Arizona health officials: Flu numbers rival pandemic of 2009-10

The number of confirmed flu cases in Arizona this season rivals the total seen during the H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009-10, with 19,279 cases of influenza reported this season as of last Saturday, state officials said.

The number of reported cases is a sharp increase from the 2,175 total cases confirmed in the state last season. The annual flu season begins Oct. 1, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

The "season" continues through the following September, but state data shows cases drop off significantly by May and remain low through summer.

This year's flu season has reached severe levels across most of the United States, according to health officials.

DHS said it's still not too late to get a flu shot. 

"If you haven’t been vaccinated, protect yourself by getting your flu shot today," said Dr. Cara Christ, the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.

"Just like putting on your seat belt, getting vaccinated can save you a trip to the hospital," Christ wrote in her weekly blog.

Arizona saw 19,906 influenza cases reported during the 2009-10 H1N1 flu pandemic, Christ wrote.

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According to DHS, the five-year average for flu activity shows a peak in Arizona in early February. However, this year, numbers peaked in the last week of December and the first week of January, with more than 2,000 confirmed cases each week, before declining the following two weeks.

The state confirmed 1,454 cases for the week ending Jan. 27, an uptick of 254 cases from the previous week, DHS said.

The number of states experiencing “high” influenza activity has increased to 39 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. Arizona is among them. 

The flu spreads through contact or when an infected person sneezes, coughs or even talks.

Those with the flu this season are urged to stay home. 

"Take precautions like staying home when you’re sick and covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing," Christ wrote.

Children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 or older and people with chronic diseases may be at a higher risk for serious flu complications, Christ wrote.

"In addition to getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself from illness by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face," Christ wrote.

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