Arizona hit with more than 250 cases of the flu so far this season

PHOENIX — A month into flu season, Arizona is being widely affected by the illness.

“We are currently at 289 cases reported this season,” Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services Dr. Cara Christ told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “This puts us at local spread, most of our counties have been impacted by influenza so we know its out in our communities.”

Traditionally, flu season starts in October and runs through April. Christ says most cases are reported from January to March.

But right now, who is getting sick?

“The age groups that are most impacted are our 5 to 18 years, so our pediatric groups and followed by 19 to 49 year olds,” Christ said.

With the flu shot taking about two weeks to get into your system, the Arizona Department of Health Services recommends to do it sooner rather than later, especially with the spike in reported cases they are seeing.

The state health department said every year flu season is predictably unpredictable but they will also recommend vaccinations for everyone.

“Last week we saw a larger number of cases and we anticipate that there’s going to be even more cases next week,” Christ said.

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