Respiratory illnesses occur year-round in Arkansas, but cases typically increase in the fall and peak in January, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
ARKANSAS, USA — Health officials in Arkansas are encouraging people to get vaccinated as flu season approaches.
Although influenza is prevalent in Arkansas year-round, it typically increases in the fall and peaks in January, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).
“This is also true for other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus,” said ADH Director Dr. Jennifer Dillaha.
Dr. Dillaha said the state is at the lowest level of influenza.
Dr. Dillaha said, “We’re hearing from doctors that the flu is circulating, but levels are minimal at this time, so if you haven’t already gotten your flu shot, get your flu shot. It’s an ideal time for this.”
Arkansas recorded its first influenza death of 2024 this week, according to ADH’s Viral Respiratory Disease Weekly Report. They added that COVID-19 has claimed 22 lives this year, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths to 412.
“The value of the vaccine is that it can prevent you from getting seriously ill and being hospitalized, and it can help you survive the disease rather than die from it,” Dr. Dillaha explained.
Dr. Dillaha recommended that everyone six months of age and older receive the primary coronavirus vaccine series, based on CDC recommendations. If you have already received a primary vaccine, you should receive the latest coronavirus vaccine, which targets the Omicron variant jn.1 strain, he said. He also recommended that everyone six months of age and older get an up-to-date influenza vaccine, which protects against three types of influenza viruses.
“Humans do not develop lasting immunity to respiratory viruses. Immunity weakens over time, so there is a possibility that you will be infected again with influenza, COVID-19, or RSV during your lifetime.” Yes,” Dr. Dillaha said.
“Additionally, viruses mutate, so the virus you may see or be exposed to this year will be somewhat different than the virus you may have been exposed to last year,” Dr. Dillaha said. .
She recommends that anyone get tested if they feel more than just a sniffle, or as Dr. Dillaha describes it, “like I’ve been hit by a truck.” There are drugs that can help infected people, but plans may change.
“We are encouraging people to stay home if they are sick and meet their families later. We are also encouraging people to reduce their risk of getting sick and potentially spreading the disease by getting vaccinated.” “I recommend it,” he said. Dillaha said.
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