First influenza cases reported in Montana

The Daily Inter Lake

Flu season has begun with seven cases reported across Montana as of Friday.

As of Monday, no cases of influenza have shown up in Flathead County, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.

But Flathead County cases are expected to show up this month. In previous years, Flathead flu cases peaked at 42 during one week in February 2007 and 102 during one week in February 2008.

Influenza vaccines are available at several local health-care providers.

The health department has vaccines available to all ages at the Earl Bennett Building from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The vaccines are also available at the health department from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Infants and children who were vaccinated for the first time last year, but received only one of the two recommended doses, should receive two shots this year.

Babies and children younger than 9 who are receiving their first dose this year should get the recommended second shot at least four weeks after the first.

The flu virus usually spreads from person to person by coughing or sneezing.

It is possible for one person to infect another one day prior to showing any symptoms, the health department said.

It also is possible for a person to become infected by touching something with a flu virus on it and then touching his or her mouth or nose.

People usually become ill one to four days after being infected.

Symptoms include fevers, headaches, tiredness, dry coughs, sore throats, runny or stuffy noses, and muscle aches. In children, other symptoms could include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.