The flu, as many have experienced first-hand, has hit Nevada hard this year — and it's not over yet.
February is peak flu season.
The Southern Nevada Health District says 24 people have died in Clark County as a result of the influenza virus. This time last year nine people had died. The district also said there have been about two times as many hospitalizations from the flu this year compared with last year.
In Reno, 19 people have died since the flu season began.
Dr. Joseph Iser, the chief health officer at the district, said the number of reported cases of the flu is actually much higher than those numbers indicate.
People don't have to report when they get the flu, so unless they are diagnosed by a doctor and the doctor reports that information to the health district, that case of influenza goes unreported.
"We're toward the peak of our influenza season and so it is very likely that the number of cases will peak out fairly soon and then we hope we'll start to drop fairly dramatically," Dr. Iser said.
The season ends in May.
Until that happens, Dr. Iser said gave three tips for avoiding the flu: One, wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Two, cough into your sleeve, and if you must use a tissue, make sure to throw it away after you use it and immediately wash your hands. And finally, steer clear of people who are sick, and if you are sick, stay home and away from people.
Dr. Iser said it always a good idea to get a flu shot. This year's shot has not been as effective as past years in stopping the virus, but he said even if it doesn't stop your body from contracting the virus it will help "blunt" the effects of it.
"Even a one-third protection is better than no protection at all," he said.
Joseph Iser, chief health officer, Southern Nevada Health District