Three viral illnesses are spreading through the Reno-Sparks area at the same time, according to a local physician.

Dr. Amanda Magrini, medical director of family medicine for Northern Nevada Medical Group, told 2 News Nevada that influenza, COVID-19 and norovirus are all making the rounds. The report, published Thursday, Nov. 5, noted that symptoms depend on which illness a person has.

Flu and COVID-19 cause intense cold-like symptoms, according to the report. Norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses differ because they are not respiratory infections.

"Norovirus typically attacks our GI tract, causes terrible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain," Magrini told 2 News. "The biggest thing that is the key is to stay hydrated. That's the biggest risk. That's the reason people end up hospitalized."

The news comes as Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) reported the first flu-related death in Washoe County for the 2026-27 season. The agency said in an Oct. 23 update that the death involved a man in his 80s who had been hospitalized and had underlying health conditions.

That is earlier in the season than last year. During the 2025-26 respiratory illness season, the first flu-related death was not reported until January, according to NNPH. The agency reported 27 flu-related deaths total during that season.

Prevention: wash your hands

For all three illnesses, the best prevention is frequent and thorough hand washing, according to the 2 News report. Doctors said hand sanitizer is not effective at killing many bacterial and viral infections and should not replace hand washing.

The report noted there is no highly effective treatment for any of the circulating illnesses. Magrini said Tamiflu is an option for the flu but offers limited relief.

"Tamiflu is an option, although it isn't really that helpful. It sometimes can reduce symptoms by maybe a day or less," Magrini said. "But otherwise rest and give your body time to recharge."

Hydration is especially important for recovery. Extreme cases of these illnesses may require emergency medical attention due to severe dehydration, according to the report.

Free vaccine clinic and tracking dashboard

NNPH is hosting a free flu and COVID-19 vaccine event on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Washoe County Administration Complex, Building C, 1001 E. 9th St. in Reno. No appointment or insurance is required. Free standard flu shots are available for anyone 6 months and older. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under 18. The agency asks attendees to bring identification.

The Nov. 14 event is the first of several planned NNPH free flu vaccine clinics, according to the agency.

NNPH also recommends staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and seeking medical care if symptoms become severe.

Residents can track local respiratory illness activity on NNPH's Washoe County Respiratory Illness Dashboard, which shows weekly trends in flu, RSV and COVID-19, including hospitalizations and deaths. The dashboard is scheduled to be updated every Friday, except during weeks with an observed holiday, according to NNPH.