Season’s First Flu Case Confirmed in Cascade County

The City-County Health Department has received confirmation of Cascade County’s first influenza case of the season from the Montana Public Health Laboratory.

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms that may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is important that people realize that seasonal influenza is not the same as the stomach or intestinal illness that can occur year-round and causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People sometimes mistakenly refer to that illness as the “stomach flu,” but it is not caused by the influenza virus. Influenza can be a serious respiratory illness that lasts for a week to two weeks and can cause serious complications, even death. Gastrointestinal illness or “stomach flu” usually only lasts 24-48 hours, and healthy adults generaly recover without complications.

The flu virus is contagious and spreads from person to person through droplets when sneezing or coughing. It can also be spread when a person touches an object that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes. Most people who get the flu recover within a week to two weeks, although complications such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic health conditions can arise. These complications can result in hospitalization and, in severe cases, death. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States “flu-associated deaths range from a low of about 3,000 people to a high of about 49,000 people each year.”

CCHD wants people to remember that there are ways to help keep themselves and their families healthy this flu season. “A flu shot is still the best protection against the flu, and it isn’t too late,” states Jill Boettcher, CCHD Public Health Nurse, “and, of course, continue to practice good prevention habits-wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze and stay home when you are sick.”

Flu shots are available at the City-County Health Department every Tuesday from 8:00-11:30am and Wednesday through Friday from 8:30-11:30am and 1:00-4:30pm. No appointment is necessary. Shots costs $14 for children and $25 for adults. Medicare, Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids are accepted along with cash, checks, credit cards and other insurances.

For more information on flu shots and other immunizations offered at CCHD, click here.

Concussions: Prevent, Recognize & Respond

The arrival of winter means that many of us will head out on the ice or hit the slopes to enjoy our favorite winter sports. Enjoying the many winter activities that are available in our area is a great way to keep fit and get some exercise during the long, cold winter months. However, pushing our physical limits can make us very aware of our body’s limitations, especially after an injury. One serious injury we all need to learn to prevent, recognize and respond to properly is a concussion.

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and if that sounds serious, it’s because it is! Any bump, jolt or hit to the head or body has the potential to make the brain move rapidly back and forth, bouncing or twisting in the skull. This can lead to stretching and damage of brain cells and chemical changes in the brain. Most individuals will recover from a concussion quickly and fully, but some may have symptoms that last days, weeks or even months.

Prevent–Concussions can be prevented. The proper protective equipment should be worn at all times, during practice and play. In order to provide the highest level of protection possible, helmets, padding and other protective gear needs to fit properly, be well-maintained and be worn consistently and correctly. Always practice safe playing and participation techniques. Following the rules of play will help to ensure that injuries, if they occur, are minimal. Finally, have a plan in place about what actions to take if an injury does occur. Find out if medical professionals are located nearby and what the quickest routes are to reach help.

Recognize–Recognizing and treating concussions early can help to prevent long-term effects. If you recieve any forceful bump to the head or jolt to the body that causes rapid head movement, be aware of these signs and symptoms of concussion:

• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise
• Confusion
• Feeling sluggish, hazy or groggy

Observers can also help spt concussions in athletes and other individuals. Watch individuals that have had a blow to the head or jolt to the body for the following signs of concussion:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Confusion
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions and directions slowly
• Can’t recall events prior to or after the hit or fall
• Loses consciousness-even briefly

It’s important to keep in mind that some individuals may not experience or report symptoms until hours or even days after the injury occurs.

Respond–Like all injuries and illnesses, a quick response will help improve the outcome of a concussion. If you think you or someone you know has a concussion, contact a health care professional immediately. This means leaving the ice or the slopes and sitting out the game! Continuing with the activity can aggravate the injury; don’t return to the sport or recreation activity until a health care professional says it’s OK.

Your health care provider may conduct a number of tests, including CT scans or tests to assess memory or concentration skills, to determine the concussion’s effects on your health. You will be sent home with instructions to follow, and it’s important to do everything as your provider directs.

It may seem like concussions are a fairly common and mild injury, but any head injury is nothing to mess around with! Get some friends together to enjoy your favorite winter sports and activities, but remember to take any incident that may lead to a concussion seriously!

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information on Concussions and Other Mild TBIs and Concussions in Sports.

To learn more about the health care options available at CCHD/CHCC, click here.

Get Your Flu Shot to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

It’s always important for people to do everything they can to stay healthy, but with the added stress of the holidays it becomes more essential than ever. There is one simple step that everyone can take to protect themselves, their family and the community this holiday season: get immunized against the flu.

Influenza Vaccination Week is December 4-10, 2011, and it could not have come at a better time. The first two cases of influenza in Montana have been identified for the 2011-2012 flu season. The Cascade City-County Health Department wants to take this opportunity to remind people that it is not too late to seek protection from this potentially serious illness. Getting your flu shot now can give you the protection you need to stay healthy throughout the winter.

