Doctor: Flu season has been light in Arizona, but it will get a little worse

PHOENIX — Influenza is spreading rapidly throughout the nation and the virus is seemingly more powerful this season than in years past.

At least 37,938 Americans have been infected and 21 people have died of the flu this season, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency report showed that influenza activity is high” or widespread in 43 states.

“Isn’t it ironical that we’ve had less than a handful of patients with Ebola in the U.S. and literally thousands of patients with influenza,” Dr. Priya Radhakrishnan of Phoenix said.

Radhakrishnan is director of the Internal Medicine Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.

While Arizona is one of seven states where the flu is not widespread, Radhakrishnan said it is only a matter of time before the state sees epidemic flu levels.

“We do anticipate and are preparing for a marked increase in flu cases here in Arizona,” she said.

The East Coast was the first region to see high flu activity this season but as temperatures decrease in other regions, such as the Southwest, Radhakrishnan said the influenza virus will spread faster.

“We anticipate that it will come westward very soon,” she said. “Arizona tends to be warmer and we’ve seen the cold spells now in the last couple of weeks.”

Despite criticism over the efficacy of the flu vaccine, officials at the CDC warned it was imperative to get protected.

Radhakrishnan explained that the shot will still protect against some strains of the virus and lessen the impact of symptoms for those affected.

“When you get a flu shot, you develop a very robust antibody response and that essentially means that you are developing immunity,” she said.

Radhakrishnan predicted flu activity in Arizona will decrease in a couple of months.

“My crystal ball says probably around February or March is usually based on previous years when the levels start coming down,” she said.

She advised people use good hygiene techniques, get a flu shot and stay home or wear a face mask if infected.

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