Cases of the flu are on the rise in Tulsa, and with more people going back to work and school after the holidays, the trend is expected to continue.
The situation in Tulsa mirrors the country. The Centers for Disease Control estimates there have been 11 million cases, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths nationwide. That makes this year the worst flu season since 2017-18.
During the last week of December, the Tulsa Health Department reported 62 people were hospitalized for the flu, up from 35 the week before. The majority of them were 65 and older.
Abhishek Shakya, an epidemiologist with the Tulsa Health Department, said they are seeing “quite a rise” in positive tests. The CDC has identified a new variant of the flu, known as “subclade K,” which may be reducing the vaccine’s effectiveness. But Shakya says it’s still a good idea to get vaccinated, especially if you’re in a vulnerable population.
“I know for Tulsa, the hospitalization is more in the 65-plus age group, but we still have to pay attention to kiddos,” he said. “If your kiddos are six months and over, they are good to get the vaccine.”
Last year, there were 288 pediatric flu deaths nationwide, making it the highest on record.
Flu season usually tapers off in March and the vaccine tends to provide full immunity after two weeks.
In order to treat it, antiviral medication needs to be taken within 48 hours of symptoms. Shakya recommended contacting a physician if a high fever, usually over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, persists and is not reacting to over-the-counter medication.
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