While this time of year is extremely joyous because of the holidays, we all dread winter for a much more insidious reason: the flu. Influenza activity typically peaks around February, but it has arrived early this year and threatens to put a damper on Christmas. Learn what this means and how to best protect your family:

Getting off to an early start, flu activity has been steadily increasing over the past few weeks. The potentially fatal illness is now widespread in 16 states, with Arizona falling into the 'regional' category.
cdc.gov
Flu season usually peaks in February, but is on track to reach maximum levels this month. So far, about two million cases have been documented in 2019.
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
This year, Influenza B is the more common type. It typically affects people aged 24 and younger, while Influenza A is more common among the elderly.
Flickr/Sanofi Pasteur

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Unfortunately, a Maricopa County infant under the age of six months has died this month due to flu complications. The child was too young to be vaccinated against the illness.
Flickr/peigov
Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sore muscles, headache, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea sometimes occur, but this is more often in children.
Flickr/rebeccabrown13
Vaccines are available for little to no cost at various retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Target. Appointments usually aren't required, so there's no excuse to delay getting yours.
Flickr/pswansen
Have you been vaccinated yet?
Flickr/Indiana Public Media

Visit the CDC website to learn more about how the flu is affecting Arizona.

How do you feel about flu season this year? Have you or any loved ones gotten sick? Let us know all the precautions you’re taking and will continue to take throughout the remainder of winter.

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