For Immediate Release | December 20, 2017
Media
Contact | Chris J. Minnick
Mobile
| 480-745-5825
Flu Widespread with
Highest Number of Seasonal Cases Ever Reported by December
ADHS Public Health Officials
Encourage Everyone to Get Vaccinated
PHOENIX – Flu is
widespread in Arizona with 2,629 more cases reported than this time last
year, the Arizona Department of Health Services announced today. As of Dec. 20,
there have been 2,976 cases of flu reported compared to 347 for the same time
period in 2016, which is a 758 percent increase in flu activity.
This
is the highest number of seasonal cases this early since influenza tests became
reportable. During the past two seasons, Arizona did not reach widespread
activity until February.
“Getting
a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu,
and with the disease spreading quickly in Arizona the time to get vaccinated is
now,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health
Services. “It can take up to two weeks to build full immunity to the flu after
you are vaccinated, so I encourage everyone who has not yet had a flu shot to
get one today before the holidays.”
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age
of 6 months receive
the influenza vaccine each season. This is particularly important for those
at risk
for complications, such as adults aged 65 years and older, people with
asthma and diabetes, and pregnant women. People can find a place to get
vaccinated at vaccinefinder.org.
Flu
is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose,
throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to
hospitalization and death. The flu virus spreads when someone with influenza
coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also catch influenza by touching a surface or
object that the virus lands on and then touching your face.
Even
if you are vaccinated, there are more ways to prevent the spread of
influenza:
- Wash your hands
- Cover your cough
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid touching your face
For
more questions about the flu vaccine, contact the ADHS Immunization Program
Office at (602) 364-3630 or your county
health department. You
can stay up-to-date on influenza activity in Arizona throughout the season by
viewing the weekly reports on the ADHS website at azhealth.gov/flu, or
by subscribing to receive the influenza report via email at azhealth.gov/email.
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