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. 16, 2023 at 8:16 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 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:

CountySchool Absenteeism Rate
Baxter7.29%
Clay4.97%
Cleburne6.19%
Craighead8.15%
Crittenden9.41%
Cross8.31%
Greene8%
Independence7.05%
Jackson9.67%
Lawrence5.54%
Mississippi9.35%
Poinsett8.42%
Randolph8.08%
St. Francis7%
Sharp7.54%
Stone6.86%
White6.54%
Woodruff5.66%

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.