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POLSON- Health officials report that the season's first influenza case has been confirmed in Lake County.

The Lake County Health Department reports that according to Montana DPHHS Surveillance Specialist Elton Mosher, a specimen of Influenza A has been identified from a Lake County resident.

Health officials note that influenza is characterized by abrupt onset of respiratory symptoms, fever, chills, headaches, malaise, and non-productive cough.

The Lake County Health Department is reminding residents to get their flu shots and add that this year's flu vaccine protects against the three virus strains likely to be most common during the upcoming season and includes the same virus strains used for the 2010-2011 influenza season.

Regular flu shots are available for people six months and older, with higher dose shots approved for people 65 and older. The nasal spray is approved for healthy people 2 through 49 years of age. Both types of vaccines protect against the same influenza viruses.

For more information, contact Lake County Health Department at (406) 883.7288 or CSKT Tribal Health.