LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Two new flu-related deaths were reported by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) in the Dec. 8 weekly flu report for the state. The ADH provides the report to help track flu activity in Arkansas - it also comes as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.
According to the report, six people in Arkansas have suffered influenza-related deaths since the flu season started on September 27, 2020.
The ADH reports the spread of influenza in Arkansas is currently "minimal."
About 1% of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for influenza-like-illnesses, according to the ADH.
No nursing homes have reported flu outbreaks this season.
Each year in the United States, 25-50 million infections are reported, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 23,600 die due to seasonal flu, according to the ADH.
The virus is spread through coughing, sneezing and touching a hard surface with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.
The ADH says the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Arkansas reported its single-day record for COVID-19 deaths, 53, on Monday, Dec. 7. Gov. Asa Hutchinson is pleading for Arkansans to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and limit gatherings as we head into the winter months.
RELATED: Arkansas covid death toll hits highest single-day mark, health experts say trend will continue
You can read the weekly flu report provided by the ADH by following this link.