Flu cases up in Oklahoma

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma is seeing a significant increase in flu activity and health officials say people who haven't gotten flu shot should get one as soon as possible. <br><br>Officials with

Wednesday, November 19th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma is seeing a significant increase in flu activity and health officials say people who haven't gotten flu shot should get one as soon as possible.

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Health say Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas and the southwest part of the state are reporting the highest levels of the virus.

Illness reports and culture samples are being sent to the Health Department's Oklahoma City headquarters from about 50 clinics, doctors' offices, schools and day-care centers.

Interim State Epidemiologist Kristy Bradley says it takes about two weeks to develop maximum protection after receiving the vaccination.

Oklahoma is already seeing cases of the type A-Panama flu strain.

Bradley says another strain, type A-Fujiia, will likely be present in Oklahoma during the flu season that typically stretches into March.

Senior citizens and people with chronic medical problems are most at risk.