County confirms 2 cases of flu

Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 | 11:03 a.m.

With two confirmed cases of influenza reported by the Clark County Health District, 80-year-old Thelma Rice is concerned that local health providers won't have enough flu vaccine for her.

"Yes, I am worried," Rice said from her Las Vegas home on Thursday. "I'm going to try to get one (immunization)."

The 35-year Las Vegas resident has given up driving until she has eye surgery next month.

Rice said she ventures out only for groceries and to her hairdresser to avoid crowds that could infect her.

"That's why I stay home," she said.

The county Health District confirmed the cases, the first in the county this season, Wednesday. It comes as health officials have struggled to provide flu vaccines because of a shortage caused by a production error.

There will be more flu vaccine available to healthcare providers in the state, but typically by now most people who want vaccines have had them. This year the vaccines have been rationed.

Instead, health officials have urged the public to take precautions to avoid the flu.

Curtailing contact with large crowds of people is the first good health habit recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chief Health Officer Dr. Donald Kwalick said.

"The first indication of flu in our area, particularly ahead of large holiday gatherings, serves as a reminder of the importance of good health habits to minimize the spread of disease," Kwalick said.

Other measures to avoid spreading germs include staying home when a person is sick, covering nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, washing hands often and avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth.

The two cases of flu in Clark County are Type A, a common strain of influenza, and they were identified by the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory.

Two other cases of flu were confirmed in Northern Nevada's Washoe County last month.

Emergency room doctors at both of St. Rose Dominican's hospitals have not reported an increase in patients with flu-like symptoms so far this year, hospital spokesperson Andy North said Thursday night.

Southern Nevada's flu season typically runs from mid to late December and peaks in January.

"As far as I know, we have had no confirmed cases at either hospital," North said.

With the nationwide shortage of flu vaccine, the emergency room staff is doing what it can to be ready to help stop flu before it spreads.

When patients arrive at the Henderson St. Rose Dominican emergency room, they can use antibacterial gel on their hands and if they are coughing and sneezing, they receive a white paper bag with hand gel, a surgical mask, a box of tissues and a tip sheet from the Clark County Health District on how to avoid the flu. The Health District has received more than 10,000 doses of flu vaccine it will begin offering to high-risk individuals through flu shot clinics beginning Tuesday only at the Ravenholt Public Health Center, 625 Shadow Lane, near Charleston Boulevard west of Interstate 15, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Rice said she plans to have her 50-year-old son, Dennis Rice, drive her for her immunization.

"I'm more worried about my son, since he's facing people all day long, he could bring it home to me," she said.

However Rice's son, a casino executive, does not fall within the critical age group for receiving the flu vaccine.

Critical groups eligible for the shots, according to the Centers for Disease Control, include:

The cost of the flu shots will be $20 for those not covered or without proof of insurance.

Medicare, Medicaid, Secure Horizons and Senior Dimensions patients are covered. Rice said she has Senior Dimensions coverage.

Once she gets to the Health District, Rice will need proof of high-risk status. Prescriptions, a doctor's note or the name and phone number of a private physician are acceptable.

For more information about the Health District's flu clinic, call (702) 385-4636.

"I hope there is enough vaccine so I can get a flu shot," Rice said.