The Arizona Department of Health Services has confirmed the start of the flu season.
“Now the obvious questions, ‘How bad will this season be? Will the vaccine be protective against the strain of flu circulating?’ and the all-important ‘Should I get my flu shot?'” said Dr. Bob England, Director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “We just don’t know yet which strain will dominate this season or how bad it will be. But we do know that the best way to protect ourselves and those around us is to get our flu vaccine.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine. This year, a newly-available vaccine will protect against four different flu viruses: two A strains (an H3N2 and H1N1 strain) and two B strains. Most available vaccines will only protect against three strains (only one B strain).
“Remember, getting your flu shot is as much about community protection as it is about personal protection,” said Will Humble, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “There are people who can’t get a flu shot. It’s up to all of us to do the right thing. While we’re protecting ourselves when we get the shot, we’re also preventing the flu from spreading in our communities.”
Last year Arizona had more than 11,000 lab-confirmed flu cases, and 4 children died from influenza. Maricopa County alone reported more than 5,600 lab-confirmed cases, and there were no child deaths. The numbers of adults who die from influenza are not individually reported to the State. “These numbers represent only the tip of the iceberg. There are actually thousands more cases that never get reported to Public Health because they don’t see a doctor or get diagnosed” said Dr. England.
Preparation includes getting the flu vaccine and being vigilant about good hygiene — covering our cough in our sleeves, washing our hands frequently and staying home when we are sick. For more information about the flu and its symptoms or where to find a flu vaccine in Arizona, please visit StopTheSpreadAZ.org.