Posted: Dec 11, 2023 / 05:00 PM CST
Updated: Dec 11, 2023 / 05:11 PM CST
OKLAHOMA (KFOR) – Oklahoma doctors say the state is starting to see the beginning of a winter COVID surge.
Infections are up, along with the cases of the flu and RSV. KFOR found out we may only be at the tip of the iceberg.
Oklahoma hospitals are staying really busy this holiday season.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows just over the last couple of weeks, COVID-19 hospitalization rates have increased by 22% in Oklahoma. Plus, hospitals in the state are reporting an uptick in patients coming in with RSV and the flu.
This all comes as more people are around gathering around family for the holidays and are staying indoors because of the weather.
“If you have symptoms, I would encourage you to go ahead and test… Especially if you’re going to see an elderly family member,” said Dr. John Schumann, Executive Medical Director of Oak Street Health.
Oklahoma continues to stay second in the nation for the most COVID deaths.
According to the CDC, over the last three months, 219 people have died from COVID in Oklahoma. That’s 2.4 Oklahomans who die every day from the virus. If this trend continues, Oklahoma will hit 20,000 COVID deaths in about three months from now.
“We’re losing about two or three Oklahomans every single day. Oklahoma is sleepwalking toward having 20,000 COVID deaths,” said Dr. George Monks, former President of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.
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