Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Las Vegas—Myths surrounding the influenza disease continue to be a challenge to its prevention, health care officials’ in the city said.

"Flu season in Las Vegas is a major challenge," Veronica Morata-Nichols, community health nurse manager of the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) said.

The most pervasive myth is that the influenza –also known as the flu- is a harmless disease. As such, it is not that important to prevent it by getting vaccinated.

In most ethnic communities, prevention is perceived as less important than actual treatment, Morata-Nichols told the roundtable discussion with ethnic media last Sept. 16.

"A (flu) shot is looked upon as a treatment not as prevention," she added during the discussion organized by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New America Media.

She added that most individuals go to the doctor for medication only after they feel the symptoms, thinking the flu is as simple as the common cold.

"The truth is flu causes serious illnesses and at times, it can lead to death," CDC medical epidemiologist Dr. Fatimah Dawood said.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes, the CDC said.

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

Information from the CDC shows the flu virus is spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. A person may also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.