Flu cases are hitting Arizona hard this year

Still time to get vaccinated – shots are available in variety of Yuma locations

This season, the flu is holding back no punches. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there have been 11,515 flu cases so far, compared with 1,109 cases during the same time period last year, The Associated Press reports.

And yet, despite the high number of cases, it’s still not too late to get a vaccination.

Let’s face it. When it comes to the flu, there are few things one can do to avoid it.

One can faithfully wash hands, avoid public spaces, and avoid touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth.

And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that avoiding close contact with others helps too.

But the single best thing one can do to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated, the CDC reports.

The flu vaccination causes antibodies to develop in the body, which takes place about two weeks after vaccination, and that in turn provides protection against influenza, the CDC says.

However, the flu season can last well into the spring. So getting the vaccination is critical for the protections it can offer. And while it’s not a bulletproof solution, it’s better than doing nothing at all.

The CDC notes, “flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.” Frankly, that sounds like it’s worth the effort! It’s easy to find the flu shot. Most pharmacies offer them, including the pharmacies inside Target, Walmart, Fry’s and Albertsons. One can pick up groceries, and grab a flu shot in the process — it’s that easy. Or, visit www.cdc.gov/flu, and enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Finder at the bottom of the page, to see what other options are out there.

However you choose to find it, don’t delay. So far, this flu season is hitting Arizona hard.