Flu season may have peaked, but it's not quite done yet

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Chances are, you or someone you know had the flu this year. Cases spiked early and the most common strain was brutal.

And while there are signs the worst may be over, doctors say it's not done yet.

Flu season typically wraps up at the end of March. So far this year, there's been 30,000 cases in Arizona.

The good news is that Arizona hospitals aren't getting flooded with flu patients anymore.

Overall, flu numbers are on the decline, a welcome sight after a very early peak this season.

"Particularly peaked just around the new year when county wide they were seeing over 2,500 cases," said Dr. Joseph Stapczynski, with Maricopa Integrated Health Systems.

That number dropping significantly last week to 500 confirmed cases.

Dr. Stapczynski says a new strain may have caused the early peak.

"When a new virus comes in the immunity in the population is not there, so it can be widespread as people interact during activities and holiday season," Dr. Stapczynski said.

The decline typically happens after people have been infected and the virus "burns out" according to Stapczynski.

Although numbers are dropping and flu season is coming to a close, he says your guard should always be up.

"It could have a recurrence, particularly if another strain comes in so we still recommend the flu immunization," Dr. Stapczynski said.

While so many people have been infected this season, others have made it out safe so far.

Since we're not out of the woods quite yet, doctors recommend to continue washing your hands and keeping up with proper hygiene.