/ Modified jan 25, 2018 4:41 p.m.

Flu Cases Down in Pima County, Statewide

New reported cases have decreased for two consecutive weeks.

Flu shot hero A man gets ready to receive a flu shot, 2016.
FEMA/Rossyveth Rey-Berrios

The worst of an influenza outbreak may have passed in Pima County and statewide.

Numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services show a flu cases have decreased since peaking the first week of 2018.

"We're getting close to about 2,000 confirmed cases of flu, but we've seen a trend over the last week that we may actually be slowing down a little bit," said Pima County Health Department Deputy Director Paula Mandel.

Flu reports often peak later in the winter in Arizona.

While the number of cases has decreased, Mandel said those who have yet to be infected should continue to practice preventive measures.

"If you haven't gotten your flu shot, we encourage you to get your flu shot," she said. "We want you to continue to practice healthy habits: eating well, resting well, and if you're sick please stay home from work and school. And if you're experiencing mild symptoms, we encourage you to reach out to your primary care provider."

Mandel said only people who are at high risk — such as the young, elderly, pregnant or those have a chronic disease — should head to emergency rooms if symptoms worsen.

She confirmed this year's vaccine proved less effective than it has been in years past, but it can still help prevent some cases or at least decrease the severity of an infection.

There have been no deaths linked to influenza in Pima County this season.

By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona