Stomach virus, flu making many ill
Flathead County health officials report a significant jump in cases of the more virulent type A influenza in the last three weeks, as well as a Norwalk-type stomach virus.
Public health nurse Elaine Sedlack said 27 flu cases were lab-diagnosed, with 15 classified as influenza A. While earlier cases were reported in Kalispell, a number of new cases have come from the North Valley communities.
The department suspects many more cases have gone unreported, and Sedlack said the numbers suggest an extended flu season.
"Usually we get the flu and it reaches a peak and drops off," she said.
But this year, the first cases began gradually with a majority of the less severe type B flu. Symptoms of both A and B include fever, headache, dry cough, body aches and fatigue.
According to Sedlack, the flu has begun surfacing in nursing-home residents and staffers as well as schools. Although most residents and staff were vaccinated, Sedlack said those with weak immune systems may still get the flu but with less severe complications.
Nursing homes and schools also have reported a large number of gastrointestinal illnesses in recent weeks. Symptoms that develop suddenly include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that last 24 to 48 hours.
Health officials say these symptoms are typical of illnesses caused by Norwalk viruses, which have infected people on cruise ships in recent years. Sedlack said the first local cases were reported before Christmas and have continued to spread.
Samples have been sent to the state lab for identification. Other tests for bacteria such as salmonella that cause similar symptoms have come back negative.
She expects the lab results within a week.
Sedlack said the Norwalk virus, like influenza, poses the greatest threat to the elderly and very young children. She said people who contract the illness need to guard against dehydration.
The health department tracks community health threats as part of its emergency response planning. Sedlack said she makes weekly calls to six clinics and two hospitals as part of her surveillance work.
Health officials warn that both the flu and Norwalk virus spread easily from person to person. They recommend frequent, thorough hand washing and that ill people stay home to protect co-workers, classmates and others.
Officials urge people with any signs of illness to postpone visits to hospitals, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities until all of their symptoms have subsided. People with the Norwalk-type virus should avoid preparing or serving food.
Sedlack said it isn't too late for people to get a flu shot. The department has a few doses left and has an additional 100 doses coming from Cascade County.
Because the flu vaccine is no longer in short supply, anyone may now receive a shot.
The department charges its cost of $15 a dose. The staff can bill Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP insurance for flu shots.
The department holds an immunization clinic from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at 1035 First Ave. W. in Kalispell. Staffers also offer the vaccine Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
The health department also will administer flu shots at its Coram clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at Canyon Community Church on Coram School Lane.
Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com