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UPDATE: Health district says flu activity is at 'warning level' after young child dies

Posted at 9:56 AM, Nov 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-20 21:35:10-05

A young child has died because of the flu in Clark County. According to the Southern Nevada Health District, the child was in the 0 to 4 age group.

As of Nov. 11, there have been 78 cases of the flu reported to the health district. Flu cases are reported on a weekly basis.

During the past reporting period, the percentage of emergency department visits for influenza-like illnesses was considered to be at a warning level, and approximately 43 percent of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness were children in the 0-4 age group. 
During the 2016-2017 flu season, Clark County reported 13 deaths, 476 hospitalizations, and 713 confirmed cases. Flu surveillance continues through the end of May.

The Health District is reminding Southern Nevadans that flu season typically peaks in January and February and there is still time to receive a flu vaccine.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

· If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

· Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

· Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.