By rssfeeds-admin 
The latest numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) show the flu in the state is surging and local health officials say it is locally as well.
The Viral Respiratory Diseases Weekly Report this week from the ADH shows the state, for the second week in a row, is in the very high level of flu cases.
Baxter Health Infection Prevention Coordinator Stephanie Free says they have seen a big increase at the local hospital recently as well.
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Free says there are signs to look for to differentiate between a cold and the flu.
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Free says there is medicine to help with the flu, but you need to start it quickly.
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The flu, like many illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets through coughing and sneezing.
It can be very dangerous to certain age groups according to Free.
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Free suggests those who haven’t gotten their flu vaccine this year to get one because it takes one to two weeks for it to take effect. Local health department offices along with many pharmacies have the vaccine available.
The ADH says less than 10 deaths have been reported in Arkansas so far this flu season and a total of 187 hospitalizations have been reported. Four influenza outbreaks have been reported from nursing homes or other congregate setting institutions. That’s up two from last week.
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