Arizona fares better than other states as flu cases surge
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Flu cases are increasing nationwide, many attributed to the so-called "super flu," and Arizona hasn't been immune.
Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the "winter vomiting bug," COVID and whooping cough — are slamming the United States this winter.
- It also arrives as chaos has enveloped the CDC, with many questions about vaccination schedules for children.
By the numbers: There were 1,865 reported cases in the week ending Jan. 3, the most recent for which the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has publicly available data.
- That was a significant decrease from the previous week, when there was a season-high 2,767 cases, per ADHS.
Yes, but: This flu season has been relatively mild compared to many other states, based on CDC data.
- For the week ending Jan. 3, Arizona is listed has having moderate flu activity — better than the majority of states.
- Activity level the preceding week was high, the worst week the CDC shows for Arizona this season.
Driving the news: Cases of the flu remain elevated nationwide.
- New CDC data shows there's been at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths from the flu so far this season.
- Many have been tied to "subclade K" — a variant of the H3N2 virus, which is a subtype of influenza A.
Experts and patients say this is an example of the "super flu," referring to a strain that spreads rapidly. The most recent CDC data shows nearly 90% of new flu cases nationwide were from subclade K.
Reality check: There isn't an official "super flu."
- The term emerges every so often, typically when there's a more-severe-than-usual strain circulating, experts say.