Influenza cases in Arizona has reached a "widespread" classification — with 939 lab-confirmed cases in Pima County, state health officials say.
More than 3,700 cases of flu have been reported throughout the state with 51 percent of those in Maricopa County, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
The widespread classification is used when there is an increase in flu and flu-like illnesses, and recent laboratory confirmed flu in at least half of a state's regions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The flu is a serious illness," said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the state Department of Health Services, in a news release.
"What's important is to follow your mother's advice: wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and stay home from work if you are feeling ill," said Christ.
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Flu symptoms are similar to the common cold, however, the flu comes on quickly and is more physically draining. Officials say the best care is to stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids.
For those who have certain medical conditions, the flu can be more severe.
It is not too late to get a flu shot, health officials said. Arizona's flu season can last as late as May. "In Arizona, the heaviest part of flu season typically occurs in late December, January and February," said Christ in the release.
In Arizona, there have been 3,710 lab-confirmed flu cases reported for the 2015-2016 flu season, said officials.
Cases have been reported in all 15 counties, with the most in Maricopa with 1,909; Yavapai reported 207; and Pinal reported 201, authorities said. The numbers likely represent just a fraction of the actual cases, said Christ.
For more information about the flu, go to http://www.azhealth.gov/flu or call your doctor or local health department.
