Eight flu deaths reported in Oklahoma, US

HOUSTON - Eight people in the US state of Oklahoma have died from flu complications this season, state health officials said Thursday.

The state Health Department's weekly flu report also shows a sharp increase in the number of flu deaths reported, with flu deaths jumping by six in one week to eight for the week ending Tuesday.

Ninety-two people in Oklahoma were hospitalized due to the flu in the past week, and 345 hospitalizations have been reported because of the flu so far this season, according to the report.

Oklahoma's flu season typically peaks in January or February, health officials said.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that influenza activity would be increasing across most of the country.

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to influenza each year, according to the CDC.

According to the agency's most recent weekly influenza report, 29 states are reporting high levels of the flu, and 18 pediatric deaths have been attributed to the flu this season.