October 17, 2026 Issue, Page 10 of 12

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10+ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 The Elk City News Flu, COVID and RSV: What Oklahomans Need to Know Before Respiratory Virus Season After one of the most severe ilies can take now to reduce their New Vaccine Option: What illness at home, work and school. drive to change lives through ployees and over 1,300 physicians flu seasons in recent years, Okla- risk before cases begin to rise adults 50+ should know about the Fact vs. Fiction: Addressing discovery and healing. Patients and advanced practice providers, homans are preparing for an- As Oklahoma’ flagship aca- newly approved mRNA flu vac- common misconceptions about turn to OU Health for leadership we serve all 77 Oklahoma coun- other respiratory virus season as demic health system, OU Health cine, COVID vaccine, and who vaccines and respiratory in clinical care, research and ed- ties and beyond with the state's influenza, COVID-19 and RSV provides leading expertise in the may benefit most. When to Seek Care: Warning ucation, where advanced treat- only comprehensive children's begin circulating this fall. This prevention, diagnosis and treat- Who Is Most at Risk: Why older signs that shouldn't be ignored ments and leading-edge thera- hospital (Oklahoma Children's year brings updated COVID-19 ment of infectious diseases affect- adults, young children and people and may require medical atten- pies are developed and delivered OU Health); National Cancer In- vaccines and a new mRNA flu ing communities across the state. with chronic health conditions tion. by a nationally connected net- stitute-designated cancer center vaccine option for adults 50 and Key Points: face a greater risk of serious com- Preparing for the Season work of experts. (OU Health Stephenson Cancer older, leaving many people with Expert Insight: Douglas Dre- plications. Ahead: ‘The most important Our physicians serve as facul- Center); and the flagship aca- questions about which vaccines vets, M.D., Chief of Infectious When to Get Vaccinated: The things Oklahomans can do now ty at the OU College of Medicine demic hospital and Oklahoma’s they need, when they should get Diseases at OU Health, discusses ideal timing for flu, COVID-19 to stay healthy this fall and winter. and collaborate across all seven leading Level [trauma center (OU them and who faces the greatest what Oklahomans should know and RSV vaccines before virus ac- health professions colleges on the Health University of Oklahoma risk from serious illness. as flu, COVID-19 and RSV season tivity begins increasing. OU HEALTH University of Oklahoma Health Medical Center). With selfless col- Dr. Douglas Drevets, M.D., approaches. Flu, COVID-19 & RSV: The key OU Health is radically trans- Campus — training the next gen- laboration and Oklahoma Proud Chief of Infectious Diseases at OU Vhat to Expect This Fall: What differences between these season- forming health outcomes as the eration of healthcare professionals spirit, we deliver care that reflects Health, is available to explain what infectious disease experts are al viruses and how to recognize University of Oklahoma’s aca- and accelerating innovation that our deep commitment to the com- is new this season, how the latest watching and whether this year’s symptoms. demic health system. We are the drives patient outcomes and fuels munities we serve. vaccine recommendations affect respiratory virus season could Protecting Your Family: destination of choice for com- economic development. For more information, vis- Oklahomans and what steps fam- mirror last year’s severe flu season. ple steps to reduce the spread of plex care — with an unstoppable With more than 11,000 em- it OUHealth.com. CANUTE CBA We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Canute Schools ~ Great Plains Bank One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren ~ First National Bank suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 OKC and Amarillo www,janningwelding.com LIGHT ‘aecccr ON\DNESS JOIN THE-FUN The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood (“photos courtesy of Jenni- fer Rother) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 - 5 TO 8PM : 5 ‘ } (BA Homecoming candidates: Annelise Bull and Jaxon Slagell of \ \ y i qj Weatherford; Brylie Driskill, Amanda Jeffries, Audrey Stewart, and TRACTOR HAY RIDESI Vince DuBois of Clinton; Samuel Griesel of Thomas; and Rylin Zeller INFLATABLES | SHOPS) 6 PEN UNTIL EM Hoek Homene was held Thursday October 15th. (Winners in MERRITTWELK CITY PEP.RALLIES CARNEGIE LIBRARY GHOST T. WNIRGUNDUP: 4:60=6:00PM ONE-CHURCH CARNIVAL: 6:00-8:00PM—= COSTUME CONTEST AGES 0-12 & 13-ADULT & COMPANY PET COSTUME CONTEST ANY LEASHED ANIMAL PLEASE KEEP COSTUMES PG a> Usit? 580-225-1885