Flu hospitalizations double over past week in Nevada

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Hospitalizations involving sufferers with the flu have greater than doubled over the past week in Nevada.

A report from the Nevada Hospital Association reveals 92 sufferers with the flu as of this week, in comparison with 40 sufferers final week. An replace from the Southern Nevada Health District will not be but out there. SNHD’s final replace contains instances reported as much as Nov. 12.

Type A influenza accounts for 82% of the reported instances, NHA stated.

Despite will increase in flu, RSV and persevering with COVID-19 instances, hospitals aren’t underneath a pressure from grownup sufferers. Hospitals are at 71% capability total, and 74% capability in intensive care models.

But pediatric wards are one other story. Beds are full throughout the state and overflowing at 103% occupancy. Hospitals have had to make use of grownup care beds for some older children who’re admitted for pediatric care. Pediatric ICU beds are full, and the scenario is getting worse in Northern Nevada after a hospital stopped providing pediatric and neonatal ICU providers.

“Staffing has been increased to an alert level as pediatric‐trained nurses are difficult to hire, and the demand is increasing,” NHA stories. “Additionally, some pediatric nurses are reportedly leaving their current positions to take lucrative traveling nurse positions.”

Flu pictures are beneficial, however it’s a bit of late to stop an sickness as a result of publicity over the Thanksgiving weekend.

SNHD advises taking care by means of the vacations as respiratory ailments proceed to pose a risk. In a Nov. 16 information launch, SNHD Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen stated, “With the triple threat of seasonal flu, COVID-19 and RSV looming, we’re advising people to get their flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 boosters before their Thanksgiving get-togethers.” He notes that it takes about two weeks for any of the vaccines to supply full safety.