Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Clark County

The reports of Swine Flu in Nevada (official name, H1N1) are alarming, but as the virus remains in the headlines, experts are urging common-sense in handling the outbreak.

This version of the flu is a combination of human, swine and bird flu viruses and continues to evolve. You need both a regular flu shot and a vaccine for the swine flu to be fully protected from it; doses of the H1N1 vaccine are currently being shipped to all points around Nevada and Clark County but are being given to high risk patients first.

Like ordinary flu, those at greatest risk for Swine Flu are the very young, the elderly and pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Control note that 70 percent of those hospitalized for the disease had other medical conditions that made them a higher risk, such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma.

Symptoms for Swine Flu (H1N1) vary in severity from person to person but include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy and coughing. Some experience headaches, vomiting or diarrhea. It's important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you have any symptoms; antiviral drugs can greatly reduce the risks, but they need to be started early.

For more information about the swine flu and other health issues in the Clark County, Nevada area, please contact one of the nearby health departments below:

East Las Vegas Public Health Department
560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12 Las Vegas, NV 89110
Phone: 702-759-0900
Website

Ravenholt Public Health Department
625 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106
Phone: 702-759-1000
Website

Henderson Public Health Department
520 E. Lake Mead Parkway Henderson, NV 89015
Phone: 702-759-1040
Website

Cambridge Community Outreach Center
3900 Cambridge St. Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: 702-732-1781
Website

Laughlin Public Health Department
3080 S. Needles Highway, Ste. 1800 Laughlin, NV 89029
Phone: 702-759-1643
Website

North Las Vegas Public Health Department
1820 E. Lake Mead, Suite F North Las Vegas, NV 89030
Phone: 702-759-0700
Website

Mesquite Public Health Department
830 Hafen Lane Mesquite, NV 89027
Phone: 702-759-1682
Website

Spring Valley Public Health Department
6330 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Suite C Las Vegas, NV 89146
Phone: 702-759-0503
Website

Southern Nevada Health District
625 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89127
Phone: 702-759-1000
Fax: 775-328-3764
Website

Nevada and Clark County Flu Clinic Locations:
http://www.flu.gov/professional/states/nevada.html

In the meantime, here are the best ways to protect yourself against the flu - and stop the spread:

- Swine Flu is transmitted primarily through coughing or sneezing; you can't get it from eating pork products.

- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your hands to your eyes or face. Use hand sanitizer after being out in public places. Be extra-careful if you're caring for someone who has the flu.

- If there's no tissue handy, cover your nose and mouth with the crook of your arm {versus your hand - see above} if you cough or sneeze. Dispose of any used tissues. By the way, experts say those garden-variety surgical masks are only slightly effective in protecting you (and others) from the virus.

- If you feel sick, do yourself -and your fellow citizens - a favor by staying home from work or school, and away from confined public places like a movie theater, airplane or subway.

Keep in mind that there is a Nevada seasonal flu outbreak each year; and while the number of reported cases of Swine Flu in Nevada and Clark County may change daily, the number of actual fatalities is currently well below what regular flu outbreaks cause annually. So stay calm - and stay healthy!

Stay on top of what the officials are doing to curb the spread of the flu by checking these sites.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
http://pandemicflu.gov/general/index.html