Northern Arkansas reports early season uptick in flu cases

HARRISON, Ark. (KY3) – The newest report from the Arkansas Division of Well being (ADH) knowledge reveals the state is seeing an early improve in transmission.

The state entered the “very excessive” class final week. In comparison with latest years, well being specialists say the early months of this flu season are tallying increased sickness counts. Usually flu peaks in January or February, however within the final month, the state has seen greater than 5,000 flu diseases.

“It seems like different diseases, rhinovirus, and enterovirus, issues like that appear to be having increased numbers making folks sick on the similar time,” mentioned Dr. Joel Tumlison, medical director for immunization with the ADH. “So, for flu, yeah, we are able to have elevated flu charges presently of the yr, however it’s sooner than regular. It occurs typically, however it’s undoubtedly sooner than regular to see charges as excessive as we’re seeing them on the finish of October and the beginning of November.”

Tumlison says preventative measures taken to keep away from COVID-19 led to considerably decrease case numbers for the flu during the last two years.

“In 2020-21, nicely, there was virtually no flu season to talk of, actually,” he mentioned. “It actually by no means received above the baseline charges that you’d see in the midst of the summer season. That was as a result of very excessive measures have been being taken to keep away from COVID-19, and that additionally labored for Influenza. Final yr not so many measures, however nonetheless, greater than are being taken now.”

In line with the ADH’s newest report, college absences in areas like Little Rock and West Memphis are notably excessive, particularly in comparison with parts of north Arkansas within the Ozarks.

Native college districts and daycares in Harrison say they’ve been lucky, not seeing the affect of flu transmission affecting attendance closely up to now.

“We’ve had a number of absences however no confirmed circumstances of flu,” mentioned Kim Sullivan, director with Coronary heart of the Ozarks Early Childhood Improvement. “We ship some residence; in the event that they’re operating a fever, we ship some residence as a result of we don’t wish to take an opportunity on anyone else getting sick.”

Tumlison has been with the daycare for twenty-four years and says she is aware of the challenges when flu season hits.

“Nicely, we clear on daily basis, clear all through the day,” she mentioned. “Particularly if we received a discover that somebody received the flu, we go in and do additional cleansing.”

Whereas circumstances are peaking proper now, medical doctors say that solely signifies the significance of getting a flu shot.

“Generally folks suppose if the flu season has already began actually dangerous, it’s too late to go get a flu vaccine, and that’s not true,” mentioned Dr. Tumlison. “Your private danger in the event you hadn’t gotten the flu but nonetheless stays excessive as a result of there’s nonetheless a variety of it circulating. So go get vaccinated.”

CLICK HERE to see the report from the ADH.

CLICK HERE to seek out out the place you may get a flu shot regionally.

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