Tulsa World: Perils

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Perils
If it's not one thing it's another

By World's Editorial Writers
Published: 11/24/2009 2:20 AM
Last Modified: 11/24/2009 5:20 AM

Just as swine flu vaccine became available to most Oklahomans last week, the state experienced its first death from seasonal flu. The state Health Department reported Thursday that an Oklahoma County woman is the first to die this year from seasonal flu.

Five more Oklahomans, however, have died of swine flu, bringing the total to 34, but officials said H1N1 activity is ebbing. State epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley believes that H1N1 transmission has peaked in Oklahoma, although activity still is widespread.

That news arrived around the same time as 87,800 vaccine doses were shipped to the state for distribution to county health departments and private medical providers.

Officials regard the death from seasonal flu as an indication that the two flu strains now are overlapping.

The state experienced difficulties in acquiring enough seasonal flu vaccine as well as H1N1 vaccine earlier this fall. It isn't too late, however, to contact a health provider to receive a flu shot to prevent seasonal flu. In fact, Oklahomans should get vaccinations for both H1N1 and seasonal flu because it is possible to catch both strains in the same season or even at the same time, although that is unlikely.

As the weather gets cold and people stay inside more seasonal flu cases increase, usually peaking in early to mid-February in Oklahoma. Last year was a mild season, with fewer cases than in some previous years.

This is a scary time on the health front for Americans. Swine flu generally does not kill, but it's a dangerous virus that makes those who get it very sick.

A bad flu season creates worker absenteeism and less productivity. There's no upside to getting the flu — either H1N1 or seasonal. State health care providers and the state Health Department know that and are doing all that they can to get the supply lines flowing.

In the meantime, Tulsans can help themselves and help others by getting vaccinated if they have not already done so and by continuing to wash their hands, covering their mouths when coughing and staying home if they think they have the flu until they're fever free for 24 hours. By World's Editorial Writers

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