Flu virus to blame for deaths of 45 Oklahomans

The number of fatalities this flu season is the highest it's ever been for the county since officials began tracking flu-related deaths approximately 20 years ago, county officials said.

So far, officials with the Oklahoma State Department of Health say that 45 people have died from the virus since September.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu season nationwide is far worse than what they saw past year at this time.

Of those 50 Hoosiers who have died of the flu, 36 of the victims were age 65 or older.

A breakdown by region shows 10 deaths in Tulsa County, seven of which were reported this week.

The collaborative includes the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the Cleveland Department of Public Health.

Flu is a respiratory illness that is easily spread from person to person through sneezing, coughing and contact with hands that touch the eyes, nose and mouth. This flu season could linger for another 13 weeks.

The Oakland County Health Division strongly urges residents to get vaccinated against flu in the wake of increasing flu cases.

Get to the doctor within 48 hours of the onset of flu as they may prescribe antivirals which can effectively reduce the symptoms.

A nurse draws a dose of flu vaccine.

"This year, we've had increased activity and Oklahoma was one of the first states to start experiencing more widespread activity", said Dr. David Chansolme M.D, Medical Director of Infection Prevention for Integris Health.