Reno/Sparks, Nev. Dec. 23, 2024 – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is reporting the first influenza-associated death for the current flu season in Washoe County: A female in her 90s with underlying health conditions.
- Flu and respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV) cases have been increasing steadily in Washoe County and nationwide.
- Respiratory virus activity has been highest among young children (0-4) and those 65 years and older.
- 57 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported among Washoe County residents since Sept. 29, 2024.
- As of Dec. 14, there have been a total of 75 RSV cases reported in Washoe County, with most being under the age of 18.
Persons 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 receive the influenza vaccination if they have not already, stay home from work or school if sick, and wash your hands with warm water and soap frequently.
“If you haven’t received a flu or COVID-19 vaccine yet, now is a great time,” said District Health Officer Dr. Chad Kingsley. “The current levels are rising and with holiday gatherings coming up, we ask that residents take precautions to prevent anyone from getting sick.”
See the NNPH flu surveillance page
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 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. The District 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.