Ted S. Warren / AP
In this Jan. 12, 2018, file photo, a medical assistant at a community health center gives a patient a flu shot in Seattle.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 | 12:31 p.m.
The first flu-related deaths of the season have been reported in Clark County amid a sharp increase in influenza cases, health officials said.
Two women, one in her 40s and another in her 60s, died this month from complications of the flu, Southern Nevada Health District officials said.
"These deaths are a tragedy, and I offer my condolences to the families and friends of these women," said Dr. Fermin Leguen, the district health officer.
The flu is on the rise in Clark County, with 67 influenza-associated hospitalizations the week of Nov. 13 to 19, up 72% from the previous week, officials said.
Emergency room and urgent care visits for influenza-like illness are also increasing, and the respiratory illness activity level in Nevada is high, officials said.
Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, officials said.
Older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe illness from the flu, officials said.
People who care for children who are too young to get the flu vaccine should get vaccinated, officials said.
Flu vaccines are available at SNHD clinics as well as doctors’ offices and pharmacies.
The Health District encourages people to take preventative measures to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with sick people, staying home when sick and frequent hand washing.
