Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 10, 2025 17 hours, 59 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: Flu and Other Respiratory Illnesses Surge Across the State
Arkansas is experiencing a significant spike in flu cases, with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reporting an alarming increase in infections, hospital visits, and fatalities. The latest report, covering the fifth week of 2025, paints a concerning picture of the ongoing flu season.
Arkansas Faces Severe Flu Season as Cases and Deaths Continue to Rise
According to ADH, the state’s Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI) activity level indicator stands at a staggering 12 out of 13, placing Arkansas in the "very high" category. Hospital emergency visits for ILI have reached 14.20%, while COVID-Like-Illness (CLI) cases account for 3.56% and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases make up 0.65% of visits. Additionally, outpatient visits for ILI reported by sentinel providers have climbed to 7.95%.
Arkansas Children’s Hospitals and their associated clinic locations in central and northwest Arkansas are reporting a flu test positivity rate of 14% for Flu A, H3, and 13% for Flu A, H1 2009. This
U.S. Medical News report highlights that school absenteeism is also on the rise, with an average rate of 10.94% across public schools. Such high numbers indicate widespread illness among students, further straining the healthcare system and impacting education.
Flu-Related Deaths Continue to Mount
The ADH has confirmed 30 influenza-related deaths this season, including one pediatric fatality. Alarmingly, 80% of those who have died from flu-related complications were not vaccinated. This statistic underscores the importance of flu shots in preventing severe cases and fatalities.
https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Viral-Respiratory-Diseases-Weekly-Report-Week-Ending-Saturday-February-01-2025.pdf
https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/diseases-conditions/communicable-diseases/influenza-flu/
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 20 million flu cases, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths have occurred so far this season.
COVID-19 remains a significant health concern as well. Arkansas reported 40 COVID-related deaths this past week, adding to the total of 530 fatalities recorded in 2024 and 37 deaths since January 1, 2025. The ADH notes that these weekly death reports do not necessarily reflect the exact dates of death but still provide an overall view of the ongoing impact of the virus.
Nursing Homes and Schools Hit Hard by the Flu
Flu outbreaks have been especially devastating in nursing homes and other institutional settings, with 28 separate outbreaks reported this season. Such settings are particularly vulnerable
to the flu due to the close proximity of residents, many of whom have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to severe illness. The high flu activity in public schools further exacerbates the problem, as children often act as carriers, spreading the virus to more vulnerable populations.
Nationally, the proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19 (PIC) has crossed the epidemic threshold this week, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The total number of deaths from all causes in Arkansas during week five of the year reached 792, highlighting the widespread impact of respiratory diseases in the state.
Conclusion
The latest figures from the Arkansas Department of Health make it clear that the flu season is far from over and continues to pose a serious public health threat. With ILI activity at an extremely high level, hospitals seeing a surge in flu-related cases, and an increasing death toll, it is crucial for residents to take preventive measures. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of flu infections, yet a large percentage of those who have died were unvaccinated. The impact on schools and nursing homes is particularly concerning, as both students and elderly individuals are at higher risk of complications. Public health officials urge residents to practice good hygiene, avoid unnecessary social gatherings if symptomatic, and seek medical attention promptly if flu symptoms become severe. Staying informed and proactive will be essential in navigating this difficult flu season.
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/13000-americans-have-died-in-this-ongoing-flu-season-according-to-u-s-cdc-with-colorado-among-hardest-hit
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/kentucky-reports-first-child-death-as-flu-continues-to-surge-across-the-state
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/health-officials-sound-alarm-over-rising-flu-and-covid-19-infections-in-texas
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