Flu found in Missoula

A case of Influenza A diagnosed in Missoula prompted local health officials to urge high-risk residents to get immunized at today's clinic in Kalispell.

The Daily Inter Lake

A case of Influenza A diagnosed in Missoula prompted local health officials to urge high-risk residents to get immunized at Tuesday's clinic in Kalispell.

Flathead County was notified Monday of one confirmed case and four suspected cases in Missoula. The people were among 50 who had traveled together.

Health officials fear this diagnosis may signal the start of an early flu season in Western Montana.

They encourage people to get their flu shots at the clinic from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the Expo Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Health department staffers expect to exhaust the supply of 2,000 doses at the clinic. No additional vaccine supplies are expected until late October.

The special clinic was organized to test the department's emergency response plan. Special funding allowed the department to charge only $10 for the shot today.

Since the vaccine takes two weeks to offer full protection, health officials encourage those at high risk for serious complications get their shot as soon as possible.

High-risk individuals include:

. Everyone over 50 years old.

. Children from 6 months to 23 months.

. Anyone over 6 months old with long-term health problems such as heart and lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia or blood disorders.

. Anyone with a weakened immune system due to disease or who takes medications, such as chemotherapy or steroids, that suppress the immune system.

. Pregnant women.

. Residents of long-term care facilities or institutional settings.

. Health-care workers, care givers, family members or anyone having close contact with these high-risk people.