2 more flu deaths reported in Southern Nevada

The Southern Nevada Health District reported two new flu deaths at the end of March despite what has been a milder flu season in Nevada this year.

Local labs and health care providers report flu cases to the health district, which tracks when flu season begins and how severe it is. The district also identifies new or mutated strains of the virus.

According to the district, 814 people in Southern Nevada have been hospitalized for the flu during the current season, and 24 people have died. Flu season in Southern Nevada generally starts in October and ends in May.

In January, the Clark County coroner’s office confirmed that a Henderson fifth grader died from the flu, and at least three people died in February.

At this point last year, 62 people had died from the flu, and 937 cases were reported.

Dr. Vit Kraushaar, medical examiner for the health district, said there are many possible explanations for the milder flu season this year.

“It’s a little bit hard to say,” he said. “Influenza is a bit of a mistery because there’s a change in circulating strains from year to year.”

Last year’s strain was the H3N2 strain. Flu vaccines are generally 40-60 percent effective, Kraushaar said, but last year’s vaccine was about 40 percent effective overall and only about 25 percent effective against the H3N2 strain.

This year’s strain is the H1N1 virus, which was the circulating strain in 2011. Krashaur said current national estimates are that the vaccine is about 46 percent effective against the strain.

Nationally, an estimated 45 percent of adults received a flu shot this year. Last year only about 38 percent of adults were vaccinated.

“I’d be willing to bet that’s the case here,” Kraushnaar said.

The majority of people who die from the flu in Southern Nevada are over 50, according to data from the health district. It’s unusual for people to die from the flu unless they have pre-existing conditions.

The latest two victims were both 65 or older, according to the district, and they died during the week of March 24-30.

Most people do not get medical care when they have the flu, so the district cannot track every case. Information from each flu season helps vaccine makers prepare for the next season. The district shares its flu data with the Center for Disease Control.

Health officials recommend vaccination and hand washing to avoid contracting and spreading the disease, and advise those who feel like they are getting sick to stay home from school and work.

Contact Max Michor at mmichor@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0365. Follow @MaxMichor on Twitter.