Increasing numbers of flu cases reported in Montana

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reports that local and state public health officials are seeing a significant increase in the number of confirmed influenza cases being reported across the state.

As of Dec. 12, almost every county and tribal health department has reported cases to the state health department. This signals an early start to influenza season for Montana, and public health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated.

A similar pattern is being seen across the U.S., with several states reporting outbreaks and an increase in hospitalizations. Montana has seen 38 reported hospitalizations so far.

Early data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that the 2014-2015 season could be severe and public health officials are reminding everyone to takes steps to protect themselves and others.

The best protection against influenza continues to be vaccination, the state health department says. Depending on the vaccine an individual receives, protection against three or four types, or strains, of influenza is included.

Although there is concern this year that one strain being seen is not a perfect match with the vaccine, public health officials remind everyone that more than one strain is circulating, and even a less-than-perfect match still offers some degree of protection for vaccinated persons. Vaccination protects against severe illness and hospitalization.

“Vaccination still provides the best protection against influenza,” DPHHS director Richard Opper said. “It may prevent you from becoming ill or reduce the severity of illness, preventing hospitalizations and deaths. There is plenty of vaccine available and you can protect yourself, particularly important as we gather for the holidays.”

DPHHS recommends that everyone six months of age or older get vaccinated. Starting this year, the CDC recommends use of the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children 2 through 8 years of age. However, if the nasal spray vaccine is not immediately available and the flu shot is, children 2 years through 8 years old should get the flu shot.

Those under six months cannot get a flu vaccination. That’s why families with children six months or younger are strongly urged to get vaccinated to protect that most vulnerable population.

Many people are at elevated risk and are encouraged to get vaccinated immediately. People at high risk for serious influenza complications include people with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or neurological conditions; pregnant women; those younger than 5 years or older than 65 years of age; or anyone with a weakened immune system.

People who are at high risk for influenza complications should see a health care professional promptly if they get flu symptoms, even if they have been vaccinated this season, the state health department says. They may benefit from antiviral medications.

The state health department also recommends people should stay home when they are sick, cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and wash their hands often.

For more information, visit online at www.dphhs.mt.gov.