Flu Cases On The Rise In Oklahoma

Have you noticed more friends and family not feeling well? The flu is spreading in Oklahoma.

New numbers out Thursday show the virus is sending a growing number of Oklahomans to the hospital.

According to the State Health Department, Oklahomans have been battling the flu for nearly four months now. In that time, the flu has put 484 Oklahomans in the hospital.

Just in the last week, more than 100 Oklahomans got sick enough to be hospitalized.

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So far, eight people have died. The numbers may seem low, but experts say Oklahomans should keep in mind that they only track flu cases that end up in the hospital.

"In regards to where we're at this year, what that does indicate to us is that we are getting into our very active time of year," said Laurence Burnsed, an epidemiologist for the health department.

Burnsed says January and February are the most active months.

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New information Thursday in the fight against the flu. The Cleveland County Health Department tells News 9 it has run out of adult flu shots. However, they still have enough vaccines for children under the age of 19.