Mercy, Baptist Health work to address rise in flu cases

by Tina Alvey Dale ([email protected]) 544 views 

It’s flu season and the Fort Smith region is experiencing high numbers of the winter illness. Local hospitals and clinics and are doing what they can to treat the increased volume of cases, including establishing a clinic site just for those with flu symptoms.

“As rates of flu surge in Arkansas, Mercy is providing options for patients in the Fort Smith area,” noted a news release issued Monday (Feb. 3).

Walk-in appointments for those experiencing flu symptoms are available at Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Fort Smith Kelley Highway (inside Walmart). Located at 2100 N. 62nd St., the clinic will be open during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached by calling 479-431-3700. It is accessible from inside and outside Walmart. No appointment is needed.

“In the River Valley, Baptist Health is seeing a rise in flu cases among patients of all ages. As flu season intensifies, we want to remind the community to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others,” said Jeff Carrier, region president for Baptist Health.

Those experiencing flu symptoms can visit several Baptist Health locations in Fort Smith. The Baptist Health Walk-In Clinic on Gary Street in Fort Smith is open seven days a week with extended hours, providing care for all ages. Baptist Health also has multiple urgent care locations throughout the area for those in need of prompt medical attention.

“Walk-in or primary care clinics are not substitutes for the emergency room,” said information from Mercy-Fort Smith. “Emergency warning signs of flu sickness may include fast breathing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; bluish skin color; fever with a rash; dehydration; or when flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and a worsening cough.”

Mercy also has Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care locations in the Fort Smith area, which are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care – Phoenix Avenue, 6801 Phoenix Ave., has increased appointment availability to accommodate walk-in patients.

STATE, NATIONAL TRENDS
In its latest weekly report, dated Jan. 29, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) said the state is seeing a high level of flu activity. ADH has reported high flu activity since mid-December.

Hospital Emergency Department visits reported through Syndromic Surveillance were at 9.81% for influenza-like-illness (ILI), 3.31% for COVID-like-illness (CLI), and 1% for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), according to the report. Outpatient visits for ILI reported through ILINet from the Sentinel Providers were at 5.22%, the report stated.

The average school absenteeism rate the week of Jan. 25 was 9.64% among public schools, it stated. Arkansas has reported 21 influenza-related deaths this season, 81% of them were not vaccinated, according to the report.

Nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 12 million illnesses, 160,000 hospitalizations, and 6,600 deaths from flu so far this season. Arkansas reported five COVID-19-related deaths the week of Jan. 25, 512 deaths in 2024 from the virus, and 15 since Jan. 1, according to the report.

Nationally, the proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia, influenza and COVID-19 was above the epidemic threshold the week of Jan. 25, the report states.

Flu symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and possible vomiting or diarrhea.

“To help prevent the spread of the flu, we encourage everyone to practice proper handwashing, regularly sanitize high-use areas at home and work, and limit social interaction if feeling unwell,” Carrier said. “It’s also not too late to get a flu shot, which remains one of the best defenses against the virus. Contact your local pharmacy or health care provider for information on where to receive a flu vaccine. Baptist Health remains committed to the health and well-being of our community and encourages everyone to stay vigilant as we navigate this flu season together.”