Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Montana health officials have confirmed the first influenza case of the 2021-2022 flu season in a child from Flathead County. This marks the state's first confirmed flu case since April 2020, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 121 confirmed flu cases as of October 16, 2021. While both state and national influenza activity remains low, it typically peaks in December and January.
The flu season's trajectory is unpredictable, with potential continuation through May. During the 2019-2020 season, Montana recorded over 11,000 cases, including 514 hospitalizations and 41 deaths. With current low influenza circulation, officials emphasize that now is an optimal time to receive an annual flu shot.
Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek, acting State Medical Officer for DPHHS, stated: “The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. One dose is effective for the full flu season, even if you get vaccinated early.”
Vaccination takes about two weeks to provide protection against the virus. It reduces risks such as death, hospitalization, severe illness, and missed work or school days while also protecting others.
The composition of each year's flu vaccine aligns with expected circulating viruses. This season's vaccine is available and can be administered alongside the COVID-19 vaccine.
Influenza spreads through coughing and sneezing but can also spread one day before symptoms appear and up to seven days afterward. Early symptoms include fever along with chills, headaches, exhaustion, sore throat, coughs, body aches, and vomiting.
Besides vaccination, everyday precautions help prevent flu spread. Dr. Cook-Shimanek noted that symptoms of flu resemble those of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses; thus testing might be necessary for accurate diagnosis.
For further details on influenza prevention and updates in Montana visit the DPHHS website.
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