Contact: media@bannerhealth.com

PHOENIX (Dec. 10, 2019) –The flu season is in full swing and now is absolutely the time to get your flu shot because it will take a couple weeks for the vaccine to get to full strength, say Banner Health physicians.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity will likely peak between December and February, with a 40-percent chance of a peak in December.

The latest data from the Arizona Department of Health Services shows that influenza cases in Arizona have tripled compared to past years at this time; more than half of reported cases this season involve infants, children and adolescents.

"It is not too late for a flu shot. It does take a couple weeks for the flu shot to be effective," says Devin Minior, MD, medical director of Banner Urgent Care, which has locations throughout metro Phoenix, Tucson and in Colorado. Banner Urgent Care has already been patients coming in with ILI (influenza-like illness).

B-roll/sound on tape: Minior speaking about flu shots

Minior says that everyone should get the flu shot but that there are specific groups of patients who will benefit the most from its protection; those patients who are over 65 years old and those who are young children.

Flu shots at available at all Banner Urgent Care locations. They are covered by most insurances. 

If you think you have the flu, you should stay home and rest and avoid contact with others except to receive medical care, Minior suggests.

Unlike colds, the flu usually happens quickly, with flu patients experiencing achiness, fatigue very suddenly.  Other flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills. Not everyone with the flu will experience fever, however.

In addition to getting a flu shot, it is a good idea to practice good handwashing with soap and water and avoiding people who are sick.

Media: Banner Health has many flu-related resources available for use during the 2019-20 flu season:

• Video interviews/sound on tape of Banner Health experts speaking on all kinds of flu topics such as Flu Mist, egg allergies and flu shots, what to do if you think you have the flu and the reasons why your doctor doesn’t give you antibiotics for your flu.
• B-roll/photos/screen shots of flu medications, Banner Urgent Care interior shots
• Interviews with the Banner Health experts – email media@bannerhealth.com to arrange one.
   

About Banner Urgent Care

Banner Urgent Care provides a close, convenient and affordable treatment option for patients with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries such as cold and flu; ear, eye and throat infections; fevers; skin rashes; and sprains, strains and lacerations. Banner Urgent Care is open every day of the year and accepts most insurance plans. For more information, locations and hours of operation, please visit www.BannerHealth.com/urgentcare.