Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
KNAU Arizona Public Radio continues to integrate new audio software into both our news and classical services, resulting in some glitches. Thank you for your support and patience through this upgrade.

KNAU 88.7 is restored to full power. APS cut power to our system atop Mormon Mountain to service another radio station's electricity meter and restored it early Monday morning.

Flu spreading rapidly in Arizona ahead of holidays

Would it help you to know that your worries about the flu shot are unfounded? Perhaps not.
Darron Cummings
/
AP
Health officials are urging those who have not gotten vaccinated for COVID or the flu to do so ahead of the upcoming holidays.

The flu is spreading at a historically rapid rate alongside a surge of new COVID-19 cases.

The Arizona Department of Health Services reports nearly 4,792 new confirmed cases last week – a 42% increase from the previous week and an increase of more than 2,000% from this time last year.

Health officials are concerned as Arizona and the rest of the nation experiences a surge in influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

The increase in cases is putting further strain on Arizona hospitals, which are already struggling with workforce shortages, inflation and supply chain shortage.

Approximately 70% of Arizona’s emergency department beds are currently in use, as well.

Health officials are urging those who have not gotten vaccinated for COVID or the flu to do so ahead of the upcoming holidays.

Visit azhealth.gov/findvaccine for more information on where to get a vaccine.