Oklahoma In Peak Respiratory Illness Season: How To Protect Yourself & Others

This is the time of year there is an uptick in respiratory illness like the flu, RSV, bronchitis and so on. 

Helping us stay ahead of it for News 9’s Wellness Wednesday, Erica Rankin-Riley from the state health department.. 

The department reported the first pediatric flu death just Tuesday, a child under five in southeast Oklahoma.

“Oklahoma started kind of later than the rest of the United States when it came to flu activity,” Rankin-Riley said. “Right now we're experiencing what's most likely our peak. So we're expecting to probably see an increase in activity for probably the next several weeks.”

According to Rankin-Riley, good hygiene is the most important thing.

“So when it comes to protecting yourself, I know it sounds like a broken record. We talk about it a lot, but good hand hygiene. That's going to be your best and easiest way to mitigate the spread of illness, getting illness around this time of year,” Rankin-Riley said. “And then also, if you're sick stay home. That's the best way to not spread it to others or to other kids in a classroom. And then if you do have a fever with some of these, it's recommended that you stay home until you're 24 hours, fever free without fever reducing medication.”