The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

County health officials encourage people to be prepared for the current influenza season.

“People should be prepared to spend at least a week at home in case they get ill,” said the County Health Nurse. “Those individuals who are ill need to stay home from work or school. They should not be visiting local nursing homes and potentially spreading the illness to the fragile residents and/or family members. They should not be going to local businesses or stores for last minute supplies and spreading germs.”

The influenza virus is spread through the coughing and sneezing of an infected person, or by touching things that have the virus on them, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. A person with influenza can spread the virus from 1 day before symptoms appear until 7 days after the first symptoms or until the symptoms go away, whichever is longer. The symptoms of influenza are:

• Fever higher than 100 degrees

• Body aches

• Coughing

• Sore throat

• Respiratory congestion

• Possible vomiting and diarrhea (in addition to respiratory symptoms)

Standard prevention recommendations include:

• Ideally cover your nose and mouth with Kleenex, but if nothing available cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Get Kleenex ASAP. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands unless you can wash them immediately.

• Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly – with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub solution.

• Clean your hands after shaking hands or having other close contact with other people – before eating or preparing food, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Avoid going to the Nursing Home to visit. Keep the residents safe as they are fragile.

• Limit your contact with others who may be ill. Avoid large gatherings.

• Stay home from work or school and generally avoid going out in public.

• If you are sick, remain home for seven days or until 24 hours after your symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

• Make sure to take enough fluids while you’re sick.

• If you are an employer, encourage your employees to stay home if they are sick.

• If you do develop possible flu symptoms and you want to consult your health care provider, call before going in for an office visit. You may not need to go in. If you do need to be seen, take steps to avoid exposing others to influenza in the waiting room such as wearing a mask.

The County Health Department recommends that besides getting the seasonal influenza vaccine, people should keep on hand supplies they may need should they become ill.

• Store foods that you eat regularly. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking are best.

• Store enough food for two weeks.

• Babies, toddlers, chronically ill persons and the elderly people may need special diets. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned foods, juices, and soups may be helpful.

• Drink extra water to prevent dehydration

• Have an adequate supply of prescription medications on hand.

• Have over the counter medications to relieve influenza symptoms

• Remember pet supplies if applicable.

For more information influenza prevention, please contact the County Health Department at 622-3771, or visit the DPHHS website at http://www.dphhs.mt.gov ,or contact your health care provider.