Health department urges precautions to prevent flu over the holidays

Nov. 19--The Oklahoma State Department of Health is urging the public to take steps to prevent spreading the flu during holiday travel and family gatherings.

OSDH reports 71 hospitalizations and three deaths associated with the flu since the season began in September. The highest number of flu-related hospitalizations has occurred among those who are older than 65 years of age, as well as children younger than 5, which are both groups at greater risk of experiencing severe illness and complications due to flu, according to an OSDH press release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report influenza activity nationwide "remains low." But, CDC also reported its Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, had the highest rate among CDC'S 10 national regions of patient visits for influenza-like illnesses at 4 percent.

As the number of influenza-related hospitalizations continues to increase, OSDH is urging people to get a flu shot, if they have not already done so, to prevent spreading the flu during holiday travel and gatherings.

"It is important to stay home from holiday gatherings if you have symptoms of influenza which are fever, chills, body aches, and a cough or sore throat," said OSDH epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley. "It is better to miss out on some holiday fun than risk infecting others. Flu can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those who have underlying health conditions such as asthma and other lung diseases."

Flu activity tends to increase between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to OSDH.

"Getting a flu vaccination is the most effective way to avoid this potentially serious illness," according to the press release. "Vaccinations are available at all county health departments with no out-of-pocket cost, as well as at medical providers and many pharmacies throughout the state."

Everyone is at risk for influenza, according to OSDH, and the flu vaccination is recommended for anyone 6 months of age and older. Parents and family members of babies younger than 6 months of age, and those who live with or care for anyone at high risk for complications from the flu, are especially advised to get the vaccine.

"It is important for those experiencing flu-like symptoms to consult with a health care provider as soon as possible," according to the OSDH press release. Antiviral drugs may be prescribed to treat the flu. These drugs work better for treatment when started within 48 hours of noticing symptoms.

In addition to getting a flu shot, public health officials recommend the following prevention tips:

--Adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and getting a full night's rest.

--Wash hands frequently using soap and water, or use alcohol-based products such as hand gels when hands are not visibly soiled.

--Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of them and wash your hands immediately. When tissues are not readily available, cough into your sleeve, not your hands.

--Stay home from work, school and other public places when feeling ill.

Visit the OK Flu View at http://flu.health.ok.gov for weekly Oklahoma flu updates and additional information about the flu.

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