Kalispell clinic suspects flu in Flathead Valley

Family Health Care reports 3 positive tests in past week for type A influenza

The state health lab has not confirmed the tests, but a Kalispell clinic has seen three positive quick-tests for type A influenza.

Dr. Leah Treadwell, a specialist in family practice and urgent care, said Family Health Care has had three patients test positive in the past week. Until the state lab confirms the results, she won't know whether it's a type included in this year's flu vaccine.

Treadwell wanted to get the word out for people with symptoms to seek medical attention within 48 hours. She said that antiviral medications only work if people begin taking them within that window.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches.

"It's the standard flu symptoms," she said.

These medications dramatically shorten the course of the disease and the suffering it causes, Treadwell said. Many people feel much better within a day or two, whereas the flu can take as long as 10 days to pass."The medications are convenient," she said. "You take them twice a day for five to seven days."

Treadwell said the diagnosis begins with a nose swab for a quick test. It takes just 10 to 15 minutes to get results and a prescription for antiviral medication if the test is positive for influenza.

"This is the one viral thing you don't want to wait on," she said.

For those who waited too long, Treadwell said physicians can give advice for reducing symptoms, such as taking Tylenol for muscle aches and other medications to reduce coughing.

Treadwell also said it isn't too late to seek a flu shot. She said people who were vaccinated in October should consider getting a booster in late January to guard against a late peak of influenza.

"This is particularly important for the elderly and people with underlying lung and heart disease," she said.

People may seek treatment without an appointment at the Urgent Care clinic of Family Health Care located across from Kalispell Regional Medical Center's emergency room and helipad. Urgent care operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Boni Stout, head of community health at the county Health Department, said the department has a limited number of doses available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stout encouraged people to remember the basics of prevention such as washing hands thoroughly, covering the mouth when coughing and keeping hands out of the mouth and nose.

Health officials also urge people who have the flu to stay home from work and other public places to prevent the spread of influenza.