Two samples from confirmed flu victims in the state last month have been characterized as influenza type A-Solomon Islands. That's one of the three components of the 2007-2008 vaccine as chosen by the World Health Organization.
“The good news is the strain we tested for is one that's covered in the flu vaccine,” said Julie Serstad, director of health services for Missoula County. “Every year they change the combination, so they picked the right one for us.”
“But we are not seeing large numbers yet,” Serstad said.
Historically, February is the peak month for the flu in these parts. Serstad said the Missoula City-County Health Department has a few vaccines on hand. The vaccines typically take take a week or so to kick in, so it's not too late to get a preventative shot.
Seven Montana counties have reported at least one confirmed case since the new year began, bringing to 21 the statewide total as of Friday.
In western Montana, there've been no confirmed cases in Sanders, Mineral, Granite, Powell or Deer Lodge counties.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified influenza in Montana as “regional” for the week ending Jan. 12. That means it has occurred in less than half of the 56 counties in the past three weeks.
Influenza is deemed “widespread” in four states - Colorado, Texas, Hawaii and New York.
Vaccinations for influenza contain three strains, and each year the WHO attempts to predict which ones will be most effective. Last February, the agency recommended switching one of the A strains from New Caledonia to Solomon Islands for the next flu season.
The New Caledonia strain had been recommended for the previous seven years.
The other type A virus, Wisconsin, and type B-Malaysia weren't monkeyed with this year, though the WHO had changed the former in each of the past three years and the latter was switched to last year.
Each winter the World Health Organization assesses the flu virus strains in circulation before it chooses the strains for the next flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. It takes roughly six months for manufacturers to grow the viruses in chicken eggs and come up with the three-strain vaccine.
The flu virus invades the body's respiratory system and wreaks its havoc. Headaches, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, coughing and weakness are typical symptoms, as opposed to the diarrhea and vomiting from gastrointestinal bugs such as the norovirus, which shut down Arlee schools this week.
However, preventative measures are similar for both, according to Bonnie Bernard of the state Department of Public Health and Human Services.
“The most important thing for people to remember, and this is across the board, is good hand hygiene,” she said. “Handwashing is next to godliness.”
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