RENO, Nev. (775 Times, NV Globe) – This winter, Washoe County is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of new cases, particularly in children, as the flu season approaches, COVID-19 variations are still present, and RSV infections are on the rise.

According to experts, our flu break is now gone, with the COVID-19 precautions being largely abandoned in most situations. According to Alicia Fry, MD, chief of the CDC’s Epidomiology and Prevention Branch,

One thing we should all anticipate is that we will have more flu than we had last year.
Most instances will resolve on their own within a week or two, however newborns under six months old and older persons with chronic conditions are at greater risk.

Signs and symptoms usually has a sudden start, and can include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Although vomiting and diarrhea are more prevalent in young children than in adults, not everyone will have all of these symptoms.

Influenza spreads quickly by small droplets produced when persons with the virus cough, sneeze, or speak. It can also be spread by contact with infected things, such as touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

If you are at high risk and have flu-like symptoms, the FDA advises you to contact a healthcare practitioner as soon as possible before becoming ill.

Prevention reminders:

• Have extra hand sanitizer supplies
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• Avoid crowed spaces
• Get the flu shot if you haven’t yet
• Get your other vaccines too
• Know your treatment options
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them

Washoe County offers tips on staying healthy during this season. Visit their website by clicking HERE.

Credits: FoxReno

Copyright 2022 775 Times, NV Globe. All rights reserved.