Flu deaths climb to 27, officials say

Twenty-seven Arkansans have 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 20 deaths in people over 65 years old, five in people 45 to 64 and two in people 25 to 44 so far this season, Krell said.

There was a small decline in flu activity last week, but Krell said it is still too soon to determine if the flu season has peaked or not.

Krell said earlier in the season that the Department of Health expected the season to peak in January.

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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