Nearly 8,000 Arizonans diagnosed with flu in 2017, large spike over 2016
Jan 5, 2018, 5:56 PM | Updated: Jan 6, 2018, 10:03 pm
(Flickr/U.S. Army Corps of Engineering)
(Flickr/U.S. Army Corps of Engineering)
PHOENIX — The number of flu diagnoses in Arizona has increased dramatically over the last year.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there were 7,978 total cases of influenza, also known as the flu, reported in 2017. There were just 834 cases in 2016.
Of those numbers, 2,453 influenza cases were diagnosed in the last week of December alone, compared to 282 cases during the same time period the year before.
The high number of cases recorded at the end of last year was the most ever on record. The state typically does not see this type of activity until February.
The widespread illness is also affecting hospitals across the state, many of which are seeing long emergency room wait times due to the increased number of sick patients.
In order to address the long wait time issue, the Arizona Department of Health Services said those who believe they are diagnosed with the flu should only seek emergency care if they are at high risk for serious complications or are experiencing severe symptoms.
Some of the groups of people who are more susceptible to serious complications from influenza include kids under the age of 5, adults over the age of 65, pregnant or postpartum women, American Indians and those with a chronic disease.
Influenza can cause severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, confusion or persistent vomiting.
“If you have symptoms and are in a high risk group, or if you feel very sick or worried about your illness, talk to your medical provider,” Christ said.
“Most people with mild flu symptoms will get better without seeing the doctor and should stay home to prevent spreading it to others. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest when you have the flu. You can also treat symptoms with over the counter medications.”
For those who want to protect themselves from the disease, the department said getting vaccinated is the most effective way to do so. However, it can take up to two weeks to be fully immune once you are vaccinated.
Arizonans can also help prevent the spread of the flu by washing their hands, covering their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, avoiding touching their face, and staying home when they are sick.
