Flu is 'widespread' in Arizona

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Cover that cough and sneeze.

After a relatively slow start, Arizona health officials are now saying influenza is widespread.

They are seeing new cases in all 15 counties, with Maricopa and Pima counties leading the way. Arizona has had more than 3,700 cases since October.

That is less than during the typical flu season, but two-thirds of them happened in just the past few weeks.

Experts said it's not too late to get the vaccine, as Arizona's flu season can last into May. It takes about two weeks to get full protection after getting the vaccine.

Dr. Sean Elliott, medical director of infection prevention at Banner University Medical Center, said there is no cause for alarm. It is not a new flu strain circulating.

However, Elliott said people are sicker this year than they have been in the past few years. Most have the more serious influenza A (H1N1).

"So we're seeing more cases now, certainly in the last couple of weeks. We're also seeing more severe cases. More adults hospitalized with really severe flu requiring hospitalization, some requiring breathing machines for support. This is a bad year," Elliott said.

The good news is that one of the four strains in the flu vaccine protects against H1N1.

Elliott said it appears to be a good match, but it will be later in the season before doctors know for sure. For now, he said, if you are sick, stay home.

"Stay home. Take care of yourself, but don't share that flu gift with anybody else. In the meantime, wash the hands a lot; soap and water, 15 seconds - lathering then rinse. The alcohol-based hand cleaners (are) also good. Covering your cough - cough into the elbow. Sneezing - same sort of thing," Elliott said.

To keep track of Arizona's flu season and compare it to previous seasons, click HERE.