Jackie Shelton, Immunize Nevada
The Centers for Disease Control announced Monday that flu cases surpassed the “epidemic threshold” last week, reminding U.S. citizens to get the flu vaccine now as the best chance to avoid illness.
And cases in Nevada are increasing as well, resulting in local warnings to get vaccinated sooner than later.
“We don’t want anyone to panic, but we do want them to take this seriously,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “The most important thing people can do to protect themselves and their families from the flu is to get a flu vaccine – either a shot or the flu mist.”
The United States sees increasing flu cases every year around this time. The CDC notes that flu is now “high” or “widespread” in 43 states — up from 22 the previous week — and that it is already responsible for claiming the lives of 21 children.
“Anyone who has not gotten vaccinated yet this season should do so now,” advised Monday’s CDC release. “This includes people who may already have gotten the flu this season because flu vaccines protect against three or four different viruses and it’s possible that other viruses will circulate later in the season.
Each year, an estimated 20 percent of the U.S. population gets flu, with more than 200,000 people finding themselves hospitalized, missing work and unable to recover quickly. The CDC estimates that flu kills between 3,000 and 49,000 people each year, including many young, perfectly healthy people.
Flu vaccine is still available in Nevada, but it has run out in past years, so timeliness is encouraged. “We also recommend that people call first, just to make sure the vaccine is available,” explained Parker, adding, “In addition to the flu vaccine, the most important things Nevadans can do to stay healthy are to get prompt treatment and to practice preventative health measures like staying home when they’re sick and washing their hands frequently.”
Meanwhile, Carson City Health and Human Services is offering free flu shot vouchers to anyone who donates two cans of food between now and Friday.
The vouchers are redeemable at Carson City Health and Human Services, 900 East Long Street, any Thursday in January from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., while supplies last. The food will be donated to Friends in Service Helping. For more information, call (775) 887-2190. Follow Carson City Health and Human Services on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CCHHS.
More information, including the “Flu Vaccine Finder” is available at www.influencenevada.org/healthcare-providers.
Immunize Nevada exists to support community partners to successfully implement effective immunization efforts throughout Nevada; advocate for, inform and educate about the need for and benefits of vaccines; and facilitate greater collaboration statewide to achieve Nevada’s immunization priorities.
