Sat, Jan 7, 2006 (8:10 a.m.)

During the last week of 2005, roughly eight out of every 100 patients seeing doctors or arriving at clinics in the Las Vegas Valley had flulike symptoms.

"The flu has hit the Western states hard," said Dr. Thomas Hunt, chairman of the University of Nevada School of Medicine's Family and Community Medicine Department.

California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Oregon have seen widespread outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nevada is seeing a regional outbreak, meaning fewer than average cases, but many sufferers have reported they received a flu shot, Hunt said.

In Southern Nevada, doctors have seen high fevers lasting five to seven days, Hunt said.

Since flu season can last until late February, Hunt urged people to take measures to protect themselves.

"I recommend that people cover their mouths when coughing and frequently wash their hands," Hunt said.

Those suffering from flu symptoms should see a doctor or go to a clinic, not hospital emergency rooms, Hunt said.

Those who are very young, very old, have serious chronic health problems -- especially lung diseases -- have shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, are getting worse after four days or who have other medical problems should see a doctor, Hunt said.

Anti-viral medications may be effective if taken within 48 hours of symptoms appearing, Hunt said. They tend to reduce symptoms by a day or two, he said.

Mary Manning can be reached at 259-4065 or at manning@lasvegassun.com.

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