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.