Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015 | 5:40 p.m.
Two men over 60 have died of the flu, the Southern Nevada Health District reported.
The deaths were the first and second from the illness in Clark County during the 2015-16 flu season, officials said. During the last flu season, between Oct. 1, 2014, and May 31, authorities recorded 26 flu-related deaths, 318 hospitalizations and 583 cases of the flu, according to a news release from the Health District.
In Southern Nevada, flu activity peaks in January and February, the release said.
“Even though flu season is mild at this point, these deaths serve as a stark reminder of what a serious illness flu can be,” Dr. Joe Iser, chief health officer of the Health District, said in the release. “It is important to take preventive measures, such as getting a flu vaccination every year to protect yourself and your family.”
The heath district recommends everyone as young as 6 months old receive a yearly flu vaccination, especially individuals in groups considered high-risk for flu complications including children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and pregnant women.
“Many seasonal flu-related deaths occur one or two weeks after a person’s initial infection,” according to the release. “The ill person may develop a secondary infection, such as bacterial pneumonia, or the flu may aggravate an existing medical condition, such as congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.”
For additional information about the Health District’s flu vaccine clinics, call 702-759-0850 or visit its website.
The Health District’s tips to avoid the flu include:
• Get vaccinated.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash hands often to stop the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Use soap and water, or if those are not available, try an alcohol-based hand rub.
•Avoid being in close proximity with people who have the flu.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice general good-health habits: Get sleep, be active, manage stress, drink fluids and eat nutritious food.
Flu symptoms include a fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms more common in children than adults include vomiting and diarrhea.
Individuals with the flu who are at high risk of complications or who feel extremely ill should see a health care professional to receive antiviral drugs.
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