Oklahoma Experiencing Widespread Influenza Along with Most of Nation

Forty-two states are reporting widespread incidence of influenza . Oklahoma is one of them as are each of the states bordering it. In Thursday's influenza update, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported eight deaths have resulted from the flu. John Hick, an emergency physician at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, told USAToday.com , "My general sense is that we have not peaked. We've probably got a few weeks to go on this."

Oklahoma Flu Statistics

The week ending Jan. 1 saw the greatest number of hospitalizations for the state in the 2012-13 influenza season with more than 130 people requiring in-hospital care. For the most recent week, ending Jan. 8, 90 flu-related hospitalizations were reported.

Tulsa County has had 115 people thus far hospitalized with the flu. Oklahoma County has had 43 people hospitalized with the illness. The counties with the highest rates of residents who have been hospitalized for influenza are Texas, 34 people of each 100,000; Stephens, 29 people out of each 100,000; Kingfisher, 27 out of 100,000; and Creek, 24 people out of 100,000.

The counties in Oklahoma that have had influenza-related deaths are Creek, 1; Mayes, 1; Muskogee, 1; Pittsburg, 1; Rogers, 1; and Tulsa, 3. Four of the deaths occurred in people age 19 years to 64 years; the other four deaths occurred in people age 65 years and older.

How Oklahoma Compares with Other Parts of United States in Influenza Illness

Minnesota has experienced the greatest numbers of death related to the flu at 27. Pennsylvania has had 22 flu-related deaths, Massachusetts 18, New York six and Illinois six. Eighteen pediatric flu-related deaths were reported this week.

Availability of Flu Vaccine and Influenza Antiviral Medications

According to a report by Reuters , it may be more difficult to find providers who have the influenza vaccine available. Sanofi SA, the pharmaceutical company that provides the largest quantity of flu vaccine in the nation, has sold out of four of the six different dosages of Fluzone. One of the dosages no longer available from Sanofi SA is the vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years.

Although the manufacturer is out of the different dosages, it doesn't mean they aren't available in your area. The dosages were bought up by clinics, physicians and pharmacies around the nation and may still be available in your area.

Another area of concern is the availability of the influenza antiviral medication, Tamiflu, in pediatric form. Roche, the manufacturer of this medication, had indicated that temporary delays may occur with the pediatric Tamiflu and advised that pharmacists can substitute by dissolving Tamiflu capsules in a sweet liquid and adjusting the dosage for children.

Best Actions to Take to Avoid, Treat Influenza

When you're sick with flu-like symptoms , defined as having a fever greater than 100 degrees F and have a cough and/or sore throat, stay home and avoid exposure of the illness to others unless you are seeking medical care. Do visit your health care provider as soon as possible so that an influenza antiviral medication can be prescribed for you to lessen the severity of your illness and perhaps prevent complications from the flu.

If you or your loved ones haven't received the flu vaccine, now is the time to do so, according to Dr. Joe Bresee , Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in the CDC's Influenza Division. This link can help you find influenza vaccine available in your area.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/oklahoma-experiencing-widespread-influenza-along-most-nation-170500503.html

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