As we enter the winter months, it looks like we’re going to have more than snow and ice to worry about. Based on current data, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is predicting a hard flu season. Just last week, they shared:
- Seasonal influenza activity is high and continues to increase across the country.
- Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported this week, for a total of 14 pediatric flu deaths reported so far this season.
- CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 deaths from flu.
While those are national numbers, they apply to our state as well. Two flu deaths have already been reported in Clark County. And the Reno Gazette-Journal (RGJ) reports: “Between Nov. 13 and Nov. 19, health district officials said, 67 flu-related hospitalizations were reported in Clark County — a 72% increase from the previous week. Emergency room and urgent care visits for flu-like symptoms are also on the rise, according to the health district.” The RGJ goes on to share that while no flu deaths have been reported in Northern Nevada yet, flu-related hospitalizations are also increasing in Washoe County.
And this is on top of COVID-19, which doesn’t show any sign of going away anytime soon. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that: “COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continued to tick up in the past week both in Clark County and the state, according to data released by the state.
Confirmed and suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations in the county climbed to 279 from last week’s 240, according to data from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. Statewide, hospitalizations increased to 340 from the prior week’s 284.”
Both the flu and COVID-19 can be especially dangerous for people with disabilities who have pre-existing conditions.
Steps to Protect Yourself
The good news is that there are preventative steps you can take to protect yourself, like washing your hands often, wearing a mask and getting a vaccine. And the CDC shares that it is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. You can find information on both flu and COVID-19 vaccines and locations near you at www.immunizenevada.org/find-vaccine-clinics.
Visit the CDC to learn more about these additional step you can take to protect yourself from both:
- Improving ventilation
- Spending time outdoors
- Moving indoor activities outdoors
- Getting tested for COVID-19 if needed
- Following recommendations for what to do if you have been exposed
- Staying home when you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
- Seeking treatment if you have COVID-19 and are at high risk of getting very sick
- Avoiding contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
- Wearing masks or respirators
- Increasing space and distance
Contact us at 775-353-3599 or info@nncil.org for assistance in making a vaccine appointment, to arrange for accommodations (accessible vaccine sites, home vaccination, etc.), or to access free masks.
Protecting yourself from the flu and COVID-19 also protects those around you. Let’s work together to keep our loved ones and our communities safe!
