ADH releases information on 2022-23 flu season

Jonesboro, Arkansas – Each week, the Arkansas Department of Health publishes a report on flu infections that includes data on everything from fatalities to rates of absence at schools.

The ADH reported “limited” activity of an influenza-like disease on Wednesday, February 15.

This season, 90% of flu antigen testing detected influenza A and 10% detected influenza B.

Over 21,400 positive influenza test results have been reported to the department by medical professionals since October 2.

For the week ending Saturday, Feb. 11, the ADH reported:

• 139 influenza-related deaths this season (+1), including 1 pediatric death. Of these, 75% were not vaccinated.
• 17 flu-related hospital admissions for the week; 1,603 cumulative for the season
• 21 nursing homes reported influenza outbreaks
• The average public school absenteeism rate last week was 6.6 percent.