Health District warns of increase in RSV and other respiratory viruses

Area residents urged to get flu vaccinations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 7, 2022

LAS VEGAS – As cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza continue to rise in Nevada and throughout the United States, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is reminding area residents to take steps against the spread of those illnesses.

Respiratory viruses typically spread during the winter, but according to the SNHD, the surges are occurring earlier than usual. SNHD Chief Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen urges area residents to take precautions including getting their flu vaccine and staying up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines as they are eligible. There is currently no vaccine that specifically prevents RSV.

Dr. Leguen also recommends people help prevent the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses by staying home when they are sick, covering their coughs and sneezes with tissues or their sleeve, washing their hands frequently with soap and running water and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. Additionally, adults with respiratory symptoms should limit their interactions with children due to their higher risk for severe illness from RSV.

RSV was discovered in 1956 and is now one of the most common causes of childhood illness. It is a very common ailment; nearly every person has an infection with the virus in their first few years of life. RSV is a cause of the common cold in people of most ages and most people recover within a week or two. However, for infants and young children, it is the most frequent cause of inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs, and of pneumonia.

The SNHD said RSV symptoms include fever, chills, headache, general aching, fatigue and loss of appetite. Symptoms first appear within one to 10 days after being exposed. However, this can take up to five days after initial exposure.

To learn more about RSV, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. For information about COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, visit www.snhd.info/covid and www.snhd.info/flu, respectively.

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.