Nevada health officials say Churchill County experiencing high rate of flu cases
Submitted by editor on Fri, 12/12/2014 - 5:53pm
As of the last week in November of 2014, a large increase of influenza (flu) has occurred in Churchill County. According to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Churchill County has experienced 61 cases of influenza in this flu season, almost all occurring within a two week period. Churchill County has not experienced such a large influx of influenza cases in such a short period of time since 2009.
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: fever/feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny/ stuffy nose, muscle/ body aches, headaches, very tired, and some may have vomiting and diarrhea. It is most likely that flu viruses spread when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications as a result of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications, including older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).
The single best way to prevent the flu is for everyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu vaccine each season. If you need the flu vaccine, contact your doctor. On December 16, 17 & 18, there will be a free flu vaccine clinic at Banner Churchill Community Hospital located at 801 E. Williams Ave., Fallon, from 4pm to 6pm each day.
You can also take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, such as:
• Avoiding close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
For more information about the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, go to: http://health.nv.gov.
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