Carson City sees spike in flu cases in tri-county area

The number of flu cases in Carson City and two contiguous counties exceeds the national baseline, city government reported Tuesday.

Dustin Boothe, Carson City Health and Human Services epidemiologist, identified a 53 percent increase in documented flu cases in the city and nearby Douglas and Lyon counties over last year’s level.

The city in a news release said the national Center for Disease Control (CDC) weekly influenza surveillance report showed the number of cases in the Nevada capital city’s tri-county region exceeds the national baseline.

Flu vaccinations still are available at CCHHS walk-in Carson City and Gardnerville clinics, according to the release. They are in the CCHHS office at 900 E. Long St. in the capital, and at 1538 Highway 395 North in Gardnerville. The CCHHS walk-in clinic hours on Thursdays are from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.; the Gardnerville clinic hours on Mondays are from 1-4:30 p.m.

The CCHHS’ warning update recommended health care providers implement prompt antiviral treatment when flu is suspected. Antiviral drugs are “an important second line of defense to treat flu illness,” HHS said. “Antivirals are not a substitution for vaccinations.”

The CDC indicated flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when started within two days of when the sickness begins, but starting them later still may prove helpful, according to CCHHS.