Flu Prevention Tips | Health Officials Combat Arkansas Flu Spike

 From THV 11 Little Rock

Flu numbers are rising in the state of Arkansas.

"There were 15 people at the door waiting to come in [when we opened]," Brian Rayburn, PA of Chenal Urgent care said. "I had 14 out of 16 people that were flu positive. Then I saw 30 today total, and 24 of those were all flu."

The Arkansas Department of Health's (ADH) Weekly Viral Respiratory Disease Report showed a spike in confirmed flu cases at the beginning of February.

Officials like Rayburn told THV11 several factors could be the cause.

"You've probably been around someone who has it. You might have that slight throat tickle, throat irritation giving you a cough, and you're in vicinity of them, you just inhaled it. It's a respiratory virus," Rayburn said.

Other symptoms to keep an eye on include fatigue and headaches.

For some, the virus can cause high fever and even pneumonia, but Rayburn said even the slightest symptom should be taken seriously.

With the spike in cases, officials suggest several remedies to help combat the virus.

"Having something like a vaccine that's already on board is just going to prevent this from progressing and getting worse. It doesn't mean you're not going to get it, though, but it might be the difference in ending up in an ER or something, versus in an urgent care," Rayburn said.

Rayburn also suggests antibiotics, wearing a mask and staying hydrated to help prevent symptoms from getting worse and to look out for those around you as well.

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