The Southern Nevada Health District reports the first flu-related deaths of the 2018-2019 season.
They said three people have died, one a young child and the others adults in the 50-64 age group.
They want to remind residents that the best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year and practice good health habits.
They said it takes two weeks after vaccination for full protection to set in.Â
People at high-risk for complications are children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 years of age and older, and pregnant women.
Here are some tips for healthy habits during the flu season:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
The Southern Nevada Health District says many flu-related deaths occur one or two weeks after the initial infection, and some may develop a secondary infection like bacterial pneumonia, or aggravate existing medical conditions such as congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
For more information from the Southern Nevada Health District, visit their website at www.snhd.info.
(The Southern Nevada Health District contributed to this report).
