Weekly Flu Report: ADH releases information on 2022-23 flu season
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - The Arkansas Department of Health tracks flu cases each week with a report that shows everything from deaths to school absenteeism rates.
On Wednesday, April 5, the ADH reported a “minimal” activity level of influenza-like illness.
Among flu antigen tests this season, 89% were influenza A and 11% were influenza B.
Since Oct. 2, healthcare providers have reported over 22,500 positive influenza tests to the department.
For the week ending Saturday, April 1, the ADH reported:
- 151 influenza-related deaths this season (+2), including 1 pediatric death. Of these, 75.8% were not vaccinated.
- 10 flu-related hospital admissions for the week; 1,710 cumulative for the season
- 21 nursing homes reported influenza outbreaks
- The average public school absenteeism rate last week was 6.6 percent.
The weekly report also provides a list of counties and the percentage of students absent for the previous week due to the flu:
| County | School Absenteeism Rate |
|---|---|
| Baxter | 6.13% |
| Clay | 5.41% |
| Cleburne | 4.8% |
| Craighead | 7.7% |
| Crittenden | 9.39% |
| Cross | 8.56% |
| Greene | 7.09% |
| Independence | 5.61% |
| Jackson | 7.86% |
| Lawrence | 4.56% |
| Mississippi | 10.91% |
| Poinsett | 8.26% |
| Randolph | 7.2% |
| St. Francis | 6.83% |
| Sharp | 7.3% |
| Stone | 5.2% |
| White | 6.13% |
| Woodruff | 7.62% |
According to the ADH flu website, flu shots are available at each local health unit around the state. There is no out-of-pocket expense at the health units, but people are encouraged to bring their insurance cards.
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