SIERRA VISTA —  Health officials are urging residents to get their flu shots.

“We do have vaccine available at all of our county offices, and technically this is the peak of the flu season,” said Karla Jensen, Cochise County Health Department spokeswoman.

The Arizona Department of Health Services reported that influenza activity in the state rose to the widespread classification this week.

Echoing Jensen’s comments, state health officials say Arizona’s flu season can stretch into May, so it’s not too late to get flu vaccinations. Along with flu shots, health officials are recommending such precautions as frequent hand washing and are urging residents to stay home from work when they’re feeling under the weather.

“What’s just as important is following your mother’s advice — wash hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay home from work if you are feeling ill,” said Will Humble, the state’s assistant director for public health preparedness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates flu activity into the following classifications: no activity, sporadic, local, regional and widespread.

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 the state’s regions. Eleven other states have been classified as widespread. Those include New Mexico, Colorado, Alaska, Kansas and Texas.

The state health department reports 954 lab-confirmed cases for the 2007-2008 influenza season in Arizona.

There have been cases reported in all 15 counties, with Maricopa County reporting the highest number at 488, followed by Coconino County at 213. Since only a fraction of the influenza cases are reported, health officials believe the virus is far more widespread than numbers indicate, Jensen said.

“We’ve had five viral Type A influenza cases, which is the type of flu that the vaccine protects against,” Jensen said. “We’re definitely in the season, but we’re not being slammed yet.”

For those who haven’t received a flu shot this season, County Health Department sites still have the vaccine. Residents should contact the site closest to them for times and hours.

Phone numbers for the Cochise County Health Department’s clinics:

• Benson Health Department: (520) 586-8200

• Bisbee Health Department: 432-9400

• Douglas Health Department: 850-5600

• Sierra Vista Health Department: 803-3900

• Willcox Health Department: (520) 384-7100