Arizona reports decline in flu cases while COVID-19 continues to spread

PHOENIX — The flu season is tapering off as the coronavirus continues to spread in Arizona.

About 31,500 flu cases have been reported across the state this flu season, which ends in September.

“We’re on a steady decline,” said Jessica Rigler, assistant director for public health preparedness for the Arizona Department of Health Services.

“It’s hard to say for sure if fewer people are testing for flu because COVID is circulating or if this is a true decrease in cases.”

However, compared to previous years, the number of flu cases reported over the last few weeks has been lower.

A total of 136 flu cases were reported in the last week of March this year.

During the same time last year, a total of 823 cases were reported

Rigler pointed to one possible reason for the drop.

“I think people have been much more aware of good hygiene practices, like hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces and staying more physically distanced from others,” she said.

“That can have a dramatic impact on transmission of all diseases, including flu or COVID.”

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