Flu cases crop up in Flathead

Flathead County health officials announced Wednesday that 15 people have tested positive for the flu here.

The test results were confirmed through the Montana Public Health Laboratory.

According to the health department, influenza B infected 13 people. Two others tested positive for influenza A.

Public health nurse Elaine Sedlack said that type B usually produces milder symptoms than type A. Last year's early flu season was dominated by type A cases.

Sedlack said influenza causes sudden onset of high fever, headache, cough, body aches and fatigue. The misery can last from one to two weeks.

"Usually with a cold, you get better in three days," she said.

Distinguishing characteristics of the flu include fever, body aches and severe fatigue.

According to Sedlack, a few cases of flu were reported during the first week of November. The pace of infections picked up after the Thanksgiving holiday.

"Probably people came back from traveling with the flu," she said.

Testing of influenza victims around the country identified A/Fujian and B/Shanghai varieties as the main culprits. According to Sedlack, the vaccine administered to about 6,000 county residents closely matches these viruses.

"They should have good protection,"she said.

Sedlack said a few health-care providers, the occupational health department at The Summit and the county health department still have flu shots available for high-risk individuals.

Since more than 30,000 people die annually in the United States from flu complications, Sedlack urges high-risk residents to get immunized.

The Centers for Disease Control defines these high-risk people as:

- Children aged 6 to 23 months.

- Adults 65 or older.

- People ages 2-64 with chronic medical conditions.

- Pregnant women or those who expect to be pregnant during flu season.

- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;

- Children ages 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy.

- Health-care workers directly involved in patient care.

The Flathead City-County Health Department offers immunizations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. On the other weekdays, staffers administer shots from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Sedlack said caregivers who gave up their flu shot during the shortage should now come in for a vaccination. The vaccine takes about two weeks to offer full protection.

Health officials also offer tips to help people reduce the risk of getting the flu: frequent hand washing or using hand wipes or alcohol-based hand cleaners and not touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

Adequate rest and good nutrition also help avoid illness.

Other recommendations include disinfecting telephones, doorknobs, shopping carts and other surfaces sometimes contaminated by nasal discharges of infected people.

Flu season typically stretches from November through March or April.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.