No confirmed cases of flu in Kay County

Kay County’s Administrative Director, Annette O’Connor, said no confirmed cases of influenza have been reported in the county.

"The last report I saw from our sentinal laboratories shows no confirmed reported cases," O’Connor said.

As of Oct. 9, 2014, the Oklahoma State Department of Health began producing a weekly report. Updated influenza statistics are posted each Thursday by 10:00 a.m. during the 2014-2015 flu season.

The latest state numbers show 31 new hospitalizations between Dec. 3 and Dec. 9. Since Sept. 28, 94 people have been hospitalized and two deaths have been reported.

Most of the confirmed cases have been Type A, with only one confirmed as Type B.

Influenza-like illness is defined as having a fever greater than 100°F, combined with a cough and/or a sore throat.

Mary Ladd, public information coordinator for Ponca City Public Schools, said all schools have reported a significant increase in reported absences due to illness, not just among students but also employees.

"The two main complaints have been a stomach bug and sinus/upper respiratory-type illness, but not confirmed flu," Ladd said.

District nurse Peggy Maples said they have certainly noticed an increase in the number of sick students over the last few weeks.

The nurses have been talking to all schools emphasizing the importance of hand-washing during this flu season. They have also distributed a fact sheet, “Cold, Flu, or Allergy? Know the Difference and Tips and Treatments.”