The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced today that the H1N1 influenza virus (swine flu) has contributed to the death of a Carter County man and is responsible for an increase in the number of new influenza-related hospitalizations reported in the state in the past week.

 “Our sympathies go out to this individual’s family,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline. “This death is a sad reminder that the H1N1 flu virus can be a serious threat.”

Although an H1N1 flu vaccine is not yet available, the Jackson County Health Department will be giving the regular seasonal flu vaccine shots on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Community Center on Falcon Road. The shots will be given free of charge, but the number of doses that will be made available has not yet been determined, so those wanting to make sure and get a shot should arrive early.  

Cline encouraged Oklahomans to get a seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccination when they are available in their area.  Shipments of the new H1N1 vaccine are expected to arrive in Oklahoma beginning early to mid October.

Seasonal flu vaccines are also offered through many health care providers and some pharmacies.

Those in the key population that are most impacted by the flu include pregnant women, people caring for infants less than 6 months of age, children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years of age, people 25 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions, and health care workers and emergency medical responders.

To help prevent the flu, prevention recommendations include covering your cough, washing your hands frequently, get a vaccine when it becomes available, and if you have a fever - stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has ended without the use of a fever-lowering medication.

For more information about influenza, visit http://h1n1.health.ok.gov or www.flu.gov, or call the Jackson County Health Department at 580-482-7308.