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.