Flu season is here, and respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID-19 are actively circulating across Cochise County. At Chiricahua Community Health Centers (CCHCI), prevention and early treatment are central to keeping our communities healthy.

Flu and COVID vaccines are available for all established patients, and our same-day care clinics are open to provide fast, reliable care when symptoms appear. As flu cases rise across Arizona, Chiricahua is prepared to meet patients where they are, close to home.

Current Flu and COVID Activity in Cochise County – Flu Season is Here

This season in Cochise County, there have already been 157 confirmed influenza cases and 444 reported COVID-19 cases. These numbers highlight an important reality. Respiratory illnesses are spreading, and timely care matters.

Recognizing symptoms early and seeking care quickly can reduce complications and help protect families, coworkers, and classrooms.

Meeting You Where You Are, When You Need It

When symptoms come on quickly, waiting is not always an option. That is why most Chiricahua clinics offer same day and care Monday through Saturday, helping families get answers and treatment without delay.

All Chiricahua clinics provide:

• Point of care flu testing, so you do not have to wait days for results
• Immediate access to medications, for high risk patients when flu tests are positive within 48 hours of becoming ill, through Chiricahua or local pharmacies
• Flu shots available at every Chiricahua clinic

Whether it is a sore throat that came on overnight, a fever that will not break, or flu-like symptoms that need evaluation, our teams are ready to help.

Who Is Being Affected Most

This flu season, the most impacted age group in Cochise County is children ages 5 to 17, where germs spread quickly in classrooms and school activities. The next most common group is adults ages 18 to 49.

While children under 5 and adults over 65 each account for about 18 percent of reported cases, these groups face the highest risk for complications from the flu. That makes early care and prevention especially important for families with young children and older loved ones.

Why Vaccines Still Matter Mid-Season

If you or your family have not yet been vaccinated this season, now is the time. The influenza vaccine remains the best protection against getting the flu and reducing the risk of serious illness. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older receive the flu vaccine as soon as possible.

In addition to vaccination, simple steps can help slow the spread of germs:

• Wash hands thoroughly and often
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home from work or school when sick

Staying Informed This Season

You can stay up to date on influenza activity across Arizona by exploring the new interactive influenza dashboard and by subscribing to receive the weekly influenza report at azhealth.gov . For additional flu vaccine locations, visit vaccinefinder.org.

Here for Our Community

Flu season can be unpredictable, but access to care should not be. At Chiricahua Community Health Centers, we are here to provide testing, treatment, vaccinations, and peace of mind when it matters most.

If you are feeling sick, need a flu shot, or want to protect your family this season, call us or visit one of our clinics today.  We have nurses and providers on call 24/7 who are ready to answer your questions.  520-364-1429

For more information on our Immunization program click here