Local health officials on alert for illness

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead Valley health officials have stepped up efforts to watch out for swine flu cases.

No cases have been confirmed in Montana.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department, Kalispell Regional Medical Center and North Valley Hospital.

Federal health officials also have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

In the past, pneumonia, respiratory failure and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

If you experience any of these symptoms, health officials ask that you call your health-care provider or the health department before seeking care, especially if you have a chronic health condition.

Preventive actions include:

n Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

n Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.

n Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

n Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you have fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, headaches or fatigue, the federal Centers for Disease Control recommend that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading illness.

For information, go to the Flathead City-County Health Department's Web site at www.flatheadhealth.org and click on "Health Alerts." You also may call 751-8101 or 751-8110 for more information.