Arkansas Flu Cases Surge to Very High Levels Amid Peak Season

The Arkansas Department of Health reports influenza activity hitting peak season levels, with 702 new flu cases confirmed for the week ending December 27, 2025—the latest figures available as of early 2026.[1] CDC surveillance ranks Arkansas flu activity as 'very high,' a 12 out of 13 severity level, fueled by predominant Influenza A(H3N2) viruses, 89.5% of which belong to the aggressive subclade K strain.[1][2] This variant has sparked an earlier-than-normal season, contributing to national estimates of 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths so far.[2] In Arkansas, multiple counties report rising hospitalizations, tracked via the state's ADH Health Data dashboard.[4] Public health departments across the state, from Pulaski to Washington counties, are pushing flu vaccinations at local health units, where walk-in shots began September 26 with no out-of-pocket costs.[3] The CDC recommends annual shots for everyone 6 months and older, especially as flu grows in 29 states including Arkansas.[2] Officials note people returning to work and schools post-holidays are accelerating spread, with new reports expected weekly.[1] Compounding respiratory threats, Arkansas logged over 500 pertussis cases in 2025—a record high over 15 years of tracking—with more than 50 counties affected and 50 hospitalizations, over 60% in infants under 1.[2] One pertussis death occurred, underscoring vaccination urgency amid concurrent flu, RSV and COVID surges.[2] Statewide, ADH monitors these via integrated Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV reports.[3]