Reno/Sparks, Nev. Feb. 21, 2025 – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is reporting the following respiratory data for the week of Feb. 9-15, 2025:
- 187 respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV) cases in Washoe County.
- 36 hospitalizations due to influenza (flu)
- 2 additional flu-related deaths (19 total this season, 2 of which were under age 24)
“Despite it being late in the respiratory flu season and contrary to what many believe, it’s not too late to get the seasonal flu shot,” said Dr. Chad Kingsley, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “The flu shot is the best defense for you and your loved ones. Though the flu vaccine will not 100 percent prevent you from getting the flu, it will lessen the symptoms if you do get the virus, and decrease the chance of being hospitalized.”
Those considered to be at a higher risk of serious complications from respiratory disease include young children, older adults, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic health condition. Healthy people can experience severe complications as well.
People are advised to stay home from work or school if sick and wash hands with soap for 20 seconds.
New NNPH respiratory illness dashboard
NNPH is proud to debut its newest data platform to update residents and the medical community on respiratory disease conditions in Washoe County.
The new respiratory illness dashboard offers Washoe County data on flu and RSV. It also gives an indicator on how active respiratory transmission is in our community – currently respiratory illness activity is considered “high”, as we’re currently seeing 4.8% of activity compared to the high alert threshold, which is 3.8 percent.
Vaccines are available
If you have insurance, www.vaccines.gov is a popular website to use to schedule both flu and COVID-19 vaccines that are free or low cost. For those uninsured or underinsured, NNPH can help with immunizations. Otherwise, talk with your doctor or medical provider.
Flu basics
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. People 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. Learn more from the CDC.
Symptoms include:
- Fever/feeling feverish or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
According to the CDC, the virus is most easily spread from person to person when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk to another in close proximity. The person with flu is contagious approximately one day before symptoms appear and up to 5-7 days after. Learn more about how the virus spreads.
RSV basics
Per the CDC, RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious.
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4-6 days after infection. According to the CDC, symptoms of RSV infection usually include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
Per the CDC, these symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.
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Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.
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.