Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas is seeing an increase in flu cases. “When we opened, there were fifteen people waiting to enter,” Chenal Urgent Care PA Brian Rayburn stated. “Fourteen of my sixteen patients tested positive for the flu. Then, out of the 30 I saw today, 24 had the flu.
According to the Weekly Viral Respiratory Disease Report from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the number of confirmed flu cases increased in early February.
Officials stated that a number of reasons might be to blame.
“It’s likely that you’ve encountered someone with it. If you’re among them and you just inhaled something, you may experience a minor tickle in your throat or a cough due to throat irritation. Rayburn stated, “It’s a respiratory virus.”
Headaches and weariness are some symptoms to watch for.
According to Rayburn, even the smallest symptom should be handled seriously, even if the virus can cause high fever and even pneumonia in certain people.
“It appears out of nowhere when you wake up. You have a temperature that ranges from zero to one hundred and more. You have chills, body aches, and a cough. All of those signs indicate that it’s time to go check,” Rayburn stated.
For newborns or even people with severe illnesses, it may even present a greater risk.
Nine flu-related deaths were reported by ADH between January 26 and February 1. There were only 341 confirmed flu cases in the state at the start of the year, but there were no fatalities. In the natural state, 30 influenza-related deaths have been reported since September 29, 2024.
Officials offer a number of solutions to help fight the virus in light of the increase in cases.
“This will just stop things from getting worse by having a vaccine or something similar currently in place. Although it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t catch it, Rayburn stated that it might make the difference between visiting an urgent care center and an emergency room.
In order to keep symptoms from growing worse and to keep an eye on others around you, Rayburn also advises taking antibiotics, wearing a mask, and drinking plenty of water.
To find out more about flu information and safety tips from the Arkansas Department of Health, click here.
