The Flu is hitting the Sooner State hard this year. According to kfor.com, the Oklahoma State Department of Health announced that 1,206 people have been hospitalized with the flu since September.

To make matters worse, this year’s flu vaccine hasn’t proven to protect people from the influenza strain that is making most ill.

“When scientists build vaccines, they start by identifying the virus or bacteria that they want to fight. The goal is to prime the immune system so that it recognizes the organism when it enters the body,” said Eliza Chakravarty, an immunologist and associate member in OMRF’s Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program. so you shouldn’t allow failed flu shots to discourage you from being vaccinated.

Tips to help avoid catching Influenza:

Getting vaccinated each year to build your immunity for different flu strains to come.

If possible, stay out of contact with sick people.

Always wash your hands multiple times a day.

Cover your nose when you sneeze or cough

 Follow the rules for washing your hands. This may include:

Rub your hands and fingers while singing Happy Birthday to You — twice. Singing it once is not enough time to slough all germs from your hands.