Flu season underway in valley

Flu season has officially begun.

The first two cases of Type A influenza this season have been confirmed in the Las Vegas Valley, both of them in young adults who were not immunized, a state health official said this week, but there is no sign yet of an epidemic.

Still, public health officials are nervous, because the influenza virus is changing, making it harder to immunize against it.

That could pose a danger to the elderly and people with respiratory problems, who are especially vulnerable to the flu and are advised to be immunized yearly, and to very young children.

Health experts don't recommend flu vaccines for young adults, Banghart said.

"We're reporting sporadic (influenza) activity for Nevada," said Douglas Banghart, an epidemiologist with the Nevada State Division of Health.

Senior citizens and very young children are most vulnerable to severe influenza illnesses that can lead to death. Once immunized, people can still get the flu, but it is a mild disease with a quick recovery, he said.

National health officials are preparing for a pandemic -- or a nationwide epidemic -- in the next few years. Every 10 to 40 years, influenza viruses affect large numbers of people because the cells change so quickly.

Clark County epidemiologist Rose Bell said blood samples are sent to a California laboratory for identification and then reported to the state.

"So it's here," Bell said of the Type A influenza included in this year's immunizations. "I don't think they are expecting a pandemic this year, but they are preparing."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has scheduled a teleconference for Feb. 25, including experts ranging from medical professionals to funeral directors, who would face the consequences of a major shift in the influenza virus that caused an epidemic.

"Viruses constantly change," Bell said. Health officials monitor and prepare vaccines based on the types of influenza that affect people.

"Right now we have nothing to worry about," Bell said. "It's a warning by the CDC. A major outbreak could happen."

Whatever is affecting Southern Nevada residents with sneezing and coughing may not be influenza, she said.

Flu symptoms appear suddenly, with a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, muscle aches and weakness accompanied by nasal congestion and a cough.

Diagnosing influenza is difficult, because it is similar to many other mild illnesses that also cause a fever. Influenza usually lasts from a day to a week.

There is no effective medicine against influenza, other than bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia can follow a bout with the flu, all of which require medical attention.

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