Mild Flu Season In Tulsa Sees Increase In Confirmed Cases

It has been a slow start to the flu season, but in just the past week, the number of confirmed flu cases in Tulsa has started to rise.

"We gave a lot of flu shots this year," Pediatrician Dr. Patrick Daley said. "Probably the most we've ever given. I think that's gonna help."

But is it enough to keep this mild flu season at bay?

Daley says the peak of flu season is typically between January and March.

Although they haven't had a lot of confirmed cases this season, things look like they may be changing.

"Last week was the first week that I started seeing some kids with positive flu tests, but even then, I don't think the kids were as sick as what I've seen before," Daley said.

Daley says it's important to try to catch flu symptoms early, which is what brought dad Michael Atchinson to the doctor's office.

"I work for the Tulsa Fire Department and we run on people with flu all the time, and it seems like we've been running on a few more than normal, so I thought I'd come up here, get him checked out, make sure nothing's really wrong with him," Atchinson said.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, there have only been 35 hospitalizations from the flu and two deaths in Oklahoma since January 1st.

Tulsa County has had nine hospitalizations.

"Usually, January and February, is usually a really busy time for us because the flu season usually is just arriving and peaking at this time of year, but so far we really haven't had a lot of peaks," Janice Sheehan, of the Tulsa Health Department, said.

During a typical February the boost in flu cases would cause this waiting room to be packed with people wanting the vaccine.

On Monday, it was nearly empty.

"We don't know if that's because it's been a mild winter and people are not thinking about getting sick and of course they're not inside as much so people aren't getting as sick this year," Sheehan said.

Since flu season lasts until May, doctors say it's not too late to be vaccinated.

They also recommend getting the mist since it becomes affective within two days.

The shot takes two weeks to kick in.