The Oklahoma State Department of Health confirmed two cases of flu found in Tulsa County and one case in Oklahoma County.

One person in Tulsa is hospitalized for the flu. The cases have been confirmed as influenza A H3. These are the first flu cases in Oklahoma this flu season.

OSDH urges all Oklahomans to get a flu shot.

“If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to get your flu shot before influenza begins to spread more widely,” said Laurence Burnsed, MPH, OSDH epidemiologist.

Officials said vaccination is important for persons at high risk from flu complications:

• children less than five years of age
• persons age 65 years and older
• Pregnant women should also receive a flu vaccination, as it not only protects the mother but also protects the baby for up to 6 months
• Flu vaccination is safe during pregnancy, after delivery, and for breastfeeding women
• Persons that are 50-64 years of age with underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease (asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions, other long-term health conditions

In addition to getting your flu shot, the OSDH reminds you to follow these prevention tips:

• Frequent hand hygiene using soap and water, or alcohol-based products
  such as hand gels when hands are not visibly soiled
• Make "respiratory hygiene" a habit, including use of tissues to cover
  coughs and sneezes, then disposing of them and performing hand
  hygiene at once. When tissues are not readily available, use your sleeve, never your hands
• Stay home from work, school, and  other public places when you are ill