Arizona is among the first of only a handful of states to report influenza activity this season, including neighboring states Texas and Colorado.

While influenza activity in the United States usually starts in November or December and reaches peak levels from late December through April, the timing of influenza activity is highly variable from year to year and influenza outbreaks have been reported in October in some previous years. Influenza cases and isolated outbreaks can occur at any time of the year.

"What this first confirmed case tells us is that influenza season may be starting early, and that most of us should start thinking about getting a flu shot now and not wait until later in the season," said ADHS infectious disease specialist Dr. Karen Lewis.

This season's vaccine protects against the A/Panama, A/New Caledonia and B/Hong Kong strains of the influenza virus and against other similar strains. The Pima County resident had a type A influenza; subtyping information is pending from the State Lab. “That’s good news as it tells us that the strain that is circulating is covered by the vaccine,” Lewis said.

ADHS relies on a surveillance network of reporting sites around the state to track influenza levels and identify circulating strains of the virus. The State Health Laboratory types selected influenza isolates when warranted.

Each year, between 20,000 and 40,000 Americans die from influenza and pneumonia. More than 90 percent of these deaths occur in people age 65 and older. Thousands more are hospitalized. In Arizona, nearly 1,300 people died from influenza and pneumonia last year. Together in 2002, these two illnesses were the seventh leading cause of death in Arizona, and for persons over 65 they were the sixth leading cause of death.

The flu vaccine is in plentiful supply this year. People wanting to get a flu shot should contact their doctors, employers or local public health departments or watch for announcements from supermarkets and other businesses offering the shot to the public. They also can contact the Community Information and Referral Hotline in Metro Phoenix at (602) 263-8856 or (800) 352-3792 for the rest of the state.

Influenza is spread by airborne droplets through coughing and sneezing, or by direct contact with respiratory secretions. Influenza symptoms may begin suddenly and include fever (101 F or higher), muscle aches, chills, cough, and/or sore throat.

Most people six months or older can receive the flu vaccine, but it is especially encouraged for children 6 months to 23 months, people 50 and older, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, diabetics, women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season, people with weakened immune systems and people who have asthma or other chronic respiratory, heart or kidney conditions.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to be protective.

Up to 80 percent of all deaths from influenza can be prevented with a flu shot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Even if a vaccinated person still catches the flu, the vaccine generally makes the illness much less severe and can prevent lower respiratory tract involvement or other complications, thereby reducing the risk of hospitalization and death.

Pneumococcal shots, which can be given at the same time as influenza vaccine, also are recommended for those 65 and older; those with chronic illnesses such as heart and lung conditions or diabetes; people with weakened immune systems due to illnesses such as HIV, AIDS or Hodgkin's disease; persons who have had their spleen removed; and residents of nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities.

Other measures to prevent the flu include frequent handwashing and keeping hands away from the nose, mouth and eyes.

ADHS has posted an influenza surveillance website to share information about Arizona's flu activity and surveillance efforts. This site will be updated weekly during flu season. For more information, go to www.hs.state.az.us/phs/oids/epi/flu/index.htm.