Arizona health director pushes for vaccinations as flu cases surge

PHOENIX – Flu season is here with a vengeance.

Arizona influenza cases have skyrocketed to more than triple the total from this time a year ago, prompting health officials to push for vaccinations before the holiday season.

There were 518 laboratory-confirmed cases in the state through Nov. 9. A week later, that number nearly doubled to 950, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported Friday.

At this time last year, there were 290 flu cases in Arizona. The five-year average of cases doesn’t approach the current total until the final week of the year, putting the state more than a month ahead of the typical pace.

#Flu Alert: Influenza cases in Arizona have tripled compared to previous seasons at this time, with more than half of reported cases this season in infants, children, & adolescents. Get your flu vaccine now if you haven’t already. #FightFlu https://t.co/QN3290T0Z7 pic.twitter.com/S1CSze4bXf

— AZ Dept. of Health (@AZDHS) November 22, 2019

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, told KTAR News 92.3 FM the actual totals are much higher than reported because the department can only track patients who get tested by doctors.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “So we know there’s a lot more influenza out in our communities.”

Christ said vaccination is the best form of prevention, and anybody over the age of 6 months is eligible.

“We would highly encourage you to go now and get vaccinated before you start going to holiday parties,” she said.

She also said washing hands frequently, covering coughs and staying home when sick can help prevent the spread of the flu, which can be fatal for vulnerable patients.

“A lot of people just think it’s a common cold,” she said. “Influenza has serious complications like pneumonia and even death.”

More than half the patients this flu season, which started Sept. 29, have been infants, children and adolescents.

Every county in the state has reported multiple cases. The majority, 543, have been in Maricopa County.

The surge in cases has prompted one Valley hospital group, Abrazo Health, to implement seasonal flu restrictions for visitors next week. Abrazo didn’t put the restrictions in place until January last season.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report.

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