Arizona is facing a steep climb in respiratory illnesses, with flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases significantly higher than previous years. Despite a minor reprieve since December peaks, numbers remain concerning. As per Phoenix New Times, the state is witnessing a higher volume of flu-related visits to the emergency rooms, making this season notably tougher.
RSV, particularly vicious this season, has exploded, with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health reporting a staggering 158% surge from last year and a whopping 326% from the five-season average. Influenza isn't far behind. The number of cases staggering at 160% above what's standard for a typical flu season, the Arizona Department of Health Services has revealed, with COVID-19, while at its lowest ebb since the pandemic's onslaught, still exerting additional pressure on healthcare systems.
Addressing the uptrend, Samia Kadri, a lead family nurse practitioner at Banner Urgent Care, expressed in a statement obtained by Phoenix New Times, "We’re definitely seeing an uptick in patients coming in with respiratory complaints." Echoing this sentiment, a spokesperson for Banner Health, Meghan Dooley, confirmed their facilities have been mirroring this state trend, reinforcing the data from local health departments.
With the flu season striking hard since its onset on Oct. 1, public health officials are urging vaccinations. As reported by Maricopa County, everyone older than 6 months should receive a yearly flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine, to help mitigate the crisis. Additionally, certain populations, including those over 60, caregivers for young children, and pregnant women, are recommended to discuss RSV vaccinations with healthcare providers—a vaccine possibly overshadowed by its notorious counterparts but just as crucial in curbing the current health storm.
Aside from inoculations, everyday preventative actions remain key, noted Maricopa County. Among the recommendations are avoiding contact with those who are sick, washing hands or using sanitizer if soap is unavailable, and refraining from touching the face. The county also suggests wearing a mask in high-risk scenarios or amid widespread virus transmission, alongside regular cleaning and disinfecting of potentially contaminated surfaces.
