The Oklahoma Department of Health says the death toll due to influenza this season remains at six after no new deaths were recorded in the state during the past week.
State health officials said Friday 70 more people were hospitalized with flu-like symptoms between Dec. 17 and Dec. 22. Since the current flu season began on Sept. 28, a total of 250 people in the state have either been hospitalized or died.
Health officials say all six deaths and more than half of those hospitalized with the flu have been 65 years of age or older.
A record 61 people died in the state due to flu last flu season to break the previous record of 46 deaths recorded in the 2009 season, when the state began tracking the statistic.
------------------------------------
KGOU relies on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service with news, arts and culture reporting for Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
