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: Apr. 5, 2023 at 1:38 PM 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, April 5, 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 22,500 positive influenza tests to the department.

For the week ending Saturday, April 1, the ADH reported:

  • 151 influenza-related deaths this season (+2), including 1 pediatric death. Of these, 75.8% were not vaccinated.
  • 10 flu-related hospital admissions for the week; 1,710 cumulative for the season
  • 21 nursing homes reported influenza outbreaks
  • The average public school absenteeism rate last week was 6.6 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
Baxter6.13%
Clay5.41%
Cleburne4.8%
Craighead7.7%
Crittenden9.39%
Cross8.56%
Greene7.09%
Independence5.61%
Jackson7.86%
Lawrence4.56%
Mississippi10.91%
Poinsett8.26%
Randolph7.2%
St. Francis6.83%
Sharp7.3%
Stone5.2%
White6.13%
Woodruff7.62%

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.