Arkansans react to rising flu and COVID-19 cases

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Flu season has begun, and while Arkansas health officials say the number of people sick with the flu is slowly rising, it’s an increase nonetheless.

COVID-19 case rates have been in the 20s to 30s for the past three weeks, according to the Arkansas Department of Health report.

Flu activity in Arkansas is slowly picking up pace, according to the Department of Health’s weekly report.

Kavanaugh Pharmacy owner Anne Pace said medications are flying off the shelves, confirming the report’s numbers.

“We get a lot of cough medicine,” Pace said. “Maybe some antibiotics for secondary infections and steroids.”

The report shows that flu status remains minimal, but has risen one point on the activity scale.

In terms of COVID case numbers, the state averaged 37 patients hospitalized each week in October.

Aiden Ewing described symptoms he had in the past when he had COVID. He said he had a sore throat that prevented him from speaking and even showed signs of brain fog.

When will the next surge of COVID and flu start? Experts weigh in

Pace said anyone showing symptoms should stay home and avoid other people.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to KARK.