Health Officials Recommend Flu Shot Ahead Of Flu Season

Flu season hasn't started yet but several cases have already been confirmed. 

Health officials are recommending people get a flu shot. Last year was the deadliest flu season on record in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

2017 flu statistics show, 291 people died and almost 5,000 people were hospitalized.

State health leaders said seven people were hospitalized in August after taking rapid flu tests. But they caution rapid flu tests can produce false positives because other viruses are being detected.

The Center for Disease Control Staff recommend you get your flu shot prior to the end of October when flu symptoms are more common.

"You can be spreading the flu even before you start showing symptoms so that is why it is really important to be vaccinated," said Luisa Crug, Tulsa Health Department. 

Wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes and avoid close contact with people who are sick, officials warn. And if you're sick, stay home.