Residents encouraged to get flu shots

The Southern Nevada Health District didn't report last year's first influenza case until mid-December, but that doesn't mean the bug won't hit home sooner this season, health officials say.

"We cannot predict anything,'' Dr. Ihsan Azzam, the state's epidemiologist, said about this year's flu season. "It will be a season like any other season -- it could be mild or it could be more severe.''

Because of uncertainties surrounding the seasonal flu, health officials urge that residents age 6 months and older to get a vaccine as early as possible. This recommendation is especially geared toward seniors, women who are pregnant and those who suffer from chronic diseases.

Children are also a priority, health officials say.

The flu season typically peaks in Nevada in February and can last through May, health officials say. Residents are encouraged to get the flu vaccine early because it can take up to two weeks before the body has built immunity to the virus following a shot.

The health district, which started its annual flu vaccine clinics on Tuesday, dispensed 775 flu shots throughout the Las Vegas Valley, said Stephanie Bethel, a spokeswoman.

Azzam said each season's vaccine is based on global surveillance of influenza viruses and which strains appear to be getting people sick.

All seasonal influenza vaccines are made up of three strains.

In additional to the flu shot, there is also a nasal-spray vaccine called FluMist available to residents.

Aside from the flu vaccine, Azzam also recommends residents keep in mind elementary principals of hygiene such as hand washing.

"If you are manifesting signs and symptoms of the flu, I think it is a good idea not to go out in public,'' he said. "If you really feel ill, consult your doctor. Not everyone with the flu will consult the doctor though.''

Last year's flu season was considered mild nationwide. That was the case as well in Nevada, where 659 cases were confirmed, according to data from the state's Health Division.