Flu cases increase in Fort Smith

The number of flu cases reported in Fort Smith has increased in recent weeks, and the seasonal rise is starting earlier this flu season, doctors say.

There are more people hospitalized in Fort Smith from the flu than from COVID-19, healthcare officials report.

At Baptist Health - Fort Smith, Dr. Amanda Novack, medical director of prevention, also noted an increase in flu this year.

"We are seeing significantly more hospitalized flu patients than patients hospitalized with COVID-19," Novack said.

At Baptist - Fort Smith, there were 11 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and 36 patients hospitalized because of influenza on Friday, Dec. 2, she said.

Dr. Michael Callaway, Mercy Clinic family physician, said he has noted the uptick also.

It is important to get to the doctor for a flu test, he said.

People at home these days are often checking for COVID-19 when they feel ill. But there is not a test to take for the flu at home.

The benefits of being flu-tested include treatment and a quicker recovery, as well as knowing you are contagious so you can take precautions around others, he said..

The flu symptoms include a general feeling of tiredness, coughing, runny nose, body aches and fever. He said about 99% of cases he has seen since November are from the influenza A strain.

"There is definitely an increase in cases in Fort Smith," Callaway said. "The E.R. is seeing it. We're seeing it in the clinics so it is definitely in our community."

The flu is mostly respiratory, but can cause vomiting and diarrhea in some cases.

Other doctors and clinic leaders have noted increasing numbers of flu and RSV in recent days.

COVID-19 cases at Mercy included 14 hospitalized patients Dec. 5.

The best way to avoid the flu is to wash hands, stay away form crowds or people with symptoms, and get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are given to children as young as six months old.

The treatments for those who are sick include antiviral medicines taken orally, he said. Masks are also effective in stopping the spread for those who want to wear one, he said. The recovery time is a week, he said.

He said the flu season generally lasts until March.

"We're seeing it earlier this year for sure," Callaway said.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Flu cases rise in Fort Smith