What's New at FHC
A message from FHC
We are starting to see patients with confirmed cases of Influenza (Flu).
If you are not feeling well and think it might be the flu contact our office for an appointment. We can test you in-office to find out if you have the flu or if it is just a cold.
If you have not received your flu shot we encourage you to do so as soon as possible either in our office or at your local pharmacy.
Please call us with any questions or concerns at 208-263-1435,
Whooping Cough
The Panhandle Health District would like to inform citizens that the district has seen an increase in the number of reported cases of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in Bonner County. Within the last two months, six confirmed cases of Pertussis have been reported with multiple close contacts associated with each case.
Pertussis is an illness that is caused by a bacterium, which lives in the mouth, nose, and throat of an infected person. Pertussis is highly contagious! It is spread by droplets from coughing or sneezing. Pertussis has a typical incubation period of 6-21 days before symptoms start to show. Symptoms may include:
Early symptoms include: runny nose, scratchy throat, mild cough, no fever, or a very low-grade fever may exist.
Later symptoms include: a cough that increases in intensity and duration. A paroxysmal cough may develop. These paroxysms may be accompanied by post-tussive vomiting and/or apnea. It may cause a person to make the classic “whooping” sound while trying to catch their breath.
Now is a good time to review your immunization records to confirm you are up to date on all recommended vaccinations. Children should complete the primary series for pertussis by age 5 with a booster at age 12. A tetanus/pertussis booster is recommended every 10 years for adults. Please ask us if you have any questions. You can come any day to get needed vaccinations.
What You Should Know for the 2018 – 2019 Flu Season
Fight flu this season by getting your flu vaccine and encouraging others to protect themselves and their loved ones by doing the same.
Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from flu and its potentially serious complications. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated by the end of October.
What is new this flu season?
• Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating flu viruses
• Any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccines are recommended
• The nasal spray flu vaccine (LAIV) is again a vaccine option. Ask your health care provider about what vaccine is right for you
Learn more about what’s new for the 2018-2019 flu season.