7 things to know about Oklahoma County’s flu season

Metro doctors and nurses are also busy dealing with that ongoing spike in flu cases. Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health plans for spikes in cases. 

Wednesday, January 29th 2025, 11:03 pm

By: Jordan Fremstad


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Metro doctors and nurses are also busy dealing with that ongoing spike in flu cases. Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health plans for spikes in cases. 

1. Oklahoma’s flu season started later this year 

Associate Chief Medical Officer Dr. Stephanie DeLeon said flu cases peaked before the New Year last year. This time cases have been at their highest throughout January. 

“It is busy right now,” DeLeon said. “Definitely a lot of patients that need care.” 

2. Flu cases are up from 2024 in January 

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department said the state flu positivity rate for the season is about 4% above average (25.2%). As of Jan. 22, hospitalizations jumped by 72 patients from last year. 

“Some of that seems a bit worse than we’ve seen in the years prior,” said DeLeon, referencing the severity of people’s symptoms. 

3. Metro schools are closing to clean schools  

Mustang Public Schools said it was going virtual due to illness and a lack of subs. The district said all schools will be remote Thursday and Friday to allow for deep cleaning. It joined Deer Creek and Piedmont Schools to close this week because of flu cases. 

Oklahoma City Public Schools officials said they sprayed a disinfectant over winter break that lasts 90 days on hard surfaces to keep students healthy. Northwest Classen High School will transition to distance learning on Thursday while district teams thoroughly clean and disinfect the building. 

4. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital keeping patients separate 

DeLeon’s team still has normal responsibilities with patients with long-term care needs. These patients face greater health risks if they get sick. 

“We still have our patients who are getting cancer treatment or treatment for their heart disease,” DeLeon said. “We try not to put kids who have infectious illnesses right next door to them.” 

5. Care for seasonal sickness should start at home  

DeLeon said the emergency room isn’t necessary for everyone. She said parents and caregivers should call their family medicine doctors first. She said Tylenol and ibuprofen can help reduce fevers. Parents should also keep children hydrated. 

“We really want to save the emergency room visits for kids who are having difficulty breathing or might be showing signs of dehydration,” DeLeon said. 

6. DeLeon said it is necessary to rest at home  

“I just want to remind people it’s okay to take time for yourself,” DeLeon said. “I think it’s on leadership to make sure that they’re setting the example. That they’re making it okay to call in sick and to be honest when they’re having symptoms.” 

7. Healthcare professionals prepare for this season 

“We have an incredible team here at Oklahoma Children's Hospital,” DeLeon said. “Wouldn't want to do anything else. It’s rewarding and it makes us come back day after day.” 

Jordan Fremstad

Jordan Fremstad proudly joined the News 9 team in December 2022 as a multimedia journalist. Jordan is a three-time Emmy-nominated multimedia journalist who began his broadcast journalism career in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Jordan grew up in De Soto, Wisconsin. Jordan comes to Oklahoma City after four years with La Crosse’s CBS affiliate WKBT News 8 Now.

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