Three confirmed influenza-related deaths in Oklahoma, according to the Department of Health

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Health reminds Oklahoma residents to get flu shots to prevent sickness before Christmas gatherings of family and friends.

The Ministry of Health announced Thursday that there had been 71 hospitalizations and three deaths (aged 65 and over) related to influenza since the beginning of the season in September. The greatest number of influenza-related hospitalizations were recorded in people over 65 years of age and children under five years old. Both groups are at higher risk for serious illness and complications of influenza.

"It's important to stay home after holiday meetings if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, coughs, or sore throat," said Dr. Kristy Bradley, Chief Epidemiologist. "It is better to miss a holiday fun than to risk infecting others. The flu can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with underlying conditions such as asthma and other lung diseases. "

Influenza activity increases between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the Ministry of Health says getting the flu shot is the most effective way to avoid a potentially serious illness.

Vaccines are available in all county health departments at no extra cost, as well as at health care providers and in many pharmacies throughout the state.

Public health officials also recommend following these prevention tips:

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and resting all night long.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based products such as hand gels when hands are not visibly dirty.
• Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then throw them away and wash your hands immediately. When the fabrics are not readily available, cough in your sleeve, not in your hands.
• Stay at home outside of work, school and other public places when you feel sick.