The tinsel may have come down, but cases of flu are “widespread” in Arizona, as reported by the CDC. This year is proving the predictions of a record number of cases correct, as the reported cases climb after four years of lower flu case numbers. Doctors and health care advocates are urging people to get the flu vaccine, saying it’s not too late since cases usually peak between December and February. Nevada has seen record numbers of flu cases since the first of the year, indicating the flu season is far from over in the Grand Canyon State.
“The protection provided by this year’s seasonal flu vaccine is better than we’ve had in recent years. It covers four strains of the flu and gives the recipient a boost in immunity. Because most of the viruses seen this flu season are a match for the types found in the vaccine, this year’s flu vaccine is highly effective. There is even a version that is egg free, so that every person over the age of six months may receive this year’s vaccine,” said Dr. Andrew Carroll, a family doctor in private practice in Chandler and Clinical Assistant Professor in Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona. He continued, “The peak flu season is just hitting, if you haven’t been immunized for this year’s flu, now is the time.”
For information on where to obtain a flu vaccine, contact your health care provider or go to https://www.vaccines.gov/, a site recommended by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
