Respiratory illnesses rise in Arkansas schools as holiday season approaches

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — As the holiday season ramps up, schools across Arkansas are reporting an increase in student absences tied to respiratory illnesses, prompting health officials to urge families to take preventive steps.

The Little Rock School District has seen more students sent home sick and more families calling in absences, according to the district’s director of health services. Some school activities have also been canceled as illnesses spread quickly through classrooms and extracurricular programs.

Doctors said respiratory viruses are driving the surge.

“We’re seeing more and more children and adults who have respiratory infections,” said Dr. Robert Hopkins, a professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. “Many of those folks are testing positive for flu, for RSV and for COVID.”

Hopkins said children in schools and daycare settings are often early indicators of wider community spread.

“Children in schools, children in day cares are kind of the canary in the coal mine, so to speak,” he said.

According to Hopkins, Arkansas could soon move from low to moderate — and possibly high — levels of respiratory illness activity as winter approaches. Increased travel and holiday gatherings may further accelerate the spread if precautions are not taken.

Hopkins said vaccination remains the most effective line of defense.

“Everyone six months in age and older should get the flu vaccine,” Hopkins said.

“I would encourage COVID vaccination similarly, and RSV vaccination in those who are eligible to get the RSV vaccine. That’s protection level number one.”

Beyond vaccinations, Hopkins emphasized basic hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing.

He also recommended masking in crowded indoor settings, particularly for people who are at higher risk for severe illness.

“Other things that are important — wash your hands,” he said. “In addition to washing your hands, if you’re going to be in a crowded situation, particularly if you’re somebody that’s at higher risk, you might want to wear a mask.”

Health officials also stress the importance of keeping sick children home. They said doing so not only protects individual families but can help prevent outbreaks that disrupt school schedules and holiday plans.

Families are encouraged to plan ahead as winter continues, with doctors noting that vaccinations and good hygiene now can reduce the risk of more serious outbreaks later in the season.