Arkansas weekly flu cases trend downward but deaths surge, ACHI chimes in

Flu instances had an atypical early rise in Arkansas this fall, however the newest weekly report from the Arkansas Division of Well being confirmed a lower in new weekly diseases.

For the week ending Dec. 10, the ADH reported 15,900 optimistic flu instances since Oct. 2 and a complete of 64 flu-related deaths throughout the identical interval. The reported instances solely mirror a portion of precise diseases within the state, based on the report.

The Arkansas Middle for Well being Enchancment and hospitals urged flu pictures in a Wednesday press launch.

“It’s not too late to guard your self and your family members earlier than the vacations,” stated Baptist Well being President and CEO Troy Wells. “Get your flu shot now so your physique can have the very best safety by Christmas.”

When wanting on the improve of optimistic instances per week, the numbers step by step began to say no about three weeks in the past. Within the week ending Dec. 10, the ADH reported 1,700 flu instances statewide. This rely was down from 2,300 instances reported the earlier week and down from the best weekly rely thus far of two,500 in mid-November. The flu depth degree in Arkansas continues to be within the “very excessive” class, however it did transfer right down to the decrease degree, based on the Wednesday ADH report.

In distinction, weekly flu-related deaths elevated for the third consecutive week. Nineteen deaths have been recorded through the week ending on Dec. 10, for a complete of 64 deaths for the season — 75% of which have been unvaccinated, based on the report. This season’s rely is already greater than double the 30 whole deaths reported final 12 months.

A lot of the deaths, 44, are amongst people who have been 65 or older. Fourteen deaths have been Arkansans aged 45-64, 5 have been these aged 25-44 and one was a baby aged 5-17. Different demographic info corresponding to location, intercourse and race or ethnicity are usually not launched. 

“Visits to Arkansas well being care suppliers for the flu are exceptionally excessive, stated Joe Thompson, ACHI President and CEO. “Flu season normally peaks in January or February, however we’re already seeing a degree of infections effectively above the best common peak up to now 5 years. It’s time to take precautions — safeguard others in case you have signs by staying dwelling, get examined for remedy, shield your self and get the shot.”

The general public college absenteeism charge for the week ending Dec. 10 was 7.8%, however 33 counties exceeded that charge. Izard County in North Central Arkansas reported the best charge with 12.31%, based on the report. Pulaski County was much like the statewide charge at 7.88%.

Nursing properties and different congregate dwelling establishments have reported 19 outbreaks since Oct. 2, based on the report. Different particulars in regards to the settings are usually not launched.

Details about the place to discover a flu shot will be discovered right here.