Flu Cases On The Rise As Winter Approaches, CDC Report Says

A new report from the CDC shows flu cases on the rise.

Doctor Janice Te with Ascension St. John said the flu season varies year to year, but can worsen in October.

The peak can come anytime in the winter, but is prominent in February.

The Tulsa Health Department reported 20 hospitalizations, but no deaths so far this flu season.

Dr. Te said they’ve seen cases of influenza B within Ascension St. John Medical Center, but influenza A is the common strain circulating around the country.

The CDC estimates that there have been at least 1.8 million illnesses, 17,000 hospitalizations, and 1,100 deaths from flu so far this season.

Dr. Te said the holiday season can be a breeding ground for germs, so it's good to protect yourself and others.

"People might dismiss flu only because we’ve all been thinking about COVID over the past couple years. But I promise that even if we've forgotten about flu, it's not forget about us," Dr. Te said.

Dr. Te said influenza is among several viruses that contribute to respiratory disease activity.

She suggests you go to a doctor once you show symptoms, before things get worse.