The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Monday reported a record number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in addition to 2,200 new cases and seven more deaths related to the virus.
Across the state, 1,718 patients remain hospitalized with confirmed or suspected infections, according to the most recent survey of facilities. Of those, 461 are in intensive care. Both figures represent all-time highs in the state since the pandemic began.
The recently reported deaths were patients 65 or older from Creek, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Pawnee, Rogers, Stephens and Tulsa counties.
Tulsa County saw an additional 362 cases Monday, bringing the total to 33,569 infections confirmed. One additional death was reported in a Tulsa County patient.
According to state data, 197,745 cases have been confirmed across the state since March, with 32,275 currently active. A total of 163,727 cases are considered recovered, according to the state Health Department.
Some may be confused by the past several days of reporting. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the state did not release COVID-19 data on Thursday, Nov. 26.
According to those handling the data, the numbers reported Friday, Nov. 27, reflected information from Wednesday, Nov. 25. The numbers reported Saturday reflected data from Thursday and Friday. Sunday reporting was one day of data from Saturday.
Because of how the data has been reported by the state, seven-day rolling averages calculated by Tulsa World will reflect six days of data, including the Nov. 28 reporting that included two days’ worth of information.
COVID-19 by the numbers
The data below are current as of 11 a.m. Monday.
State of Oklahoma
Deaths: 1,743 (+7)
Confirmed cases: 197,745 (+2,200)
Seven-day rolling average: 3,312 (-224)
Tulsa County
Deaths: 269 (+1)
Confirmed cases: 33,569 (+362)
Seven-day rolling average: 512 (-25)
United States
Confirmed cases: 13,522,247
Deaths: 267,844
Worldwide
Confirmed cases: 63,139,635
Deaths: 1,465,963
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How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
Sources: Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tulsa Health Department, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
