Health Center reminds of flu season risks

MINERAL COUNTY – With the county in the heart of flu season and with winter weather making colds more common, it is important for people to take steps to protect their health. According to Peggy Stevens, a health nurse with the Mineral County Health Department, there have been a few confirmed cases of influenza in Mineral County this season. She said there have been three strains of the virus identified this year, which are being tracked by the Center for Disease Control. As of Feb. 15, the Montana Department of Health and Human Services said the most common strain in the state was the H1N1 strain of Influenza type A. Shirley Iwata, administrative assistant at the health department, said there were at least two cases of flu, which had the strains tested. She said the Mineral Community Hospital and Mineral Regional Health Center confirmed the cases as Influenza A. The flu, or influenza virus, is most common between October and May. While anyone can catch the virus, it has the most serious impact on children and the elderly. The CDC recommends cases of the flu be watched closely as the disease can lead to pneumonia, dehydration and seizures among other potentially life threatening conditions. Statistics from the CDC say thousands of people in the United States die each year from the flu. Many more are hospitalized with complications. To avoid these problems and getting sick in general, it is important to take steps to avoid catching the flu in the first place. The health department recommends people get a flu vaccine every year. The CDC considers this the best way for people to protect themselves against catching the virus. Mineral Regional Health Center and Mineral County Health Department both offer vaccinations to the public. There are two main vaccinations offered at the health center. One vaccine is inactive and uses dead or dormant samples of the virus to prepare the body against the disease. This is commonly referred to as the flu shot and is administered by needle injection. The other common flu vaccine is an active vaccine. This is commonly given in a nasal spray and contains live influenza, which has been rendered harmless. Stevens also had a few recommendations for how to avoid catching the flu. She said keeping the hands washed is a good way to avoid the virus. She also recommended not touching the eyes or around the mouth as these areas can help the virus get into the body. “We recommend people…do universal precautions as far as preventing getting sick,” Stevens said. One of the best ways to keep the number down is to remain vigilant and not let the virus into the body. Another big recommendation Stevens gave was for people who are sick to stay home. Because the flu is airborne, the best way to avoid spreading it is to not expose others. Staying home will also be helpful in a person’s fight against the virus and their recovery. For more information about the flu, or flu vaccinations, contact the Mineral County Health Department at 822-3564. Information can also be found online at cdc.gov/flu and dphhs.mt.gov/influenza.