Oklahomans Urged to Vaccinate as Flu Cases Surge

Influenza cases are rising sharply in Oklahoma, putting residents at high risk of infection. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the state is experiencing an increase in seasonal flu activity, mirroring a national trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths related to flu this season.

Dr. Brent Mefford, the lead emergency care physician at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City, emphasized the severity of the situation: “In the emergency department, we see firsthand how dangerous the flu can be—not just for individuals, but for families and our entire community.” He noted that many patients arrive struggling to breathe or facing severe complications that could have been avoided.

As the holiday season concluded, hospitals began reporting an uptick in positive flu tests, particularly following family gatherings during Christmas. With schools now back in session, medical professionals anticipate further increases in flu-related cases. Mercy Hospital has observed a minor rise in flu-related hospitalizations, although most patients are treated without needing hospitalization.

Integris Health has recorded 198 flu patients across its facilities last week, which includes both inpatients and emergency room cases. The positivity rate for flu tests at hospital-based facilities was nearly 19%, with 134 positive results from metro facilities and 64 from regional facilities. Additionally, Integris clinics and urgent care centers reported 91 positive tests, representing more than 16% of those tested.

Dr. David Chansolme, medical director of infection prevention at Integris Health, explained, “We are seeing patients hospitalized for the flu, as well as patients hospitalized from complications after having the flu—pneumonia and respiratory failure being the most common.”

SSM Health reported 286 flu cases for the week ending January 4 across its facilities. The Oklahoma State Department of Health indicated a slight decline in overall flu activity for the week ending January 3, with 14.2% of tests returning positive, down from 21.8% the previous week. Hospitalizations also fell to 125, a decrease from 165. Notably, this was the first week since early December without any flu-related deaths reported in the state, though Oklahoma has seen 11 deaths since the flu season began in September, with four occurring in December.

The most vulnerable populations continue to be the elderly and young children, with half of the recent hospitalizations involving patients aged 65 or older and 13 in the 0 to 4 age group. Nationwide, flu positivity rates, hospitalizations, and deaths are trending upward, with the CDC noting that 45 states are experiencing “high” or “very high” influenza activity.

In comparison, neighboring states are reporting even higher risks. Arkansas documented 3,866 positive flu tests between September 29 and January 3, while Texas recorded 1,831 deaths from pneumonia and influenza combined during the same timeframe. Kansas reported only two deaths attributed to flu this season, but a significant number from pneumonia.

Oklahoma County reported 35 hospitalizations during the week ending January 3, while Tulsa County saw 28. Region 2, which includes twelve counties in northeast Oklahoma, had the highest positivity rate at 17.6% and the highest hospitalization rate at 21.2 per 100,000 population.

Historically, Oklahoma’s peak flu season occurs in early February, suggesting that it is not too late for residents to receive vaccinations. Dr. Mefford reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated, stating, “A flu shot is the easiest way to protect yourself and those around you. It doesn’t just reduce your risk of getting sick; it helps keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed and ensures we can care for everyone who needs us. Protecting yourself protects your neighbors, your loved ones, and your community.”