Health District identifies flu in the Valley

Reminds residents it’s not too late to get vaccinated

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 19, 2014

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District recently identified flu cases in the Las Vegas Valley through its sentinel surveillance program. Although current flu activity is mild in Southern Nevada and throughout the country, activity increases during the holiday season. The health district is reminding Valley residents, especially those most at risk from complications from the illness, that it is not too late to get vaccinated. Influenza season typically peaks in Southern Nevada in January or February and an influenza immunization is the best method to prevent illness. For more information, contact the health district’s immunization clinic at (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SNHD.info.

There are no vaccine shortages and flu shots are available throughout the community. Since Oct. 6, the health district has administered more than 5,500 flu immunizations. Flu shots are recommended for people 6 months old and older, especially people at a high risk for complications from the flu including very young children, people older than 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. For information regarding influenza, visit http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/influenza/index.php.

Flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Most healthy people recover from the illness without complications. Deaths from influenza can range from fewer to 3,000 to nearly 49,000 each year in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To help prevent the spread of the virus: avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home if you’re sick, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Flu shots are $40 and $56 for the high-dose shot. Both are available at the health district:

• Main Public Health Center, 330 S. Valley View Blvd.
  Monday -– Friday, 8 a.m. – – 4:30 p.m.
• East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas
  Monday -– Friday, 9a.m. -– 4:30 p.m.
• Henderson Public Health Center, 520 E. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson
  Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. –- 4:30 p.m.
• North Las Vegas Public Health Center, 955 W. Craig Rd., Suite 103D, North Las Vegas
  Monday -– Friday, 8a.m. -– 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. –- 4:30 p.m.
• Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
  Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. -– noon, 1 p.m. -– 4 p.m.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.