First H1N1 Death Confirmed in Oklahoma County

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma City-County Health Department has confirmed the first H1N1-related death in Oklahoma County.

The flu victim was an adult female, with an underlying medical condition. Her name has not been released.

“Our thoughts are with the family for their loss. Although H1N1 is not a disease that will send lots of people to the hospital, it can be various serious,” said Gary Cox, the Director of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department in a release. “The best defense against either H1N1 or seasonal flu is to be vaccinated. However, we still encourage people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing. Also, stay home if you are ill with influenza like symptoms.”

Schools with a high rate of absenteeism and healthcare workers have been the first groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine. The first form of the vaccine is a nasal spray, but it’s not recommended for all individuals.

It is anticipated that shipments will arrive weekly and the H1N1 shot will follow in the near future.

Currently, the Health Department is conducting seasonal influenza vaccine clinics throughout the Oklahoma County area and encourages everyone to get a seasonal vaccination and the H1N1 as it becomes available.

Check for upcoming clinics on the health department’s Web site.

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department also has a new H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza information line available for the public, the number is 405-419-4123. This is a recorded message in English and Spanish.