Wastewater Researchers See Increasing Flu Levels In Tulsa, Oklahoma City

Wastewater researchers in the state are putting out a warning to Oklahomans.

Right now, they are seeing increasing flu levels in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

THD partners with the University of Oklahoma and the City of Tulsa on a wastewater surveillance program, which has found an increase in influenza A in wastewater within Tulsa County. 

“Since we began monitoring for influenza in Tulsa’s sewage five weeks ago, the concentrations have continued to go up every week,” said Oklahoma Water Survey Director Dr. Jason Vogel. 

THD says this flu season, 36 Tulsa County residents have been hospitalized with the flu. No deaths have been reported among Tulsa County residents to date this season. 

Health officials say there are preventative measures people should take to protect themselves against diseases and to stop the spreading throughout the county.

Dr. Dart urges caution around the holidays to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19, which could become a burden on local health care systems.

“I want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season,” said Dr. Dart. “Please follow commonsense safety measures to prevent the spread of illnesses to others.”

In addition to getting your flu shot, the Tulsa Health Department reminds you to follow these prevention tips: 

1. Take everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of flu.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
3. If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes. 
5. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. 
6. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
7. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
8. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.
9. For flu, the CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine.

The quadrivalent flu vaccine is available on an appointment basis at the following Tulsa Health Department locations. COVID-19 vaccines are also available for anyone ages 5 and older and may be administered at the same time as the flu vaccine. Call 918-582-9355 to make an appointment or request an appointment online here.