PHOENIX — It’s been a pretty rough year in Southeastern Arizona so far when it comes to the flu.
Through Dec. 15, there have been 136 confirmed cases of influenza in Graham County this season, which is 147 percent higher than last year at the same time.
However, this year’s number of flu cases is down 6 percent from the five-year average number of cases.
Greenlee County has experienced 80 cases of flu through Dec. 15, which is 43 percent higher than the same time last year, and is 16 percent more than the five-year average.
Cochise County has 192 confirmed cases of flu through Dec. 15, up 48 percent from last year. However, the number of cases is 9 percent below the five-year average.
Statewide, Arizona has experienced 17,953 cases so far this flu season, up 257 percent from the same time last year, and up 41 percent over the five-year average.
To have the best chance at avoiding the flu this season, the Department of Health Services recommends a flu shot, plus regular washing of hands for least 20 seconds, covering coughs with a tissue or sleeve, avoid close contact with those who are sick, and staying home when sick.
