LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The flu is spreading very high in Arkansas, and it's showing up in schools.
On average, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) said one out of every 10 kids missed class last week.
"Over these last couple of weeks, it's just ticked up immensely," said Dr. Josh Lyon, a pediatrician at the All for Kids clinic in Little Rock.
Lyon said the flu season has been pretty steady, but recently, it's gotten worse.
"All the parents are coming in and saying, 'Yeah, the daycare told us there was a case,'" Lyon said. "It's all the kids at daycare. It's all the kids at school."
According to ADH, most counties are seeing 5-10% of students calling out sick, and some have reported even higher numbers, with Pulaski County hovering around 10-15%.
When we contacted the Pulaski County Special School District to see how they're doing, a health service director said a "number of schools have sent students home with a fever or other sickness symptoms."
High fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are all flu symptoms.
If you are trying to keep your kids healthy, preventative measures like flu shots and good hygiene are your most excellent protectors.
"Just being cognizant of good hand washing," Lyon said. "Trying to stay away from people we know who are sick, coughing and sneezing."
Lyon said it's not too late to get the flu shot.
If your child does come down with the flu, rest and lots of fluids are recommended by the doctor.