First case of flu reported in Anaconda

By Erin Nicholes - 12/05/2008

ANACONDA — A child from Anaconda-Deer Lodge County has the first confirmed case of influenza in Montana this year, state health officials said Thursday.

"We usually see it sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas," Bonnie Barnard, of the state Department of Health and Human Services, said of the flu's arrival.

Local health officials agreed the timing is typical for influenza to appear.

"It's about average," said Barb Berry, a registered nurse with the Deer Lodge County Health Department. "Flu season peaks usually in February and March." Influenza causes abrupt onset of head, joint and muscle aches, fever, chills, nasal congestion and dry cough. It can become serious; it is responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths nationally each year, a state news release said.

The announcement of influenza's arrival should serve as a reminder to those who have not yet been vaccinated, officials said.

"Vaccination is the best way for Montanans to protect themselves and their loved ones against the virus," Liz LeLacheur of the state DPHHS Immunization Program, said in the release. "There's no shortage of the flu vaccine this year, and now is the time to get vaccinated." The sooner the better, as it typically takes 10 to 14 days for people to develop influenza antibodies once they've received the vaccine.

In Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, the health department is still offering flu shots.

"We still have a lot of flu vaccine left, and we still have Flu Mist," which is a nasal-spray version of the vaccine, she said. "Any county resident can get them for $20." The vaccination is recommended for children ages 6 months to 18 years, and for adults over 50. People with chronic diseases, suppressed immune systems, pregnant women and others with conditions that may predispose them to influenza complications should also be vaccinated.

Everyone should practice frequent, thorough hand-washing and respiratory etiquette — such as cough-covering — to reduce the risk of spreading influenza to others.

For flu shots, people should contact their local public health departments or physicians. For more information on the flu, visit www.dphhs.mt.gov/flu.shtml.

— Reporter Erin Nicholes may be reached at erin.nicholes@lee.net