Pandemic Influenza

This is Missoula City and County's official 2009 H1N1 Influenza (formerly known as swine flu or pandemic influenza) website. Local advisories and recommendations will be posted here, as well as links to the best national information.

These pages are updated frequently with the most current information.

What's New

H1N1 vaccinations - all Missoula County residents now eligible - updated Feb. 26, 2010
Summary of Vaccines administered - posted Feb. 26, 2010

Current Flu Activity

H1N1 Influenza activity in Missoula County and the state of Montana has dropped off to almost none. However, people are still encouraged to be vaccinated, and parents are reminded to get their children's booster shot, as there is a chance that H1N1 may return in the fall.

Montana weekly H1N1 influenza activity - State-wide information
Missoula weekly H1N1 influenza activity - County-wide information

Topics:

Background
Vaccine - H1N1
What you can do to stay healthy
If you are sick
Antiviral medications - who is at higher risk for complications from H1N1
Missoula's Frequently Ask Questions
H1N1 - The Basics - a handout for Missoula worksites, child care providers and others (pdf)
More information resources
Vaccine Consent Form

Information for specific groups:

Worksite considerations - what an employer can do to reduce the spread of viruses among employees and between employees and customers
Health care providers
Pregnant women - Missoula Frequently Asked Questions
Leaders of faith-based organizations - from CDC and US Health and Human Services
Parents and caregivers
Child care providers - Missoula flyer
Mothers who are breastfeeding

Seasonal flu shot (not H1N1) availability at the Health Dept. There is still no sign of seasonal flu cases in the country. The seasonal flu vaccine is available at some Missoula pharmacies. Contact your provider for further information.

The Influenza Information Hotline has been de-activated. If you have any questions please call your health care provider, Partnership Health Center (258-4789), or the Health Dept Out Patient Clinic (258-4745).

Background:

2009 H1N1 influenza is a respiratory disease caused by a strain of type A influenza that first appeared in the spring of 2009. It is causing additional illnesses to the customary seasonal influenza strains that will also be present in the fall and winter.

CDC - H1N1 Influenza - the best and most rapidly updated source for information on
H1N1. Topics include:

Symptoms
Prevention
What to do if you are sick
Travel notices
School considerations

What you can do to stay healthy

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. The virus is not spread by handling or eating food.

To keep from getting the flu:

Wash your hands often throughout the day.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth,
especially after touching surfaces that could be contaminated.
Try to stay in good general health:

- Get plenty of sleep
- Be physically active
- Manage your stress
- Eat nutritious food

Cough-safe strategy - "Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves?" (This is a humorous but to-the-point, short video.)

Information for Emergency Responders - from the Minnesota State Health Dept.

Please reduce your visits to hospitals, especially with children. Hospitals have patients who are particularly vulnerable to influenza-like-illnesses. People in the early stages of influenza can unknowingly spread the virus even though they may not have any symptoms.