Flu Vaccine
Credit: DoD / MGN

Flu activity in Nevada remains elevated but steady, with little change over the past two weeks.

But, Northern Nevada Public Health does warn that Washoe County’s flu-like illnesses are above Nevada and regional baseline thresholds. The agency also says flu hospitalizations also remain elevated, in its latest weekly update.

So far, 14 flu-related deaths have been reported this season – with 50% of deaths involving unvaccinated people, and 93% were 65 years and older. The CDC says nationwide, emergency department visits are stable and highest among children 5-17 years.

The most frequently identified virus reported by the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory was influenza A (H1N1), but A (H3) has accounted for over 65% of all samples tested. Nationwide, the CDC says influenza A(H3N2) viruses are the most frequently reported flu viruses this season.

Nationwide, the CDC estimates at least 22 million illnesses, 280,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 deaths from flu so far this season, including eight new deaths for a total of 60 flu-associated child deaths.

Nationally, approximately 134 million doses of the flu vaccine have been distributed 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.

Meanwhile, RSV cases continue to increase, for a fifth straight week across all age groups, according to Northern Nevada Public Health. Local case rates remain consistently highest among children 0-4 years old. The CDC says nationwide, hospitalizations are highest among infants less than 1 year old.

COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low – no new deaths have been reported in the latest local update. The CDC says nationwide, COVID-19 activity is elevated in some areas of the country.

The CDC recommends an updated COVID-19 vaccine for most adults ages 18 years and older.

You can also access Northern Nevada Public Health's dashboard that keeps track of illnesses going around the community by clicking the link here.

(The CDC and Northern Nevada Public Health contributed to this report.)