Flu Hits "Widespread" Levels in Arizona; Precautions Urged

Influenza activity in Arizona rose to the highest classification of "widespread" last week for the first time this flu season, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported. Department of Health Services Director Susan Gerard is again reminding Arizonans to get a flu shot and to take other precautions against the highly contagious respiratory illness. "We've seen a dramatic increase in influenza activity in the last two weeks," Gerard said. "With more people traveling during the holiday season, we're concerned that the flu situation could worsen." Gerard said, "That's why I want to remind everyone: Get a flu shot. It's not too late." The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies flu activity as sporadic, local, regional or widespread. The widespread classification in Arizona was prompted by reports of influenza in 13 of Arizona's 15 counties, with nearly 1,000 laboratory confirmed cases identified statewide. The Arizona Department of Health Services is working with the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, local health departments and health care providers to monitor the outbreak and to ensure that the best information is available to the public and providers on preventing and treating influenza. Many hospital emergency departments are experiencing extremely crowded conditions due to the flu andin some casesthe annual influx of winter visitors. Because of this, the healthcare community is urging those who think they have influenza (abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches and pains, cough and/or sore throat), to first contact their health care provider for information on how to treat symptoms. "For most individuals, influenza is a self-limiting disease, usually lasting one to two weeks," said David Engelthaler, State Epidemiologist "It is not necessary to go to an emergency room unless you have life threatening symptoms." Prescription antiviral medications can reduce the duration and severity of influenza if taken within two days of when symptoms begin. If you get influenza, you should rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco and take medication to relieve the symptoms. For more severe illness, especially in children and the elderly, consult your physician. A few simple steps can prevent the spread of flu as well as other respiratory illnesses. Staying at home when you are sick, especially during the holidays when large gatherings are frequent, and using respiratory etiquette are all effective ways to limit the spread of influenza. Respiratory etiquette includes frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water, and covering your mouth with a disposable tissue when you sneeze or cough. Those who are well should get a flu vaccine by contacting their health care provider. A list of flu shot providers is available at Community Information and Referral. Call 602-263-8856 or go to www.cir.org for this information. For more information about influenza, contact your health care provider or local health department.