By Paris Rain, Fox23 News
TULSA, Okla. — Whether it’s the flu, RSV, or even COVID, holiday travel and drastic changes in the temperature are adding to the reasons millions of people around the United States and in Green County are getting sick.
Nearly 7.5 million people in the United States have had the flu according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Hospitals and urgent care clinics are filling up as flu cases spike following the holiday season, and doctors say they tend to be especially concerning here in Oklahoma.
“A lot of flu across the board and especially in Oklahoma and Texas. There’s a significant increasing activity of flu and if you go to the urgent care clinics or doctor’s office, even emergency rooms, they are flooded now with a lot of flu patients,” said Dr. Hiren Patel, Chief medical officer for United Healthcare.
Dr. Patel said while numbers are increasing, there’s no need to panic.
“We don’t need to be scared about it; we just need to be cautious and smart on your habits, especially if you know that someone’s coughing or sneezing. Try to cover your face, cover your nose from the germs. Handwashing — it will do wonders,” said Dr. Patel.
According to Dr. Patel, the big three at the moment are RSV, the flu, and in some cases, COVID.
Dr. Patel said washing your hands, good hygiene sleep, and getting vaccinated could decrease your chances of getting sick.
“If you are sick and if you can’t breathe, that’s an issue. If your skin is turning blue or yellow, or a congested face, then also it’s an issue,” said Dr. Patel. “So, I would say that when you have trouble breathing and your oxygen levels go down, those are the severe symptoms…I always suggest that they go seek attention and not stay home. If you have a cough and cold and just congestion, you isolate yourself. Avoid the infection going to your family members and you can stay home.”
The biggest thing he emphasized was to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and if you’re a candidate for a flu shot — get it.
If you are having flu symptoms, wait until you recover before getting the vaccine.
