Flu season worse than expected

By Staff, 02/2/18 9:44 AM

PRESCOTT/HOPE – This year’s flu season is the worst in years.

According to information from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the flu has been confirmed in 71 of Arkansas’ 75 counties, and, as of Jan. 27, 94 people have died from the flu or flu-related problems since flu season began. However, the ADH only receives a fraction of the flu cases reported, so the figures aren’t 100 percent accurate.

During the fourth week of flu season, the report states, there was widespread activity of the flu reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the activity was high for flu like illness (ILI). Since Oct 1, more than 32,000 positive flu tests have been reported to the ADH online database by healthcare providers.

The report states the majority of cases were reported from the areas of the state with the highest population bases – Benton, Pulaski, Faulkner, Washington, Sebastian, Craighead, Garland, Independence, White, Randolph and Saline counties.

Of the flu antigen tests given, 71 percent of the cases were type A flu, while 29 percent were type B. According to the report, around 7.9 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms were there for ILI, and 8.2 percent outpatient visits were also for ILI.

This flu season has also had an adverse effect on schools. Garland and Spring Hill schools in Hempstead County have closed for the flu. Superintendents Robert Poole, of Prescott, and Rick McAfee, of Nevada, have said their schools have also been hit with absences caused by the flu. Last week, according to the ADH report, the absentee rate for public schools in the state was 7.7 percent.

Of the 94 flu-related deaths, 92 have been adults, with two being pediatric. Since Oct. 1, 44 facilities, including 34 nursing homes, have reported flu outbreaks.

According to the CDC, the flu is considered to be widespread across the entire nation.

Flu season continues, but there are precautions people can take to help stop the spread of germs. First, try and avoid contact with sick people. If sick, limit contact with others to help prevent infecting them. Those with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash when done. Wash hands often with soap and water and if soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth as germs are spread this way, and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

For those who have the flu, the CDC recommends taking the antiviral drugs given. Antiviral drugs, the CDC states, are different from antibiotics as they are prescription medicines, not something that can be bought over the counter. These antivirals can make the illness milder and shorten the time people are sick and can also help prevent serious flu complications.

Studies show flu antiviral drugs are most effective when started within two days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person is in the high-risk category.