MVSKOKE RESERVATION – The early weeks of 2025 have shown to present high cases of influenza and other seasonal illnesses in Oklahoma and the United States. This has caused many school districts within Muscogee (Creek) Nation, including Eufuala, Beggs and Okmulgee Public Schools to cancel classes. As of Feb. 1, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported the influenza positivity rate in Oklahoma at 38.5% above baseline, much higher than the state’s historical average of 21.8% positivity rate. A reported 795 patients have been hospitalized for flu-associated illness within the state.
According to the MCN Department of Health, they are seeing record-high numbers in emergency departments and express care clinics. Although positivity rates are high, hospitalizations are minimal and there are no reported fatalities within the MCN Health system at the time this article was published. The department is reporting their capacity to treat patients is still strong.
When someone is infected with influenza, symptoms typically come on suddenly. Symptoms can vary from person to person and are affected by age. While not all individuals who experience flu symptoms need to go to the hospital, the MCN Health Department encourages citizens to seek medical care if they are experiencing the following symptoms.
“In children fast breathing or trouble breathing, blush lips or face, ribs pulling in with each breath, chest pain, severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk), dehydration (no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying), not alert or interacting when awake, seizures, fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine, fever or cough that will improve but then will return or worsen and worsening of chronic medical conditions. In children younger than 12 weeks, any fever. Adults need to seek medical care if they experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse, seizures, not urinating, severe muscle pain, severe weakness or unsteadiness, fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen, worsening of chronic medical conditions.”
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals stay home for at least 24 hours until their symptoms are improving and they do not have a fever. Factors that lead to higher-than-normal flu cases include large indoor gatherings, poor hygiene practices and inadequate space disinfection. MCN Department of Health follows the CDC guidance in recommending those with symptoms to rest, hydrate, isolate and use proper medications. Disinfecting high touch surfaces at the home or office can help prevent germs from spreading to others.
Nationwide, influenza numbers are showing a similar picture to the Mvskoke Reservation and Oklahoma. The CDC shows 44 states are currently categorized as “high” or “very high” for levels of flu activity. Oklahoma is currently in the “very high” category. CDC estimates show 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths from the flu thus far this season.
Health experts say it is not too late to get a flu shot. MCN Department of Health offers walk-in flu vaccines at all clinics, no appointment necessary. The CDC recommendation on the best way to fight the flu is by receiving a flu shot. Most flu shots can be obtained at local drug stores at little or no cost. To find a nearby location that offers recommended vaccinations, visit vaccines.gov.
