Officials: Flu cases are up 758% from last year
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) reported Wednesday that the flu has become more widespread in Arizona this season. According to ADHS, there are 2,629 more flu cases reported than this time last year.
As of Dec. 20, there have been 2,976 cases of flu reported compared to 347 for the same time period in 2016, which is a 758 percent increase in flu activity.
ADHS said this is the highest number of flu cases since the flu test became reportable. In the last two seasons, flu cases in Arizona didn't reach these numbers until February.
"Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu, and with the disease spreading quickly in Arizona the time to get vaccinated is now," said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. "It can take up to two weeks to build full immunity to the flu after you are vaccinated, so I encourage everyone who has not yet had a flu shot to get one today before the holidays."