Flu may be the cause of death for a Tulsa County 13 year old girl

State health officials suspect a 13-year-old Tulsa County girl died from complications of the flu. <br><br>The case hasn't been absolutely confirmed yet, but it has health officials urging parents

Tuesday, November 25th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

State health officials suspect a 13-year-old Tulsa County girl died from complications of the flu.

The case hasn't been absolutely confirmed yet, but it has health officials urging parents to make sure children get their flu shots.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says everyone can get the flu. But sniffles and coughs can turn severe in people with chronic illnesses. And the risks are even greater with children.

The Oklahoma Department of Health wants all children over the age of six months to get flu shots, but they say its especially important in children with asthma, chronic heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease or weakened immune systems.

Doctors say everyone should consider a flu shot, even if you've already caught the bug. Pediatrician, Dr Rowena Baumgartner, "we recommend once they're over, one strain of it." So far, 85% of the flu cases in Tulsa County have been in children or young adults. But the health department says now that its here, its likely the virus will continue to spread to the rest of the population.

So if you haven't yet, you're urged to get a flu shot.