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Flu Continues to Impact Arkansas
The latest weekly report by the Arkansas Department of Health indicates that flu is still a cause for concern in the state. According to the report for the week of December 9, five patients in Arkansas have died due to flu during the 2023 – 2024 flu season, which began in October. All of the flu-related deaths for the current season were in individuals over 65 years old.
The Arkansas Department of Health has recorded a total of 1,372 flu infections since October 1. The report also stated that flu activity in the state retains its moderate ranking, scoring a seven on the 13-point index scale used by the department.
The report revealed that flu-related activity has increased at hospital emergency rooms, with 4.02% of visits being for flu-like illnesses, 3.34% for COVID-like illnesses, and 1.58% for RSV. The previous week saw lower percentages, with visits at 3.68%, 3.22%, and 1.85% respectively.
Hospital outpatient flu visits also saw a slight increase, with 3.48% of visits for flu-related illnesses during the reported week, compared to 3.43% the previous week.
In addition to flu related data, the report also stated that 11 people died due to COVID-19 for the week, compared to 20 the previous week. Since January 1, Arkansas has recorded a total of 615 COVID-19 deaths. Pneumonia was also identified as a cause of death for 57 people in the state during the week of December 9.
The report authors pointed out that the Arkansas Department of Health only receives a fraction of the actual respiratory disease amounts in the state. This is due to reporting requirements that are limited to hospitalizations, deaths, and outbreaks. Therefore, the actual number of respiratory illness cases is likely higher.
The report serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations, as flu and other respiratory illnesses continue to impact the state. It is crucial for individuals, especially those at higher risk, to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the flu.
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