Oklahoma City Indian Clinic offers tips for avoiding colds, flu

Flu season peaks during January and February

OKLAHOMA CITY – Since September, over 800 Oklahomans have been hospitalized with the flu. Due to their commonality, many Oklahomans ignore cold and flu symptoms until they become severe before seeking medical attention. Since flu season typically peaks during January and February, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) is offering tips to help prevent the spreading of the virus and keep Oklahomans healthy.

 “A common misconception is that once you’ve had the flu, you aren’t likely to get it again,” said Oklahoma City Indian Clinic physician Dr. DeKoda Bost. “The flu strain is constantly changing, and while flu vaccinations aren’t always 100 percent effective, they can significantly increase your body’s ability to fight off the virus. Whether you have already had the flu this season or not, it’s never too late to get vaccinated.”

OKCIC is offering the following tips to keep Oklahomans and their families healthy:

Get vaccinated every year. Flu vaccines are designed each year based on the strain that research shows will be most common during the upcoming season. With the virus constantly changing and mutating, the vaccine you received the previous year may not cover the more prominent strain this season. Annual vaccinations are the best way to prevent contracting the virus and spreading it to others.

Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands. Think about everything you touch over the course of a day – a coworker’s hand for a handshake, a shopping cart at the store and countless other surfaces and objects. Public spaces are hot spots for germ and bacteria transference. Washing your hands consistently throughout the day can help keep you from picking up someone else’s germs.

Keep your home and work environment clean. Bacteria can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours. Having sanitizer and Lysol wipes around during cold and flu seasons are great for a quick sanitization of a desk or table, especially if you have a sick child or family member at home.

Stay home if symptoms arise. Whether it’s a quick trip to the office or store, any amount of outside contact when symptoms are present, before antibiotics have kicked in, can contribute to the spread of bacteria. If you feel like you are getting sick, take precaution around others and see a physician as soon as possible to keep the virus from spreading.

For more information, visit www.okcic.com.

–About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to urban Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 18,000 patients from more than 220 federally recognized tribes every year. Urban Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please visit www.okcic.com.