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AZDHS: Influenza reports highest in Arizona through March

Posted at 2:15 PM, Mar 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-02 16:40:48-05

The number of flu cases are on the rise across the Grand Canyon State.

According to the state Department of Health Services, more than 750 cases were reported last week alone – that’s more than double the number of cases compared to the week before.

There has already been 3,300 confirmed influenza cases this season, and health officials said the number tends to peak in February through the end of this month.

On average, more than 4,000 Arizonans are hospitalized each flu season and 700 people die due to the serious respiratory illness.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue and some people may experience vomiting, the Center for Disease and Control said.

Aside from getting vaccinated, AZDHS is offering some tips to prevent influenza:

  • Wash your hands often
  • Cover your mouth with you cough or sneeze
  • Stay home when you’re not feeling well