75°F
weather icon Clear

Flu, COVID, RSV activity still high in Clark County, officials say

Residents are urged to take precautions as respiratory illness activity — including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus — remains high throughout Clark County, the Southern Nevada Health District said Monday in a news release.

Seasonal flu activity is increasing and remains elevated across most of the U.S. As of Dec. 28, the health district reported 438 influenza-associated hospitalizations and seven deaths for the 2024-25 flu season, which runs from October through May.

During the same period last season, the health district reported 294 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 13 deaths.

Community wastewater surveillance as of Jan. 8 shows moderate concentrations of the virus that causes COVID-19 and high concentrations of RSV and influenza A in Clark County, the release said.

The health district recommends people take the following steps to protect themselves and others:

Get vaccinated: Safe and effective vaccines are available for flu, COVID-19 and RSV (for those eligible for the RSV immunization).

Wash your hands: Wash hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

Seek treatment: Effective treatments are available for flu and COVID-19. Treatment is especially recommended for individuals at higher risk of severe illness and can help reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

In addition, people who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others. Those who are immunocompromised should take extra precautions in public, such as wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask.

Testing is another prevention strategy that can assist individuals in making decisions to further protect themselves and others. Free COVID-19 self-test kits are available at sites throughout Clark County, including Laughlin and Mesquite.

For more information and locations, go to www.snhd.info/covid-testing.

Contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307. Follow @TonyGLVNews on X.

MOST READ
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Study confirms suspicions about kids, germs

Autumn marks the start of respiratory virus season, when colds, flu and other bugs start circulating — especially among the very young.

When it comes to nutrition, more is not always better

Many of the nutrients we need for optimal health are only necessary in tiny amounts. If we continuously exceed those amounts, there may be consequences.

How to stay mentally sharp as you age

While our genes play a key role in determining our cognitive aging, our general health also plays a big factor.

Who pays for a skilled nursing stay, Medicare or you?

A stay in the hospital does not always mean you are an inpatient and that you qualify for skilled nursing facility care through Medicare Part A.

Who benefits from the MAHA anti-science push?

Powerful anti-vaccine advocates and people selling potentially harmful goods such as raw milk are profiting from the push to write anti-science policies into law across the U.S.

MORE STORIES