The role of Public Health is to assure the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through community-wide prevention and protection programs.  Lake County Public Health (LCPH) and Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribal Health Services (CSKTH) serve Lake County and the Flathead Indian Reservation by providing an array of essential services.  The public becomes aware of the need for public health services especially when a problem develops like the H1N1 Influenza.

Both Lake County Public Health and CSKTribal Health have been a part of the Montana Public Health Emergency Preparedness program and the local Offices of Emergency Services since 2003.  Through collaborative efforts, training and exercises there is a broad reaching involvement in our county to respond to natural disasters and emergencies such as the influenza outbreak.  These partnerships with the tribal county/ city governments, health professionals, hospitals, emergency responders, law enforcement, schools and other private and public sectors provide mutual aid in responding to events and emergencies. 

The LCPH and CSKTH Public Health Preparedness Team are in daily contact with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services where testing for strains of influenza is performed and confirmed.  As information is compiled it is disseminated to residents of Lake County and the Flathead Indian Reservation through media, newsletters and clinics.  A telephone Health Information Line has also been activated for the general public to find out if there are any confirmed cases in Montana, what the symptoms are, and how to protect yourself.  That number is 406-883-7292.

As of May 4, there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza, the symptoms are similar to the normal seasonal flu that we are still experiencing.  These symptoms may include:

Feeling ill enough to see a doctor with: Sudden temperature of above 100 degrees F, Cough, Sore throat With or without muscle aches.

The following is the most recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to prevent the spread of ANY flu (remember seasonal flu is still going on) or other respiratory diseases.

Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Throw the tissue away after you use it.  Do not place it back in your pocket or purse.  If you do not have a tissue, bring your arm up to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  Germs spread that way.

IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY HOME from work or school and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Influenza is thought to be spread through coughing and sneezing.  It may, also, be spread by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth and nose.

The Lake County Public Health and CSK Tribal Health Preparedness Team and other community entities are coordinated and prepared to respond to any accelerated health incidents.  The Health Information Line is updated as information becomes available, 406-883-7292.