Jan. 5, 2026. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is reporting an increase in flu and RSV activity in Washoe County and is encouraging residents to take steps now to protect themselves and their families with a free flu shot this Wednesday at the NNPH main clinic on 1001 E. 9th St., Building B.
Local data show that flu activity has risen significantly in recent weeks.
- Visits to emergency rooms and urgent care centers for flu-like illness continue to increase, now accounting for about 10% of all visits.
- The first flu-related death was reported last week: A male over 65 who had not received this season’s flu vaccine.
- Hospitalizations related to influenza have also risen sharply and are being reported across all age groups.
- People older than 65 and those who are unvaccinated account for a majority of flu-related hospitalizations.
- For a fourth consecutive week, the most common type influenza reported by the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory (NSPHL) locally was influenza A (H3).
- Cumulatively, influenza A (H3) has now become the majority subtype for the season at nearly 60% of all specimens to date.
Free flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic – Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, 1:30-6 p.m.
To help prevent illness, NNPH is offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at our main clinic:
- What: Free standard flu shots for 6 months and older; free COVID shots for 12 and older
- Where: 1001 E. 9th St., Building B, Reno
- Appointment: Not required
- Insurance: Not required
- Parent or Legal Guardian: Required for anyone under 18
The flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. NNPH also recommends regular handwashing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and seeking medical care if symptoms become severe.
RSV cases are also increasing locally
RSV is also circulating in the community, with the highest rates among young children ages 0–4. While RSV levels remain below peak levels seen in past seasons, this is a reminder to stay alert, especially for households with infants and young children.
To stay up to date on respiratory illness data in Washoe County, visit our dashboard at www.NNPH.org/respiratory.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.