The number of flu cases is on the rise and we haven’t hit our peak season yet.

Dr. Cara Christ is with the Arizona Department of Health Services. She doesn’t know why the flu is making an appearance so early or why there are so many cases.

When it comes to the vaccine Christ said "We’re pretty early on in the United States’ flu season … They’ve looked at other countries and have seen maybe it had a lower efficacy but it still covers you for three or four flu strains."

Christ said there has been one flu-related, pediatric death so far. There are reports of an adult woman who died from flu, but Christ could not confirm that since her agency does not require reporting of adult flu deaths.