This year’s flu season in Clark County has been mild so far, officials say

Don't let the coughing, sneezing and fevers fool you. This year's flu season in Clark County has been mild so far.

As of Tuesday, 12 people have suffered flu-related deaths since Oct. 1, compared with 22 deaths during the same period last season, the Southern Nevada Health District reported. Hospitalizations also declined from 262 last season to 118 this season, a 55 percent drop.

The flu season in Clark County generally begins in October and peaks in February, wrapping up in May, health district Chief Health Officer Dr. Joseph Iser said.

There's still a chance, though unlikely, that a flu strain that most people haven't been exposed to could cause cases to surge, as happened in 2009, when H1N1, also known as swine flu, emerged, Iser said.

H1N1 caused a pandemic that year and has similar symptoms to seasonal flu strains, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the most prevalent flu strain in the valley, health district spokeswoman Jennifer Sizemore said.

He added that this year's flu cases might be lower because of warmer weather, which researchers believe hinders flu virus' spread. National Institutes of Health studies have suggested flu viruses survive better in cold, humid weather in temperate climates.

Iser also suggested that this year's flu vaccines might be more effective against the flu strains circulating in the valley. Vaccines are manufactured to protect against types of flu virus expected to be the most common in the upcoming season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest people ages 6 months and up get vaccinated every season, especially children younger than 5, pregnant women and anyone 65 or older. As of Feb. 5, about 146.2 million doses of vaccine have been distributed nationwide this season, compared with 147.8 million doses during roughly the same period last season.

"We really recommend that people still get vaccinated this year, and I would recommend that through March," Iser said.

Seasonal flu symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, muscle or body aches, and headaches, according to the CDC.

To avoid getting sick, stick to the basics, Iser said.

People should cough or sneeze into their sleeves rather than into their hands. Wash hands often, and if sick, stay home rather than exposing classmates or co-workers to the illness.

Contact Pashtana Usufzy at pusufzy@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4563. Find her on Twitter: @pashtana_u