LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed that 3 people have died this flu season. Two of the people were between the ages of 50 and 64 and the child was in the 0-4 age group. There have been a total of 68 people hospitalized in Southern Nevada.
Two of the people who died were adults, one was a juvenile. No other details have been released.
So far, only a handful of deaths have been reported for the current flu season. More than 80,000 died from the flu nationwide last year.
At this same time last year, 24 deaths were reported for Southern Nevada. Ultimately, more than 60 deaths were reported in Southern Nevada for the 2017-18 flu season.
Click here for Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report.
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 can spread when a person touches something that is contaminated 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.
According to the CDC, the only people who SHOULD NOT get the flu shot are:
- Children younger than 6 months of age are too young to get a flu shot.
- People with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients. See Special Considerations Regarding Egg Allergy for more information about egg allergies and flu vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu has caused between 9.3 million and 49 million illnesses, between 140,000 and 960,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 and 79,000 deaths annually since 2010.
The flu season typically peaks in January and February.
