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, March 22, 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 22,300 positive influenza tests to the department.
For the week ending Saturday, March 18, the ADH reported:
- 149 influenza-related deaths this season (+1), including 1 pediatric death. Of these, 75.8% were not vaccinated.
- 9 flu-related hospital admissions for the week; 1,679 cumulative for the season
- 21 nursing homes reported influenza outbreaks
- The average public school absenteeism rate last week was 7.8 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 | 6.7% |
Clay | 7.44% |
Cleburne | 6.75% |
Craighead | 9.43% |
Crittenden | 12.02% |
Cross | No report |
Greene | 8.47% |
Independence | 7.2% |
Jackson | 9.63% |
Lawrence | 7.75% |
Mississippi | 10.23% |
Poinsett | 8.05% |
Randolph | 7.46% |
St. Francis | 7.72% |
Sharp | 8.3% |
Stone | 6.61% |
White | 7.46% |
Woodruff | 7.25% |
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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