Valley seeing increase in flu cases year-over-year to begin season
Nov 4, 2024, 2:20 PM
The flu season is off to a bad start in the Valley with a 47.1% uptick in cases since last season, according to Maricopa County Public Health Officials. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – The Valley is seeing more flu cases through five weeks this season than last year, according to Maricopa County Public Health Officials.
In the most recent reported week that ended Oct. 26, there were 218 flu cases that have been laboratory confirmed. In total, there have been 550 cases in the season since reporting began on Sept. 29.
The 218 cases was a 52.4% increase from the last week and the 550 cases was a 239.9% increase from the five-season average through five weeks.
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“We’ve seen an uptick in cases over the past couple of weeks. Significantly higher than it’s been the past couple years,” Michael Kleven, doctor of osteopathic medicine at Optum Arizona,
Why are flu cases on the rise?
Kleven explained “perspective matters” as flu cases were down during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the 2020-21 season, just 785 cases were confirmed. The following year saw 10,170 cases compared to the 20,528 cases before the pandemic.
“Compared to the previous couple of years, what we’re seeing right now is quite a bit higher. Historically, it’s not unheard of however,” Kleven said.
Last year saw 29,830 confirmed cases, the most in the previous five years. Klevin said this is the time of year when cases are on the rise as well.
“This is about the time we start to see an uptick in cases,” Kleven said. “Usually, we’ll see a spike in early to mid-November.”
What can you do to stop the spread of the flu?
Kleven urged everyone to get a flu shot to minimize the spread and noted it takes a couple of weeks for the flu shot to kick in. He said the flu season will last a couple of months into next year and it’s still worthwhile to get the flu shot as long as it’s still before the end of the season.
“I know a lot of young, healthy people feel they’re not at risk of the flu and if they catch the flu they’ll probably get over it without any problem,” Kleven said. “And that may be true, but the biggest reason to get the flu shot is to prevent the spread.”
Kleven said the best time to get a flu shot is when you are scheduled for an annual exam. He said you can also head to your local pharmacy to get a flu shot and the sooner you do it, the better.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Colton Krolak contributed to this report.
