Weekly Flu Report: ADH releases information on 2022-23 flu season

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the ADH reported a “very high” activity level of influenza-like illness.
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the ADH reported a “very high” activity level of influenza-like illness.(CNN)
Published: Nov. 2, 2022 at 12:51 PM CDT|Updated: Mar. 22, 2023 at 10:17 AM CDT
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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:

CountySchool Absenteeism Rate
Baxter6.7%
Clay7.44%
Cleburne6.75%
Craighead9.43%
Crittenden12.02%
CrossNo report
Greene8.47%
Independence7.2%
Jackson9.63%
Lawrence7.75%
Mississippi10.23%
Poinsett8.05%
Randolph7.46%
St. Francis7.72%
Sharp8.3%
Stone6.61%
White7.46%
Woodruff7.25%

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.