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 Thursday, March 16, 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 22,200 positive influenza tests to the department.
For the week ending Saturday, March 11, the ADH reported:
- 148 influenza-related deaths this season (+1), including 1 pediatric death. Of these, 75.7% were not vaccinated.
- 8 flu-related hospital admissions for the week; 1,668 cumulative for the season
- 21 nursing homes reported influenza outbreaks
- The average public school absenteeism rate last week was 7.0 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 | 7.29% |
Clay | 4.97% |
Cleburne | 6.19% |
Craighead | 8.15% |
Crittenden | 9.41% |
Cross | 8.31% |
Greene | 8% |
Independence | 7.05% |
Jackson | 9.67% |
Lawrence | 5.54% |
Mississippi | 9.35% |
Poinsett | 8.42% |
Randolph | 8.08% |
St. Francis | 7% |
Sharp | 7.54% |
Stone | 6.86% |
White | 6.54% |
Woodruff | 5.66% |
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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