County's first influenza case confirmed

LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Health Department reported the first confirmed case of influenza in Lake County.

According to Montana DPHHS Surveillance Specialist Elton Mosher, a specimen of Influenza A has been identified from a Lake County resident. This is the first case identified in Lake County, but not the first in Montana. As of Dec. 1, Gallatin County also has two confirmed cases of influenza.

Influenza is characterized by abrupt onset of respiratory symptoms, fever, chills, headaches, malaise and non-productive cough. While some people suffer minor complications from influenza infection, the elderly, infants and those with underlying chronic health conditions can experience complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

The Lake County Health Department recommends that an annual flu vaccination for everyone except babies younger than six months and those with unusual allergies and medical conditions is the best way to protect yourself and the community from widespread influenza outbreak.

This year’s flu vaccine protects against the three virus strains likely to be most common during the upcoming season and includes the same virus strains used for the 2010-2011 influenza season. The effectiveness of the vaccination lasts throughout the entire flu season, even when given early in the fall.

There are two types of influenza vaccines; the “flu shot” given with a needle and a nasal-spray flu vaccine. A regular flu shot is available for people six months and older, with higher dose shots approved for people 65 and older. The nasal spray is approved for healthy people two through 49 years of age. Both types of vaccines protect against the same influenza viruses.

People wanting to be immunized against influenza should consult their health care provider. Vaccinations are available at doctors’ offices, county or tribal health departments and many pharmacies.

For more information, contact Lake County Health Department, CSKT Tribal Health, or log on to http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/influenza/index.shtml