The Southern Nevada Health District recently identified flu cases in the Las Vegas Valley through its sentinel surveillance program. Although current flu activity is mild in Southern Nevada and throughout the country, activity increases during the holiday season. The health district is reminding Valley residents, especially those most at risk from complications from the illness, that it is not too late to get vaccinated. Influenza season typically peaks in Southern Nevada in January or February and an influenza immunization is the best method to prevent illness. For more information, contact the health district’s immunization clinic at (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SNHD.info.

There are no vaccine shortages and flu shots are available throughout the community. Since Oct. 6, the health district has administered more than 5,500 flu immunizations. Flu shots are recommended for people 6 months old and older, especially people at a high risk for complications from the flu including very young children, people older than 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. For information regarding influenza, visit http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/influenza/index.php.

 

Flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Most healthy people recover from the illness without complications. Deaths from influenza can range from fewer to 3,000 to nearly 49,000 each year in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To help prevent the spread of the virus: avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home if you’re sick, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Flu shots are $40 and $56 for the high-dose shot. Both are available at the health district:

  • Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite

Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – noon, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.