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(Jan. 3, 2018) -- In what is shaping up to be a severe flu season, Banner Health is strongly recommending people with flu-like symptoms first seek care at urgent-care centers.

Banner has facilities in six states and four of those (Arizona, California, Nebraska and Nevada) are experiencing high numbers of influenza-like illnesses, according to the CDC.   

• In Arizona, there is an almost an 800-percent increase in the number of reported flu cases compared to this period a year ago. During the past two flu seasons, Arizona did not reach widespread activity until February.

• In Colorado, which the CDC says has a moderate level of flu activity, the number of people hospitalized for influenza is eight times the number who were hospitalized during last year’s entire flu season.

In a video that can be edited for media use, Robert Rohatsch, MD, CEO of Banner Urgent Care and Occupational Health, covers a wide range of flu topics including:

• Emergency departments across the country, including Banner’s, are experiencing very high patient volumes. In many cases, these patients can be seen more quickly at urgent cares or by their physicians.

• Despite earlier reports, this year’s flu vaccine appears to be effective. Supplies of the vaccine are still available. It is not too late to get a flu shot.

• The tried-and-true flu treatments still remain the best bet for a suffering patient: rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Rohatsch’s video can be downloaded for editing. For other flu-related questions, please contact media@bannerhealth.com.