Flu hitting Washoe County hard, numbers on rise in El Dorado County

Have you had your flu shot yet? This might be the time to get it if not as the flu bug has made its way across the county. Health departments in Carson City, Douglas and Lyon counties are reporting many more cases of influenza this year than the same time last year, and Washoe County residents are being hit hard.

With over 1,075 lab-confirmed influenza cases reported in Washoe County over the last two weeks, and with approximately 11 percent of the reported cases being hospitalized, health officials are promoting vaccinations and vigilance to keep people from catching the flu this season.

Although the usual peak-of-the-season is still four to six weeks away, according to health officials this looks to be an above average flu season with widespread activity across the country and in Nevada. So far in Washoe County, five flu-related deaths have been reported. All had at least one high-risk or underlying medical condition. Four were ages 65+, and one was between 50 and 60 years-old. Only two of the five were immunized which is consistent with Nevada’s low influenza immunization rate of approximately 36% - the lowest in the nation.

In El Dorado County, figures aren't quite so startling, yet. During the last week of 2017, documented flu cases more than doubled. Hospitalization figures will be compiled next week for the county, but officials are expecting to see more cases in the coming weeks.

A vicious flu spike in California has caused extreme fevers and a few deaths this week. According to the California Department of Health Services, 19 people have died from influenza in the state since December 16 while nationwide, 253 people have died. While most deaths are among those 65 years-of-age and above, 44 were younger.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to take effect. While the vaccine is not 100 percent again the current strain of flu, it still gives people a defense against it.

Other ways to prevent the flu:

Take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
Read more about preventing the Flu at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage, or check out this list from the University of Washington.