Flu hospitalizations in Oklahoma have seen a significant decrease after reaching a record high earlier this month. According to the Hudson College of Public Health, the number of people hospitalized with influenza has dropped from nearly 1000 to around 450 in the past week. The positivity rate for influenza tests has also decreased from 39% to 22%. Dr. Dale Bratzler, Dean of the Hudson College of Public Health, noted that most cases were attributed to Influenza A and that people seemed to be sicker this year with the flu lasting longer.
While cases are still considered high by the CDC, there is some relief in the decrease of hospitalizations and positive test results in Oklahoma. The state health department reported an increase in positive results for Influenza B compared to Influenza A, but so far there has not been a significant second wave of flu from Influenza B. Dr. Bratzler emphasized that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine as the flu season typically lasts through March and it takes about a week or two to get full protection from the vaccine.
The Hudson College of Public Health recommends that individuals who have not yet received the flu vaccine do so anytime throughout the month of March to help prevent the spread of the illness. People over the age of 65 and young children are particularly vulnerable to the flu this year, and symptoms include fever, cough, and runny nose. It is important for the public to continue practicing good hygiene and get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the flu.
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