Flu rates spike after holiday gatherings

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

As the holiday season continues, health officials in Maricopa County are noting an increase in flu activity, which typically rises during this time of year. With holiday travel, family gatherings, and more time spent indoors, respiratory illnesses like the flu are spreading more easily.

The flu, caused by influenza viruses, is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to mild to severe symptoms, and in some cases, serious complications or death. Common symptoms of the flu include high fever, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and extreme fatigue. 

Flu viruses spread mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or conversations. The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, with the infection being passed on when people touch their mouth or nose after touching objects with the virus on them. People infected with the flu can begin spreading it one day before showing symptoms and can continue to infect others for up to seven days after becoming sick.

During the week of Nov. 24, Thanksgiving week, Maricopa County reported 2,006 laboratory confirmed influenza cases. This number spiked from the week before with 1,425 laboratory confirmed influenza cases. 

 Maricopa County has seen an increase in flu activity this season, with current data showing higher levels of flu-like illness compared to the previous five years. The state’s baseline for flu-like illness is 1.5%, and the epidemic threshold is 2.6%. Recent reports indicate that the percentage of flu-like illness cases in Maricopa County has surpassed this epidemic threshold, signaling an uptick in flu activity.

The Center for Disease Control lists flu vaccination as the most effective way to prevent the illness. In addition to vaccination, other preventive measures include frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when feeling ill to avoid spreading the virus to others. 

According to vaccines.gov, Goodyear has 19 different vaccine distribution locations. 

Visit azdhs.gov for more information.