8 flu-related deaths in Arkansas so far this flu season

The Arkansas Department of Health is urging Arkansans to stay home if they have a fever or other flu-related symptoms as the state agency has seen an uptick in flu-related illness recently. In Arkansas, eight people have died from complications related to the flu, according to state health officials, and all were 65 or older.

Those with symptoms could spread the flu, and people are ususally contagious for one to two days before symptoms start and five to seven days after symptoms start.

“A good rule of thumb is to not go anywhere until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the help of medication,” said Dr. Gary Wheeler, ADH Chief Medical Officer. “You could spread the flu to someone who is at risk of complications like hospitalization or even death.”

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, fatigue and headache. In children, symptoms also might include vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza antiviral prescription drugs, such as Tamiflu, can treat or prevent the flu if started soon after symptoms begin.

Those with a higher risk of flu complications include children 2 years old and younger, adults who are 65 or older, pregnant women, those with a suppressed immune system, people with chronic health problems and nursing home residents.

People who are 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year, and this is especially important for those with a higher risk of flu complications. The flu shot is available at area health units in each county and doctor’s offices. Pharmacies also have the shots but don’t give them to children younger than 7 years old.