Here’s how to keep from getting, spreading the flu as Arizona cases surge

PHOENIX – As 2025 winds down, the Arizona flu season is revving up.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) documented over 1,600 influenza cases for the week of Dec. 14, a 90% spike from the previous week. Maricopa County had 704 of those cases, a weekly rise of 85%.

A surge in Arizona flu cases is typical around the winter holidays as people tend to gather indoors, but it’s starting later than usual this year, according to Dr. Joel Terriquez, medical director of the ADHS infectious disease and immunization bureaus.

“The ADHS continues to monitor closely that number of cases. We are certainly having a later peak of the season compared to other years, but we’re just starting to see that increased number of cases,” he told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Tuesday.

Arizona flu cases rise amid low vaccination rates

Terriquez said low vaccination rates and a viral mutation are adding to the mix this year.

“We have seen a significant decline in vaccination and vaccine acceptance,” he said. “So, we’re down to around 12% for the state. … Those age groups that are more associated with severe illness, 65 and older, they seem to be receiving the vaccine more often, up to 26%.”

Terriquez emphasized that it’s not too late to get a flu shot, which takes about two weeks to reach peak effectiveness.

“I think that the vaccine still has significant benefits, including preventing severe illness and hospitalization, as well as overall decreasing the community spread of influenza,” he said.

Terriquez explained that flu vaccines are developed each year to provide protection against what are expected to be the most common viruses. However, one type of virus in this year’s batch — H3N2 — developed a new variant known as a subclade K.

“Even though that H3N2 virus was included in the vaccine, there was … a slight mutation in that virus that has made this virus a little bit more intense when it comes to symptoms. So, more fevers, more headaches, more muscle aches,” Terriquez said.

What to do if you get the flu

The recommended treatment is the same regardless of which virus causes the infection. If you come down with the flu, you should avoid large crowds or stay home, if possible, to protect community members with significant risk factors, Terriquez said.

“When it comes to influenza, symptoms will be very general,” he said. “You will start with some fever, headaches, muscle aches. If symptoms seem to be progressing, definitely it’s time to at least contact your health care provider.”

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