This year’s brutal flu season has set a record for the number of flu hospitalizations in the state since tracking began in 2009.
And the number of deaths in Oklahoma is also poised to set a record, with 129 deaths so far this season — one short of the record 130 deaths recorded last season, state health officials said.
A total of 3,000 people have been hospitalized statewide for the flu, including 748 in Tulsa County, between Sept. 1 and Tuesday, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
The number of hospitalizations is the most since the agency started keeping records in 2009, said Jamie Dukes, public information officer for the agency.
The previous record of 2,431 hospitalizations was set last year.
She said it was unclear if more people were showing up at hospitals to be treated for flu because of concern about the severity of the season or because they actually were sick enough to require hospitalization.
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“A lot of it has to do with the type of flu,” she said. “It is definitely hitting our population of 65 and older, which is why we recommend people in that age category, especially, get a flu shot.”
A breakdown by region shows 23 deaths in Tulsa County since September, up from 15 deaths as of last week. Officials report 14 in Oklahoma County and 92 deaths elsewhere across the state.
Fifteen adult patients who have died were younger than 50, with the rest of the fatal cases comprising patients 50 and older, according to OSDH.
Dukes said health officials are seeing a slight decline in the number of Type A flu, but a continued increase in Type B cases.
“We still have several more weeks of flu season to go. It is definitely not too late to get a flu shot,” she said.
Flu season ends in May.
The health department will be offering free flu shots on Saturday at Woodland Hills Mall.
Think you have the flu?
Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
These can be differentiated from other illnesses because flu symptoms come on strong and suddenly.
It is important for those experiencing flu-like symptoms to consult with a health care provider as soon as possible — treatment is most effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset, health officials said.
They recommend staying home from work, school and other public places if you are ill — at least 48 hours after you’ve been fever-free without the aid of medication.
Tamiflu is a safe and effective drug for reducing the severity of influenza for patients of all ages, including children, officials say. They urge a consultation with a pediatrician to determine whether the child meets the criteria for a Tamiflu prescription.
