Overview
The week of December 5th through December 11th is dedicated to highlighting the importance of the influenza vaccine. The Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging flu shots as the holiday season arrives. In Nevada, hospitalizations and transmission of the flu are currently low. However, cases of the flu have been seen to increase in late December. COVID-19 safety practices have made the transmission of the flu low, but it is still important to receive the flu vaccine. In 2020, there were 6 deaths and 50 hospitalizations from the flu, in Southern Nevada. The Southern Nevada Health District is asking everyone to go and get the flu vaccine during, National Influenza Vaccination Week. Vaccinations are being offered at all Health District clinic locations. To find clinic locations, visit www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org. The COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine are available to receive at the same time. It is important to get the flu vaccine immediately, as it is best to get a flu vaccine by the end of October. The flu vaccine takes an estimated 2 weeks for antibodies to develop, reducing your chances of getting the flu, by helping you stay protected. For more information about the flu, continuing reading below.
The Flu
The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). The cause is from a virus that is easily transmittable from person to person. The majority of people recover from the flu without medical attention, however for some the flu can cause serious illness and be deadly. Specific groups of people are at a higher risk of developing flu complications, including:
Children 5 and younger
Adults 65 and older
Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
Pregnant women
Women who gave birth up to 2 weeks ago
People with weakened immune systems
People with chronic illnesses (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease)
People struggling with obesity
Symptoms
Fever
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Aching muscles
Eye pain
Chills and sweats
Sore throat
Persistent cough
Runny nose
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
When To See a Doctor
If you are in a high-risk group, see a doctor right away. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs, which can reduce your chances of developing serious complications from the flu and prevent hospitalization. If you do not belong to a high-risk group, your body may heal on its own. If symptoms persist without improvement, it is important to see a doctor. If you experience any of the following emergency signs and symptoms of the flu, get medical care immediately.
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Continuing dizziness
Severe weakness
Worsening of existing medical condition
Remember to follow the recommendation, of The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and receive the flu vaccine. You lower the risk of yourself or someone you know becoming seriously ill from the flu.
References
1. “Flu Vaccine Clinic.” Southern Nevada Health District, Southern Nevada Health District, 16 Sept. 2021, https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/community-health-center/immunization-clinic/available-vaccines/flu-vaccine-clinic/.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Influenza (Flu).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Nov. 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719.
3. Newboles, Alec. “Southern Nevada Clinics Participate in National Influenza Vaccination Week Starting Sunday.” FOX5 Las Vegas, A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station, 4 Dec. 2021, https://www.fox5vegas.com/coronavirus/southern-nevada-clinics-participate-in-national-influenza-vaccination-week-starting-sunday/article_2dab22c8-5599-11ec-bd85-0f64b9708fc9.html.