Steve Marcus
Individuals await flu shots and other vaccinations at the Southern Nevada Health District’s immunization clinic, 330 S. Valley View Blvd. at Meadows Lane, Monday, January 14, 2013.
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Monday, Nov. 20, 2017 | 10:12 a.m.
The Southern Nevada Health District today reported that the first death of a young child this year, amid a spike of influenza action in Clark County.
The kid was younger than five years old, the district stated, but did not offer any extra details.
“A flu-related death is a terrible reminder that flu can be a serious illness,” Dr. Joe Iser, the district’s chief health officer, said in a statement.
As of Nov. 11, there were 78 confirmed flu cases reported to the Health District, 43% of which were in children younger than five, officials said.
The proportion of hospital emergency room visits for illnesses was at a level that is warning, even though influenza season is in February and January.
“Young children, elderly adults and people with specific health conditions could be more at risk for complications” from the influenza, Iser explained.
“With the holiday season coming, we would like to remind everyone to get a flu shot, and also to practice healthy habits to protect yourself and your family,” he said.
For information regarding the Health District’s influenza vaccine clinics, phone 702-759-0850 or visit the district influenza clinic web page. The health district encourages every person particularly those at high-risk — kids younger than 5, adults 65 years of age and pregnant and elderly women.
The Health District offers these suggestions to steer clear of the flu.
Contact closes . When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
• if at all possible, stay away from work and school, and prevent running errands when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing.
Often will help protect you from germs. Use an alcohol-based hand rub if water and soap aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice good health habits. Especially when somebody is ill surfaces frequently touched in home, work and school. Get a lot of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
