Viruses Circulating Oklahoma City Winter 2022-2023: Flu, COVID-19, RSV

Viruses Circulating in the Oklahoma City Metro This Winter

As we head into the deep midwestern winter, viruses are beginning to circulate at higher rates in the Oklahoma City metro area. With cold and flu season ramping up, many residents are wondering what germs are currently going around, how to avoid getting sick, and when they should take precautions like masking and isolating at home.

COVID-19 Cases on the Rise

Perhaps the most concerning virus currently spreading in Oklahoma City is COVID-19. While case numbers had been declining after the huge surge from the Omicron variant, they are now beginning to tick back up again as new subvariants like BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 emerge. Hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are also rising in Oklahoma and across the country.

The CDC has placed Oklahoma County and several surrounding counties in the "high" community level for COVID-19. This means residents should take precautions like masking, social distancing, improving ventilation, and testing if symptoms emerge. With the colder weather driving people indoors and holiday gatherings on the horizon, COVID transmission could accelerate rapidly without proper precautions.

Flu Activity Increasing

Another concerning virus on the rise in Oklahoma City is influenza. Flu season typically ramps up between October and February, peaking sometime between December and February. The CDC is reporting high levels of flu activity in Oklahoma compared to previous years, and hospitalizations for influenza are rising sharply.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports that flu is circulating widely and outbreaks have occurred in schools and long-term care facilities. So far it appears that the dominant flu strain this year is influenza A H3N2, which tends to cause more severe illness in vulnerable populations. Flu shots are always recommended to reduce severity.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Spiking

Respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, is surging right now across Oklahoma. This common respiratory virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants, older adults, and other high-risk groups.

RSV cases fell dramatically in 2020 and 2021 due to social distancing measures for COVID-19. However, this winter they are back with a vengeance, straining pediatric hospital wards. The CDC shows Oklahoma in the highest bracket for RSV activity. Parents should be alert for symptoms like runny nose, coughing, and wheezing in babies.

When to Mask Up Again

With all of these viruses circulating widely in the community, many Oklahoma City residents are wondering if they should go back to masking in public indoor spaces. Here are some guidelines for when to reach for a face covering again:

• Mask indoors if you are in an area of high COVID-19 transmission, especially if you are unvaccinated or high-risk
• Wear a mask if you have any respiratory symptoms and need to be around others
• Consider masking if you visit a medical facility, long term care facility, or crowded indoor event
• Mask around high-risk individuals like seniors, babies, and immunocompromised people

N95 and KN95 masks offer the best protection against viruses like COVID-19 and flu. Surgical masks and cloth face coverings also help reduce transmission to some degree. Mask diligently when viral spread is high to protect yourself and vulnerable community members.

Avoiding Other Viral Illnesses

In addition to COVID-19, flu, and RSV, there are a number of other viral illnesses going around Oklahoma City right now. Rhinovirus and enterovirus cause many common colds, especially in children. Parainfluenza virus can cause croup and cold-like symptoms too. Then there are gastrointestinal bugs like norovirus spreading quickly through schools, daycares, and crowded gatherings.

It can be hard to avoid all of these microscopic viruses, especially with kids in school and activities. But practicing good hand hygiene, disinfecting shared surfaces, avoiding those who are sick, and isolating at the first sign of symptoms can help reduce transmission of many common viral illnesses.

When to See the Doctor

If you come down with symptoms of a viral illness, when should you seek medical attention? Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Blue-tinged lips or face
• Dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
• Severe body aches, headache, or exhaustion
• Fever above 104 F
• Confusion or disorientation

Infants, young children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals may need medical care more readily. Seek emergency care if a child under 3 months has a fever over 100.4 F. For babies 3-6 months, fevers over 101 F warrant medical attention. Also watch babies closely for reduced feeding, irritability, or breathing issues.

Preventing the Spread of Viruses

Here are some key tips for preventing the transmission of viruses this winter in Oklahoma City:

• Get an annual flu shot and stay up to date on COVID-19 boosters
• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water
• Use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible
• Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes (cough into your elbow rather than hands)
• Disinfect shared surfaces and objects regularly
• Stay home when feeling even mildly sick
• Consider masking indoors if illness is rampant in your community

Viruses love to spread quickly through daycares, schools, offices, and gatherings this time of year. Do your part to slow transmission by following public health advice and staying vigilant with precautions.

The Takeaway on Viruses Circulating in Oklahoma City

Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV are ramping up and spreading through the Oklahoma City metro area this winter. Take common sense precautions to protect yourself and vulnerable loved ones from illness. Mask up, get vaccinated, wash your hands diligently, and isolate if you start to feel sick. With some care and vigilance, we can have a healthier winter ahead.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.