National Influenza Vaccination Week provides an opportunity for public health professionals, health care providers, communities and families from across the country to work together to promote flu vaccination before the traditional winter peak in flu activity. The flu is now in Montana, and it is important that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so. The City-County Health Department provides flu shots on Tuesdays 8:30-11:30am and Wednesdays through Fridays from 8:30-11:30am and 1-4:30pm. No appointments are necessary, and the cost is $14 for children and $25 for adults. Cash, check, credit and insurance cards are all accepted. If someone is healthy and between 2 and 49 years of age, they may be able to get the vaccine through a nasal spray instead of the flu shot that is administered with a needle.

The flu vaccine is still the single best way to prevent the flu. As people travel and gather for the holidays it is more important than ever for them to protect themselves and their loved ones from influenza.

Health officials also continue to recommend frequent and effective hand washing and covering all coughs and sneezes with your sleeve. Anyone who is ill with flu-like symptoms should stay home from school or work to prevent the spread of illness to others. For more information, visit CCHD’s Immunizations page or www.flu.gov.

Tips for Preventing Norovirus

Unfortunately an unwelcome visitor has been making the rounds in Montana. Norovirus, one of the most common viruses that casue the “stomach flu” or gastroenteritis, has been reported in increasing frequency across Montana. According to Montana DPHHS, “Since early September, several hundred people throughout the state have experienced vomiting, diarrhea and nausea lasting 24 to 48 hours. In those outbreaks where laboratory testing was performed, Norovirus was found to be the cause of the illnesses.” Outbreaks have caused illness in schools, child care facilities and nursing homes.

Cascade City-County Health Department works hard to help prevent illness in Cascade County and wants to ensure that everyone knows about Norovirus and what steps they can take to help protect themselves and their families against this highly contagious virus. Norovirus can come on suddenly, but the illness is usually brief with symptoms lasting about 1-2 days. These symptoms usually will include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Since there is no antiviral medication that works against Norovirus and there is no vaccine, prevention techniques, such as thorough hand washing, are some of the best protective measures a person can take.

Prevention habits that are effective in helping stop the spread of illness include:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.
• Clean and disinfect any contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness and immediately remove and wash any clothing or linens that may be contaminated.
• Don’t prepare food if you are sick.
• Stay home when you are ill and for at least 1 full day after your symptoms end, because you may still be contagious. If you work in a healthcare setting, restaurant, nursing home, daycare or handle food you need to stay home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms end.
• Keep symptomatic children home from camps, daycares and other gatherings.

Some people may still be contagious, shedding the disease-causing bug for up to 2-3 weeks after feeling better, so it is important to continue thorough hand washing to stop the spread of illness. Illnesses with these symptoms are usually not too serious and most people recover after a few days, but some people may be at risk of complications from dehydration. If you are concerned or your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be seen or tested.

For more information, click here or call 454-6950 and ask to speak with a public health nurse.

CCHD Offers Fast and Convenient Flu Shot Clinics

The City-County Health Department will be hosting two Community Flu Shot Clinics this year. Adults age 18 and older can attend the Drive Through Flu Shot Clinic on Tuesday, September 27th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the MT ExpoPark. Anyone ages 6 months or older can be vaccinated at the 7th Annual Community Walk In Flu Shot Clinic on Tuesday, October 4th from 10:00am-5:00pm at the Exhibition Hall at MT ExpoPark. Each year, CCHD and their partners use events like these to train for different emergency scenarios. The public can help CCHD prepare by getting their vaccination at one of these clinics!

The cost of the flu shot is $25 for adults and $14 for children. CCHD will accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Health Montana Kids and other insurances, cash, check or credit. CCHD asks that people present any and all insurance cards they may have.

It is recommended that anyone age 6 months or older receive their flu vaccination, but certain groups are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu and are highly encouraged to get immunized. Those groups include:

• Children under 5 years old
• Adults age 65 and older
• Pregnant women (CCHD requires a note from your OBGYN to be vaccinated)
• People with long term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, blood disorders, lung disease, etc.

Additionally, anyone who lives or works with these populations is encouraged to get vaccinated.

Getting immunized against influenza is one step that people can take to help keep themselves and those around them healthy throughout flu season!

For more information on these vaccination oppportunities or on the flu shot, please click here or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

2011 Flu Shot Clinic Dates Announced

CCHD is announcing its 2011 Community Flu Shot Clinics!

The 4th Annual Drive Through Flu Shot Clinic will be held on Tuesday, September 27 from 10am–2pm. The clinic will be at MT ExpoPark; follow the signs and traffic control staff. This clinic is for adults only.

The 7th Annual Walk In Flu Shot Clinic will be Tuesday, October 4 from 10am–5pm. The clinic will be in the Exhibition Hall at MT ExpoPark. Everyone ages 6 months and older can be vaccinated at this clinic.

COST: Adults–$25, Children–$14

NO COST with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid or HMK (CHIP)

Cash, check, credit cards and insurance accepted.

For more information, call 452-0881 x310.

