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Flu cases in Arizona double in a week

Posted at 8:20 AM, Mar 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-03 13:20:05-05
The flu is ramping up in the Grand Canyon State this month. 
 
The state Department of Health Services reports more than 750 cases last week alone, that is more than double the week before.
 
There have already been 3,300 confirmed flu cases in Arizona this season and health officials feat things may get even worse. They say the number of cases tends to peak between February and the end of March.
 
On average, more than 4,000 Arizonans are hospitalized each flu season and 700 people die due to the illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fatigue and some people even experience vomiting.
 
The virus is contagious, so officials say people can do many things to prevent getting the illness.
 
Tips:
 
  • get vaccinated (never too late) 
  • wash your hands often 
  • cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • stay home when you're not feeling well.
  
Health experts say everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated every year.