With colder weather comes viruses and bugs, and doctors said people in Arkansas are already coming down with the flu.
Doctors recommend frequent hand washing and staying home from work if you’re sick, but the most important recommendation is to get vaccinated.
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 180 people have tested positive for influenza this flu season–with more than 80 cases just this week.
“It’s important for every Arkansan, 6 months and older, to get the flu shot,” said Dr. Appathurai Balamurugan, Chief Medical Officer of Arkansas Department of Health.
Doctors are urging people to get their flu shots now–especially children, pregnant women, and those with other health conditions.
“People are not invincible,” Balamurugan said. “They need to take their health seriously. And not just their health, but their loved ones.”
Balamurugan said many fear flu shots will give them the flu, but he said that’s not true.
“That’s a common myth,” Balamurugan said. “And unfortunately, some people hesitate to get the flu shot because of that myth.”
The Health Department reported no flu deaths this year. They said 120 people died from the flu last season.
The Health Department reported only 40 to 50 percent of Arkansans get their flu vaccine.
