Health department: Flu deaths up to 28

Arkansas flu deaths increased to 28 on Wednesday, the Arkansas Department of Health announced.

There have been 21 deaths in people over 65 years old, five in people 45 to 64 and two in people 25 to 44 so far this season, Arkansas Department of Health spokesman Kerry Krell said.

The flu season should peak sometime this month, but Krell said it's still too early to tell.

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

The most important step in preventing the flu is to get a flu vaccination, Krell said. The flu strain most active in the state isn't in the vaccine, but Krell said the shot can still help decrease symptoms and keep someone who contracts the flu out of the hospital.

Frequent washing of hands in soap and water for 20 seconds, avoiding visibly ill people and staying home from work or school when sick are other tips to preventing getting and spreading the flu Krell said.

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