Washoe County is encouraging residents to get the flu shot.
Officials said that newly released figures show that there were eight deaths attributed to the flu in 2016-17. Six of those eight people had not gotten the flu shot.
“These statistics re-enforce what the CDC and public health experts have been saying for years,” said Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick. “Getting a flu shot is the best prevention for catching the flu.”
Dick said that the CDC ranked Nevada as the lowest state in the country for influenza vaccinations.
“Our rates for flu shots are under 34 percent which means that two out of every three people are unprotected and pose an increased risk of transmitting the disease to you,” he explained. “Getting a flu shot will reduce your chances of becoming sick with the flu and passing it along to others.
“If you have received a flu shot it can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch the flu.”
Last season, 312 people were hospitalized with the flu.
Residents are encouraged to visit influencenevada.org to find immunization clinics.
Free shots are available at the upcoming free health clinic.
