Valley reports swine flu cases

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead City-County Health Department announced Thursday that H1N1 'swine flu) has been confirmed in the Flathead Valley.

In a press release, the department said increasing numbers of children and adults have flu-like symptoms. North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center report an increase in testing for flu illnesses.

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, headache or fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control also associates diarrhea and vomiting with the H1N1 influenza.

Health officials say people should call their provider before seeking medical attention and describe their symptoms to decide if they should be tested or receive treatment.

The CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after a patient's fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications to avoid spreading the disease. Other preventative measures include covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throwing the tissue into the trash after use.

Vaccine for H1N1 is not yet available. The health department expects to receive the vaccine in mid to late October. According to the press release, the department will administer the vaccine for free.

Other providers may charge an administration fee for the vaccine, which they will receive from the health department.