KALISPELL — Health officials report that seven flu cases have been confirmed in Flathead County.
The Flathead City-County Health Department says they have seen four influenza type A and three influenza type B as of Nov. 17.
“Influenza is a serious illness because it can spread quickly and can cause severe outcomes in the high-risk population,” Health Officer Hillary Hanson said. This is why we encourage everyone to get their flu vaccination to protect yourself and others. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to get vaccinated.”
Health officials note that everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season.
Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, including:
- People 65 years and older
- Children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2 years old
- People with certain chronic health conditions like asthma and COPD, diabetes (both type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurological conditions, and certain other health conditions
- Pregnant women
Symptoms of the flu may include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, and extreme tiredness. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reports that as of Nov. 23, there had been 69 confirmed flu cases in the Treasure State so far this season.
