“There are also variances in populations that can impact the incidence of the flu, such as the demographic profile of a region, behavioral and lifestyle factors including hand washing and preventative measures, the general incidence of other contributing diseases, and the immunization rate and vaccine effectiveness.”

The majority of flu deaths across the state — 46 — have been those of adults 65 and older, while 11 deaths were among adults age 50 to 64. Only seven deaths were recorded for those younger than 50, and two of those were children.

Nationally, between 71 percent and 85 percent of flu deaths each year occur in adults 65 and older, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It has been long recognized that people 65 and older are at greater risk of severe complications from the flu compared with young people,” Snider said.

The number of new hospitalizations peaked in the last part of January and the first part of February, according to the data.

“We typically see a peak in numbers in late January and early February, which is consistent with what we saw this year,” Snider said. “However, the flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May, which is why people still need to take precautions against the flu. We’re not out of the woods yet.”

Mike Averill 918-581-8489 mike.averill@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @Mike_Averill