State Health Officials Say Influenza Is "Epidemic"

The flu has reached epidemic levels in Oklahoma.  The state health department says the rate of flu cases is three to four times greater than what they expected.  The News On 6's Steve Berg reports there are still ways to try to avoid the flu.  And if you can't avoid it, you can try to make it go easier.

"Eat your Wheaties. Take care of yourself," said Medicap Pharmacy Kathy Campbell.

Campbell likes to see her customers.  But that usually means their sick.

"It's a busy time of year, very busy," said Campbell.

Janice Sheehan from the Tulsa County Health Department broke it down.

"It goes from widespread to epidemic when we have our sentinel labs that report in over the state of Oklahoma, when it reaches a percentage of over 60% of them being positive for influenza," said Sheehan.

Sheehan says this year's flu shot failed to match some of the strains, but she says people should still get it.

"They are alike, some of the strains, so we still encourage everyone to get the flu shot because you will get some protection, and in some cases, it will protect you fully from getting the flu," said Sheehan.

If you're unlucky, you can also get what's known as anti-viral medication through your doctor.

"Tamiflu is pretty much the drug of choice that they're using to shorten the duration, shorten the severity of a diagnosed flu case," said Campbell.  "I'm easily selling 60 to 100 tablets a day, which one prescription is usually 10 tablets."

Tamiflu and other anti-virals work best when they're taken within two days of the first symptoms.

Even though it's warmer, they say keep washing those hands and be careful.