Arkansas is currently experiencing a high level of respiratory illness activity, driven primarily by influenza. For the week ending February 21, 2026, the state recorded 1,098 lab-confirmed flu cases in a single week, with both influenza A and influenza B circulating in nearly equal numbers. COVID-19 is also present at moderate levels, and tick-borne illnesses will become a growing concern as temperatures rise in the coming weeks.
Flu Is the Dominant Illness Right Now
Influenza is the biggest driver of illness across Arkansas right now. The state’s influenza-like illness (ILI) activity level is rated “High,” scoring 10 out of 13 on the CDC’s activity scale. About 5% of all outpatient visits reported through the CDC’s sentinel provider network are for flu-like symptoms, which is well above baseline levels.
What makes this season somewhat unusual is that influenza A and influenza B are circulating at almost identical rates. During the week ending February 21, 2026, Arkansas labs confirmed 541 influenza A cases and 527 influenza B cases, plus a handful of co-infections. In a typical flu season, one type dominates. When both circulate heavily at the same time, it’s possible to catch one type and then get sick again with the other weeks later.
Among the influenza A cases that were further subtyped, H3N2 was the most common strain identified, with 23 confirmed cases compared to just 2 cases of H1N1. No H5 (bird flu) cases were detected.
COVID-19 at Moderate Levels
COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared. Wastewater surveillance for the week ending February 28, 2026, shows moderate viral activity levels in Arkansas. Wastewater testing picks up traces of the virus shed by infected people, so it captures infections even when people don’t get tested or report their illness. That said, the CDC notes that Arkansas’s wastewater data currently covers less than 5% of the state’s population, so these numbers may not reflect what’s happening in every region.
The Arkansas Department of Health only requires reporting of flu hospitalizations, deaths, and outbreaks, not every individual case. The same limited reporting applies to COVID-19. That means the actual number of people sick with either illness is considerably higher than official case counts suggest.
What Symptoms to Watch For
Flu and COVID-19 can look very similar in the first few days: fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and congestion. A few patterns can help you tell them apart, though neither is foolproof without a test. Flu tends to hit suddenly, with intense body aches and high fever appearing within hours. COVID-19 more often builds gradually over a day or two and is more likely to cause loss of taste or smell, though that symptom has become less common with newer variants.
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, chest pressure, persistent vomiting, or confusion, those are signs that either illness may be progressing to something more serious. People over 65, young children, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease face higher risks of complications from both viruses.
Tick-Borne Illness Season Is Starting
As Arkansas moves into spring, tick-borne diseases become a real concern. Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis are the two most frequently reported tick-borne illnesses in the state, with cases appearing nearly every year. Tularemia and anaplasmosis are also reported annually, though less commonly.
Tick season ramps up as soon as warm weather arrives, which in Arkansas can mean as early as March. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is particularly dangerous if not treated early. It typically starts with fever, headache, and muscle pain, followed by a rash that may appear a few days later. If you’ve been outdoors in wooded or grassy areas and develop an unexplained fever, mention the possibility of a tick bite to your healthcare provider even if you didn’t notice one. Ticks can be tiny enough to miss.
Free Flu Shots and Testing Resources
The Arkansas Department of Health offers walk-in flu shots at local health units across the state. There is no out-of-pocket cost, though you’re encouraged to bring your insurance card if you have one. You can find your nearest health unit, school clinic, or community flu clinic through the Arkansas Department of Health website.
For tracking what’s circulating in your area week by week, the department publishes a Weekly Viral Respiratory Diseases Report covering influenza, COVID-19, and RSV activity statewide. They also maintain an Influenza-Like Illness Dashboard that provides more granular data. Both are available on the ADH website at healthy.arkansas.gov.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are flu, COVID-19, or something else, combination test kits that check for both viruses are widely available at pharmacies. Getting tested early matters because antiviral treatments for both flu and COVID-19 work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptoms.