Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first flu-related death in a Clark County resident — a man in his 60s.
The SNHD says that reports of hospitalizations and people seeking care for influenza-like-illness are also continuing to increase, and the Health District is encouraging everyone to do their part to protect themselves and others from spreading the flu or getting severely ill by getting the flu vaccine.
“This death is a tragedy, and I offer my condolences to this man’s family and friends,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Unfortunately, the flu can be a serious illness causing severe illness and deaths each year. I encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine and to practice healthy habits to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Flu season typically peaks between December and February but can last until May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get the vaccine each year. Older adults, younger children, pregnant people, and those with underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe illness from the flu.
People who care for children who are too young to get the flu vaccine should get vaccinated instead. Flu vaccines are available at Health District clinics as well as doctor’s offices and pharmacies throughout Southern Nevada.