While many are getting ready for the holidays, the Nevada Health District and area doctors are on high alert as the flu season kicks off.
On Monday, the Nevada Health District said a young child between age zero and four in Clark County died as a result of the flu.
"The youngest are often times not thought of or given the vaccine,” says Joe Iser, Chief Health Officer for the Nevada Health District.
The total number of confirmed flu cases in the county has reached 78 so far in the 2017 season.
"We'll see quite a few patients as it gets colder," says Doctor Scott Scheer from Southern Hills Hospital.
Dr. Scheer says he’s been treating many patients recently with flu-like symptoms, and says more will come as the holidays roll in.
"Decreasing the amount of touches to your face, a lot of times we have a habit of touching our face,” says. Dr. Scheer. “But in flu season, if you haven't washed your hands that can really increase the risk of getting the flu."
The Nevada Health District is working to prevent any more flu cases or even deaths, by urging folks to get the flu vaccine.
"We want people to come and get their influenza vaccine so that not only are they protecting themselves but also their loved ones around them."
