Arizona Flu Cases Reach Level Of H1N1 Pandemic

PHOENIX, AZ – It's not your imagination. It does seem like everyone knows someone who has the flu. The state's Department of Health Services said Thursday that the number of cases in the state is on a level with the number of cases during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic.

There have been 19,279 cases of the flu this season in Arizona. There were 19,906 during the entire 2009-2010 season.

"If you haven’t been vaccinated, protect yourself by getting your flu shot today," Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said. "If you or your children are sick with influenza, take precautions like staying home when you’re sick and covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.

"In addition to getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself from illness by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face."

The department says that you can find a place to get vaccinated at vaccinefinder.org. For more questions about the influenza vaccine, contact the ADHS Immunization Program Office at (602) 364-3630 or your county health department.

File photo of the flu vaccine in syringes via U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Koob