Arizona health department says uptick in flu cases reported in past week

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Health Services said Monday there was a large uptick in the number of reported flu cases in the past week.

About 1,500 people reported having the flu in the past week, according to Jessica Rigler, assistant director for public health preparedness for the Arizona Department of Health Services. About 8,600 people have reported having the flu so far this season.

What’s different about this flu season is the amount of younger people who have been affected.

“It’s affecting younger people much more frequently than we typically see, so 0-49 year olds are much more heavily impacted than normal,” Rigler told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

With adults spreading germs during flu season, it has also created an environment for RSV.

“We’ve had about 1,700 cases of RSV reported so far this season, which is higher than we typically see,” Rigler added. “It’s about 200% higher than we saw last season.”

Rigler said to stick to the basics to protect yourself and your kids.

“Keep your hands clean and always wash your hands before eating,” Rigler said. “Make sure your kids stay home sick from school if they aren’t feeling well either.”

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