Influenza Type B, believed to be involved in the death of a Carson City girl, is the same bug we see every year, a Carson City physician said this morning.
"It's not an uncommon influenza in this time of year," said Emergency Room Dr. Brett Eisenmesser of Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center.
Eisenmesser said the flu kills 36,000 people a year mostly in the very young and elderly.
He cautions people to wash their hands frequently, and if sick, to stay home.
Eisenmesser said this virus, though communicable, does not live long outside the body.
Several cases of Influenza Type B have been seen in the Emergency Department at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center over the past seven days. Symptoms of Influenza B include high fever, headache, fatigue, coughing, sore throat and runny nose. Patients experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to consult their health care provider, especially if they are immune compromised. Those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, people over 65, and young children are all considered high risk.
Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare provides flu shots $25 for those who have not yet been vaccinated from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the registration booth in the front lobby. For more information or an appointment 445-8176.
Eisenmesser said it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect and that flu season in Nevada can last through May.
Upcoming flu clinics:
- Feb. 20 at Carson Mall from 1-5 p.m. for $25, but children under 18 won't be inoculated.