CHCC Recognizes National Health Center Week

The Community Health Care Center, Inc. (CHCC), a division of the Cascade City-County Health Department, is joining the nationwide celebration of National Health Center Week 2011. During the week of August 7^th thru August 13^th, health centers across the country will be working to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Health Centers. The theme of this year’s Health Center Week is “Celebrating America’s Health Centers: Serving Locally, Leading Nationally,” and the goal is to highlight how health centers work to serve health needs and save taxpayer dollars.

 Health centers are a great example of how people, governments and communities can work together to meet the unique health needs of their community. Although health centers rely on a portion of federal funding, they are not under the complete direction of government agencies and officials. In fact, they are run from the bottom up, by a patient-majority governing board that helps guide how limited resources can be best used to meet the health care needs of their community. Over 50% of the CHCC Board of Directors members are required to be current patients of the CHCC!

 Your local CHCC provides quality affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care regardless of income, insurance or ability to pay. CHCC’s fees are based on a sliding scale, and all major insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare are accepted. This allows patients who may not have other options for regular care to access family medical care, pediatrics, pharmacy assistance, women’s health services and many other services.

 Here in Cascade County, our providers serve about 5,100 patients, totaling around 14,000 visits each year. Preventative medical, dental and behavioral health care helps reduce costs due to preventable hospitalizations, unnecessary visits to hospital emergency rooms, and it also provides individuals with a consistent medical home for regular care from outstanding providers.

 Learn more about the Community Health Care Center, Inc., your local health center in Cascade County, by clicking here.

Download a printable fact sheet about health centers all over Montana.

 Click here for more information on National Health Center Week.

Avoid Heat-Related Illness

The hottest times of year in North Central Montana usually are late July and early August. This year is certainly no exception. As the mercury rises, so do your chances of developing heat stress. Heat stress is the name given to a number of heat-related illnesses that can result when a person is exposed to extreme heat or works in a hot environment.

 The most common signs and symptoms of heat stress are elevated body temperature, weakness and fatigue, confusion, dizziness and lightheadedness.

Reduce your risk of heat stress by following these tips:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing
• Gradually build up to heavy work
• Do strenuous work during the coolest parts of the day
• Take more breaks in extreme heat
• Drink plenty of water—avoid caffeinated, alcoholic or sugary beverages

 If you suspect heat stress, immediately rest in the shade and hydrate with water, clear juice or a sports beverage. Consider a cool bath or being sprayed with water. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical attention immediately.

 For more information on heat stress, its symptoms and how to avoid and treat it, download our printable fact sheet or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 It’s also important to remember to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Even on cloudy or overcast days, the sun’s rays can still cause harm. Use at least an SPF 15 sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses and stay in the shade whenever possible.

To learn more, download our printable fact sheet, or click here to learn more from the CDC. You can also call 452-0881 x310 for more information on either of these topics.

CCHD Earns Award for Immunization Coverage Levels

Cascade City-County Health Department’s (CCHD) Vision “Healthy People in a Healthy Community” summarizes the goals of the entire agency. This phrase encompasses the objectives of each program and the work that they do to improve the health of the public. One important component of this effort is immunizing people against vaccine preventable diseases. CCHD’s work in this area was recently recognized during an annual assessment of child immunization records. Only two of the 58 clinics reviewed showed that 90% of their chosen immunizations were current. CCHD was one of the two, and this accomplishment earned them the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Award for 2010 Immunization Coverage Levels.

CCHD recognizes that childhood is not the only time that vaccines are necessary. It is also recommended that adults receive vaccinations to stay healthy. Vaccines are very effective in preventing influenza, shingles, Hepatitis B, illnesses that can be contracted when travelling abroad and other serious diseases that can affect people of any age. “One of the greatest public health achievements in the United States is attributable to advances in vaccines against diseases,” says Alicia Thompson, CCHD’s Health Officer. She continues, “Everyone who is able should get immunized against vaccine preventable diseases.”

In its continuing effort to increase immunization rates among all age groups, CCHD often works with community partners to make it as convenient and accessible to the public as possible.  An example of this will take place on August 25th at the Montana Expo Park. From 1pm to 4pm, CCHD will be providing immunizations to anyone 0-18 years old, and Great Falls Clinic Family Medicine providers will be available to provide required sports physicals. With the school year approaching, this will be a great opportunity for parents to get their children vaccinated and/or sports physicals in one convenient location.

If you have any questions about immunizations, please visit CCHD’s Immunizations page.

Flood Advisory Information: June 17, 2011

Many residents throughout Cascade County have been affected by flood waters this past month. We empathize with those who have been directly affected by flooding or have been inconvenienced by the high water. Please keep in mind that high water conditions are likely to persist for weeks to come, and significant thundershowers and/or warm temperatures can bring snowmelt off the mountains quickly. Along the Missouri River and Sun River increased releases from Canyon Ferry or Gibson Reservoir, together with downstream flows from tributaries, can increase water levels to flood conditions again. Please take the proper precautions to protect your family, property, household goods, pets and vehicles/campers by monitoring informational websites:

• http://www.weather.gov
• http://www.usbr.gov/gp
• http://www.nohrsc.nws.gov/nsa/
• http://water.weather.gov

For more information call 454-6900.