Oklahomans Seek Protection from H1N1 Virus

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma State Health Department has recently become inundated by callers concerned about the H1N1 virus, or the swine flu.

The U.S. Government and the World Health Organizations have renounced the virus' previous name, claiming the term "swine flu" was misleading because it gave the public an impression the illness was linked to consuming pork.

No cases have been confirmed in Oklahoma, but the state has begun taking precautions and the public's concern is growing.

"Wash your hands and cover your cough," said State Epidemiologist Jodi Stone. "Just wearing a mask is not going to 100 percent protect you from influenza."

The toll-free hotline, 1-866-278-7134, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for people who have questions or concerns about the H1N1 virus. Volunteers from the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Group have been dispatched to assist in answering the calls.