Number Of Flu Cases Climb Across Oklahoma

The flu is on the rise in Oklahoma, according to federal health officials. The peak of the virus' season is still a good month away.

Monday, December 30th 2013, 10:14 pm

By: News 9


The flu is on the rise in Oklahoma, according to federal health officials. The peak of the virus' season is still a good month away.

Medical professionals in Oklahoma tell News 9 this year's flu shot seems to be doing a pretty good job, but still, more than 50 percent of Oklahoma's 77 counties have now reported flu activity. People are reporting those familiar symptoms of body aches, cough and fevers.

"Some people have vomiting and diarrhea, but that's not always the case for everyone," Mercy Clinic physician assistant Stacy Fagan said.

Fagan's time was limited at her Northwest Oklahoma city clinic Monday. In fact, it was difficult to squeeze in an interview with her due to all of the patients she has been seeing. The federal government's tracking of the flu shows many of the cases are outpatient visits to places like the Mercy Clinic.

"If you've got a fever above 99 that's not going down, I would definitely come in to be seen," said Fagan.

Experts say those who allow symptoms to linger for more than two days without treatment are setting themselves up for a long road to recovery. Fagan says after 48 hours, Tamiflu is not recommended and there's not much that can be done. On Monday, the Oklahoma State Department of Health said 54 people had been hospitalized with the virus, with ten of those being treated within the last week.

"The cases that I've seen of the flu this year … they have not had the flu shot, so I do recommend getting the shot every year," Fagan said.

Washing your hands is essential to preventing the spread, according to medical professionals. To see the Centers For Disease Control's current Flu Activity Report, click here. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.

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