Flu death count rises to 40, officials say

Forty Arkansans have now died of the flu, the Arkansas Department of Health announced Tuesday.

The most deaths have been in people over 65 years old, Arkansas Department of Health spokesman Kerry Krell said.

There have been 31 deaths in people over 65 years old, seven in people 45 to 64 and two in people 25 to 44 so far this season, Krell said.

The most recent Influenza Weekly Report released by the Arkansas Department of Health for last week states that flu activity dropped from "widespread" to "regional."

There were over 500 positive flu tests in the state last week, the report states.

The highest number of flu cases last week were reported in Baxter, Carroll, Johnson, Izard and Logan counties, according to the report.

Krell said earlier in the season that the Department of Health expected the season to peak in January, but that it would be difficult to tell when that happens because flu deaths will continue to be reported as the department receives the cause of death for patients who die of the flu.

The Department of Health tracks the flu for one calendar year starting Sept. 28, as well as tracking flu trends from September through March.

Krell said it isn't too late for people to get a flu vaccine if they have not yet received one. Although the vaccine doesn't protect against the prominent strain this season, Krell said the vaccine will help decrease the severity of the illness.

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