Tulsa Health Department Offers Flu Prevention Tips

The State Health Department reported the first flu-related death in Tulsa County this season. 

Health experts say more than two hundred people have been hospitalized statewide and three Oklahomans have died from the virus since September.

Tulsa Health Department says the best flu prevention is to receive the vaccine.

Experts say the vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, make the illness less severe if you do get it and it keeps you from spreading the virus to family and other people.

Tulsa health experts said getting a flu shot is more important than ever this season to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu.

"Anyone who is six months and older can receive the flu vaccine," said Priscilla Haynes, Division Chief for Prevention Services, Tulsa Health Department. 

In addition to a seasonal flu vaccine, the Tulsa Health Department encourages all residents aged five and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and residents who are fully vaccinated and at least 18 years old should receive a COVID-19 booster shot. 

"Some of the same things we are asking you to do to protect yourself from COVID-19 will also prevent you from contracting the flu virus," said Haynes. 

Health leaders said those protections include wearing a mask, social distancing, good hand washing and getting your vaccine. 

If you think you have the flu or COVID-19, the THD said the best thing to do is get medical attention. 

"Separate yourself from others and seek care from your primary care physician and get a test," said Haynes. 

You can receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccine during the same visit.  

You can visit the Tulsa Health Department by clicking here to schedule an appointment.