by David Cox
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — According to the Arkansas Department of Health more than 34,000 Arkansans contracted the flu last year.
Caleb Ward, a recent U of A graduate, described his experience fighting against it.
“I felt fatigued, tired, pretty nauseous, weak,” Ward said. “Just didn’t feel like doing anything, wanted to stay in bed.”
With flu season approaching during a worldwide pandemic, Ward said he’s doing his part by following the CDC’s guidelines so he doesn’t get sick this year.
“Social distance, washing hands, and staying away from people,” Ward said.
There was more than 95 deaths from the flu in Arkansas last year, according to ADH. More than 84,000 in Arkansas have contracted COVID-19, with almost 1,500 dead from the illness.
Cayley McCollough, a pharmacy intern at Collier Drug Store on Dickson Street, said one major concern is that the two illnesses cause similar symptoms, and may further strain the healthcare system.
“By getting as many people as possible to get that flu shot, it kind of helps prepare for that and help alleviate that situation,” McCollough said.
With hospitalizations due to Covid-19 steadily increasing, there may not be room for patients who need immediate treatment for other illnesses, like the flu.
McCollough said by getting a flu shot, you not only protect yourself, but those around you who are most at risk.
“It is more of a risk to others that we’re around, especially elderly and young kids,” McCollough said. “Those are the most likely to be badly affected by the flu.”
The Collier Drug Store on Dickson Street in Fayetteville offers walk-in flu shots.