Influenza Confirmed in Arizona's Maricopa County

County Health Director Reminds Residents "Protect the Ones you Love - Get a Flu Shot"

Nov. 20, 2007 --A man in his 60's and an infant, both from Maricopa County but unrelated, have been confirmed by the Arizona Department of Health Services State Lab as the state's first cases of influenza or flu this season. Both are recovering.

"As we see by these cases, flu can affect anyone - from the older adult to the very young," said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa County's Department of Public Health. "This is a reminder that the best gift you can give your friends and family this holiday season is getting your flu shot. Spread joy and cheer, not the flu."

"This case indicates the beginning of our flu season here in Arizona," said Susan Gerard, Arizona Department of Health Services Director. "The good news is that we should have ample flu vaccine here in Arizona and there is no reason that everyone shouldn't be getting their flu vaccine."

Last year, Maricopa County confirmed by lab 1065 cases of influenza and 1,663 were confirmed in the state. However, this number is far less than the actual number of flu cases since the vast majority is not reported.

"Hundreds of people in our community will die from the flu this year," said England. "No matter how healthy you are, if you come into contact with a vulnerable person - that is seniors, kids, pregnant women or anyone with chronic disease or whose immune system is compromised - then get your flu shot so you don't give it to them."

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, county and state officials remind residents that everyone needs to be vigilant in good hygiene -- covering our cough in our sleeves, washing our hands frequently and staying home when we are sick.

"Good hygiene can keep our community healthy from so many risks," said Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Fulton Brock. "There is no better time than flu season to teach our kids the importance of washing their hands frequently with soap and water."

Flu vaccine is now available for adults as well as children 6 months and older. For a complete listing of locations where you can receive adult and pediatric flu vaccine, log on to www.fluaz.org or call 602-263-8856.

Who Should get a flu shot?

Children 6 months to 5 years of age should receive a flu vaccine annually.

* Children under 5 years of age have a higher risk of emergency room visits and hospitalization due to influenza
* Children less than 2 years of age are at an increased risk of getting severe illness from the flu.

Healthy adults should ESPECIALLY get the flu vaccine if you come into contact with:

* infants,
* older adults,
* people who have been hospitalized,
* anyone whose immune system has been compromised such as people living with HIV/AIDS, asthmatics, cancer survivors and others

By you getting the vaccine, you are actually protecting the people who are most important to you.

Healthy Habits will also protect you against the flu:

* Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
* Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
* Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
* Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth

For more information, log on to www.wearepublichealth.org or www.azdhs.gov/flu.

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services

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