Health officials: Steady increase of flu cases in Carson City, Douglas and Lyon counties
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 02/11/2016 - 5:11pm
Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting a steady increase of positive Influenza flu cases. Overall, Carson City, Lyon and Douglas counties saw 27 cases testing positive for influenza.
About 59 percent of those tested were positive for Influenza strain B, which is a slightly higher percentage of this specific strain than was seen in previous years at this time. CCHHS encourages providers to continue to report positive influenza testing to the Health Department as it helps to monitor influenza activity.
The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season, according to CDC. Most seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February.
Remember, your individual flu shot serves as your contribution to community wellness. It will help protect the elderly and all babies under 6 months old who are too young to be vaccinated, as well as the vulnerable in our community with cancer, respiratory illnesses, and weakened or compromised immune systems.
It is also important for everyone to remember to practice good hand hygiene and continue to take preventive measures from getting sick. Your efforts help build Community Immunity.
The flu shot, the nasal spray vaccine and the high dose for seniors are all available at Carson City Health and Human Services and Douglas County Community Health. We bill Medicaid, Medicare and most private insurances, or $25 without insurance. Flu vaccinations are a covered benefit under most insurance plans.
Vaccination forms and more information also available at: http://gethealthycarsoncity.org/clinic/ or call 887-2195 in Carson City or 782-9038 in Douglas County.
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. More than 146 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to set in, making now the perfect time to get vaccinated.
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