Health District on lookout for flu

Eric Leake

Monday, Oct. 25, 2004 | 9:38 a.m.

The Clark County Health District is on the lookout for the flu's advance into the valley.

Health district spokeswoman Jennifer Sizemore said sentinel clinics throughout the valley -- including doctor offices and UMC Quick Care centers -- are asked to test any suspicious cases to determine if they are the actual influenza virus.

She said the flu usually strikes local residents around November. "But it wouldn't be unusual to see a case or two at this time."

The health district started its annual flu watch last week and test results take about a week, Sizemore said.

Representatives of the UMC and St. Rose Dominican Hospitals said neither had confirmed any flu cases nor an increase in complaints of flu-like symptoms.

Courtney Scanlon, convention coordinator for ATS Temporary Staffing, said the employment agency had not seen an increase in its total number of calls.

But, she added, "We have noticed a lot more people calling in with flu symptoms rather than the 'I have a cold' thing." She said such calls are expected when the weather changes.

A person with some flu symptoms does not necessarily have the flu. The flu is a respiratory virus characterized by a high fever, sudden onset, and extreme exhaustion, according to the health district.

Antibiotics are ineffective against the flu because it is a virus.

Sizemore said the limited vaccine isn't the only flu protection.

"Because of the vaccine shortage, we're just constantly reminding people that one of the best things they can do to protect themselves is to wash their hands frequently," she said.

"It sounds simple, but it's really one of the best things you can do to protect yourself."