Flu season has already started in Arizona, health official says

PHOENIX — Flu season is already underway in Arizona, according to one health official.

“We have already had positive tests in our clinics,” Dr. Lane Tassin with FastMed Urgent Care told KTAR News 92.3 FM, although he could not give specific numbers.

At least 523 people in Arizona died of pneumonia- and influenza-related deaths last flu season. There were also more than 24,500 flu cases diagnosed in all of the state’s 15 counties.

“It’s a significant illness, in terms of public health,” Tassin said.

Tassin said in order to avoid another deadly flu season, residents should get their vaccination as soon as possible.

“The flu shot is your best bet to avoid getting the flu,” he said. “You can still get the flu, but your illness will be shorter and less severe.”

But how can you still get the flu even if you get a vaccination?

Tassin said the genetic determinants of the flu strain varies year to year, and health officials try to stay on top of it by predicting what the next season’s virus will be and changing the vaccine to combat that strain.

Anyone who is over 6 months old should get the flu shot, he added. The virus is more common in areas of higher population density, such as Phoenix and Tucson, but it can be caught anywhere — even while waiting in line at the grocery store.

In order to combat the spread of the virus, Tassin said to stay on top of your hygiene, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze and using hand sanitizer in public places.

Some symptoms of the flu include muscle aches, fever, cough, nasal congestion and a runny nose.

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