Okmulgee County has reported 11 hospitalizations due to the flu, according to the latests statistics from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The OSDH weekly flu activity summary through Jan.
Okmulgee County has reported 11 hospitalizations due to the flu, according to the latests statistics from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The OSDH weekly flu activity summary through Jan. 4 , reports 188 new hospitalizations beginning Dec. 29, 2019. The number of flu deaths have also increased by two, making a total of 12, since Sept. 1, 2019. Flu vaccinations clinics are available at county health departments, medical providers and pharmacies throughout the state. The Centers for Disease Control issued a warning this week noting the rise in flu virus. Everyone is at risk for influenza and the flu vaccination is recommended for anyone 6 months of age and older. Symptoms of the flu include cough, fever, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. It is important for those experiencing flu-like symptoms to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. In addition to getting a flu shot, public health officials recommend the following prevention tips:
• Frequent hand washing using soap and water, or alcohol-based products such as hand gels when hands are not visibly soiled.
• Make respiratory hygiene a habit, using tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then disposing of them and washing hands at once. When tissues are not readily available, cough into your sleeve, never your hands.
• Stay home from work, school and other public places, except to get medical care or other necessities, until you have gone at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
In other OSDH news, the department is offering a free training program to employers interested in creating or improving a worksite wellness program, aimed at improving the health of their employees. The OSDH now has two facilitators trained in the Work@Health® program, an initiative of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recruits employers nationwide to participate in the comprehensive training offering evidence-based work-site wellness programs. The goal of the training is to provide employers with the knowledge and skills to help address common and costly employee chronic illnesses and related conditions such as cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, stress, and arthritis. To be eligible to participate, employers must have at least 20 employees, offer health insurance to employees, have internet connectivity, and have been in operation for at least a year. For more information about worksite wellness or enrolling in the Work@Health® program, contact the OSDH Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at (405) 271-3619 or visit - https://go.usa.gov/xpyrx.