

They're already testing people who may currently be infected.

"State Health Department is ready to respond to an outbreak of swine flu in Oklahoma," interim Commissioner of Health, Rocky McElvany said.

An outbreak could happen soon, according to McElvany.

"I expect that we'll be seeing cases very quickly, not only in Oklahoma, but in multiple states because of how rapidly we've seen new cases being identified," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley.

Currently, 40 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., including in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas.

What is the Swine Influenza? Learn more about the contagious virus.

The strain is unlike anything ever seen anywhere in the world.

"No vaccine is currently available to protect persons from getting swine influenza," Bradley said.

People can catch the swine flu, even if they have had a flu shot. It has not killed anyone in the U.S., and is showing up with symptoms like the typical flu.

"Most of the patients were able to be treated at home, had a self-limited illness of three to seven days and recovered fully on their own," Bradley said.

Anti-viral medications like Tami Flu can reduce complications and shorten the course of the illness. The state has enough meds on hand to treat 65,000 people, and the federal government's sending 135,000 more doses to the state.

"To be effective anti-viral medications need to be started within the first 48 hours of onset of victims," Bradley said.

While there are no confirmed cases in Oklahoma, the state lab's already testing nose and throat swabs from people who may have it.

"We have begun to receive some patient specimens today from physicians who contacted us beginning this weekend," Bradley said. "Testing of some specimens has begun."

If you've just returned from Mexico and feel like you have the flu, go to the doctor. If you're sick, don't go to work or school.

Also, wash your hands frequently and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, germs are spread that way.

Health officials urge people to not try and stock up on drugs like Tami-flu, which could prevent people from getting it if they really need it.