Renown Warns of Increased Influenza Cases Linked to Pink Eye and Ear Pain

Renown Health is alerting the community to a rise in Influenza A cases this season, with clinicians seeing more patients experiencing eye irritation (pink eye), earaches, and sinus-related symptoms alongside classic flu signs such as fever, cough, body aches and fatigue. Know when to seek urgent or emergency care.

While Influenza A is primarily a respiratory virus, Renown physicians say the infection can also affect the eyes, ears, and sinuses, particularly as inflammation spreads through connected passages in the head and neck.

“We are seeing more patients who think they only have pink eye or an ear infection, which in fact it’s part of a larger Influenza A illness,” said Thomas Chmelicek, MD, Division Chief, Urgent Care at Renown Medical Group. “The flu can cause widespread inflammation in the upper respiratory system, which includes the eyes and ears.”

Why Flu Can Affect the Eyes and Ears

• Pink eye (viral conjunctivitis) can occur when flu viruses irritate the membranes of the eye, either through respiratory droplets or by touching the eyes with contaminated hands.
• Ear pain or pressure may develop when congestion and inflammation block the Eustachian tubes, which connect the throat to the middle ear, sometimes leading to secondary ear infections.

“The nose, throat, ears and eyes are all connected through shared passages,” said Jimmy Lao, MSN, Director of Nursing, Emergency Services, Renown Health. “When someone has the flu, inflammation and viral particles in nasal and sinus drainage can move through these connected areas. While the flu doesn’t infect the eyes or ears in the same way it does the lungs, this drainage can irritate those tissues, worsening symptoms like pink eye or ear pain-especially when lying down or sleeping.”

Prevention Tips

Renown Health experts recommend:

• Getting the annual flu vaccine (available at Renown Pharmacy at three Reno locations by scheduling online through MyChart by selecting “Schedule an Appointment” to get started, and area pharmacies and community clinics);
• Washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the eyes and face;
• Staying home when sick;
• Cleaning shared surfaces and bedding;
• Wearing a mask if experiencing respiratory symptoms in public or healthcare settings.

When to Seek Care

Most people with flu symptoms can recover safely at home. Renown Urgent Care treats diagnosis and treatment of illnesses such as flu, cold, fever or infections, and urges individuals to seek medical attention if they experience:

• Eye redness with fever, body aches or cough;
• Persistent ear pain, drainage or hearing changes;
• Worsening symptoms after several days;
• Signs of dehydration or difficulty breathing.

“Renown Urgent Care offers 12 locations across Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fernley and Fallon where people have immediate access to care for illness, injuries and same-day medical needs,” says Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA, CEO of Renown Medical Group. “We want to ensure our community knows they have trusted, reliable and affordable seven-day-a-week access to care that fits their busy lives.”

Renown Urgent Care Highlights Include:

• Dedicated patient care for all adults and children for non-life-threatening symptoms seven days a week (open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
• Convenient locations with parking available just outside the entrance;
• Experienced, board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners and skilled medical professionals to provide care;
• Onsite laboratory for testing.

Using Online Tools to Reserve a Spot

Renown Urgent Care makes it easy for people to manage their visit times by offering the option to reserve a spot in line before arriving. See current waiting times and reserve a time slot at specific urgent care locations, including the new 6512 S. McCarran Blvd., Reno and 960 Ambassador Dr. (near Robb Dr.) in Reno at renown.org/urgent.

Insurance Accepted

Renown Urgent Care locations offer walk-in visits and online check in at renown.org, with most insurance accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. Prominence Health Plan is not accepted. People can learn more about or view all urgent care locations by visiting renown.org/urgent.

When to Seek Care at the Emergency Room

• Seek immediate emergency care if you or a loved one experience:
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Bluish lips or face;
• Confusion, severe drowsiness or inability to wake up;
• High fever that does not respond to medication or suddenly worsens;
• Severe or persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration (minimal urine output, dizziness);
• Seizures;
• Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain or swelling around the eyes;
• Intense ear pain with drainage, swelling or hearing loss;
• Symptoms that improve but then return suddenly and more severely.

About Renown Health

Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.