Influenza arrives in Flathead

Seasonal influenza is now confirmed in the Flathead Valley.

Flathead County had two confirmed cases of influenza A as of Monday, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.

That prompted a reminder from the health department that people should get vaccinated against the illness.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. Influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent getting the flu, but it takes up to two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

Vaccination is particularly important for people at high risk of serious complications from influenza, including:

n People 65 and older.

n Children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2.

n People with certain chronic health conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, and certain other health conditions.

n Pregnant women.

Symptoms of the flu are fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and, especially in children, stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

People usually become ill one to three days after being infected. Complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and a worsening of other chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and congestive heart failure.

To prevent transmitting flu, people should cover their coughs, wash hands frequently and stay home when they are ill.

The influenza virus usually spreads person to person by coughing or sneezing. It is also possible to become infected by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose.

Most adults are infectious one day before they have symptoms.

For more information, visit www.flatheadhealth.org or find the health department on Facebook.