Flu Is Running Rampant Across The State

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☕ Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get caught up on some Oklahoma headlines from the weekend that was. Thank you for subscribing to the ‘Oklahoma Memo!’

Oklahoma Weather This Week

This week starts mild before we get some precipitation by the end of the week. It looks like this precipitation will be in the form of rain—but watch out for the middle of next week!

🌡️ High Monday in OKC 50°
🌡️ High Monday in Tulsa 50°

Speaking of next week: KFOR Chief Meteorologist Mike Morgan is already talking about it! Don’t get too excited though. Winter weather models aren’t too reliable until 48 hours out.

🗞️ Big Story: The Flu Is Hitting Oklahoma Hard

Influenza A is spreading across Oklahoma, especially impacting the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metros. According to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, flu-test positivity is “25.2 percent statewide above baseline.” The data is for the week ending January 18.

The distribution by age shows Oklahomans being impacted by the flu in the 5-17 years-old and 18-49 years-old ranges at a higher rate than older populations. In September, October, and November, the flu was impacting Oklahomans over 50 at a higher rate.

The highest rate of flu test positivity is in the Oklahoma City metro area and a region north of Tulsa (Regions 2 and 8), including an area from Kay County to the farthest corner of northeast Oklahoma.

State data shows that the majority of flu hospitalizations are in Regions 6, 7, and 8, which encompass Tulsa and Oklahoma counties and a region that includes the Edmond, Shawnee, and Norman areas.

More Flu Coverage

KOCO anchor Abigail Ogle talked to Dr. Raghuveer Vedala from the Norman Regional Health System about the flu outbreak.

News 9’s Elizabeth Fitz put together this primer on the three things doctors want you to know about the flu in Oklahoma.

KFOR’s Amaya Ward talked to a doctor from Stillwater who talked about when somebody with the flu might need to go to the hospital.

KJRH’s Erin Christy talked to a Tulsa doctor about the flu’s lingering symptoms.

Oklahoma Headlines

• Shopping cart ‘possession’ could lead to jail time (KFOR)
• Man, 72, dies after being pinned by ATV in pond (KOCO)
• SCOTUS to consider public religious charter school (The Hill)
• Okla. wants inmate transferred so he can be executed (AP)
• State Rep. wants more agency money in case FEMA goes away (KOCO)
• Tulsa County mourns death of corporal (Fox 23)
• 6-year-old amputee becomes state wrestling champion (News On 6)

✨ Don’t Miss This!

Senior forward Jalon Moore dunks as time runs out on a 65-62 Oklahoma win over Arkansas at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It turned out that there were actually .7 seconds left, but Porter Moser’s team held on for the victory.

Oklahoma’s men needed this win as the SEC has turned out to be a basketball gauntlet. OU is now 2-4 in conference and 15-4 for the season.

NEXT GAME: Tuesday night at Texas A&M.
Time: 8 p.m.
Where to watch: SEC Network

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