Flu Vaccine
Credit: DoD / MGN

Local flu activity is 'surging considerably' with A(H3) as the predominant type, according to Northern Nevada Public Health.

The health agency says Washoe County’s flu-like activity is also on the rise, and is above both the Nevada and regional baseline thresholds for a second consecutive week. Visits to the ER and urgent care are currently responsible for 10% of all visits while hospitalization rates are now comparable to the 2024-2025. No flu deaths have been reported, so far this season.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual vaccination, and public health experts say it’s not too late. About 42% of U.S. adults and 41% of children have gotten flu shots this season, according to CDC data.

Nationally, the CDC estimates at least 4.6 million flu cases, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths have occurred so far this season. Three of the deaths involve children. 

Meanwhile, local COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low while nationally, COVID-19 activity is relatively low.

RSV case rates are increasing but also remain low, with the highest rates among children 0-4 years.

RSV seasons typically peak by December or January, but the season seems to be starting later than usual reported cases so far have been relatively low, according to the CDC.

As of October, about 41% of Americans 75 and older have been vaccinated, and about 40% of infants were reported to be protected, CDC data says.

(The Associated Press, NNPH contributed to this report.)