RiverStone Health, the public health department of state\u2019s largest county, Yellowstone, has confirmed the first death of influenza in the state this season, as Montana statistics show that influenza cases are happening more rapidly than last year at this time.<\/p>\n
The state\u2019s most current published data goes through Dec. 19 and shows 1,238 cases so far.<\/p>\n
RiverStone reported that an unvaccinated man in his 80s died two weeks ago. That was the state\u2019s first confirmed flu death this winter.<\/p>\n
But Yellowstone County is reporting a large uptick in influenza cases.<\/p>\n
So far, there have been 584 reported cases and 25 hospitalizations. Both of those numbers mean that about half of the cases in state have been confined to Yellowstone County. Statewide, there have been 49 hospitalizations, according to the most current statistics.<\/p>\n
A five-year average of flu in Montana shows that flu tends to be the most active during the last two weeks of the calendar year, but the 2024-2025 spike in Montana hit later, not peaking until March when the number of hospitalizations reached to nearly 120.<\/p>\n
The trend for flu this year more closely resembles severe recent flu seasons, for example, 2023-2024, which saw 19,909 cases reported statewide. That included 907 hospitalizations and 44 deaths. Last year\u2019s flu season was also notable: Fewer cases were reported, but the state reported a five-year high of 68 deaths due to the virus.<\/p>\n
So far, 69% of the hospitalizations have been from people older than age 65, and more than 90% of those needing to be admitted were age 50 or older.<\/p>\n
\u201cInfluenza may feel familiar, but it can be a severe and even life-threatening illness,\u201d said Dr. Megan Littlefield, RiverStone chief medical officer. \u201cIt is important that everyone takes precautions to prevent spreading illness, especially to protect our vulnerable populations.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\t More information about influenza \t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The flu spreads through coughing and sneezing with symptoms that can include high fever, chills, headaches, exhaustion, sore throat, cough and body aches.\u00a0 It may take about one to four days after being exposed to the virus for symptoms to develop. Additionally, you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.<\/p>\n
Everyday precautions can help stop the spread of influenza. Those measures include:<\/p>\n
Getting vaccinated.
\nWearing a mask or covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
\nWashing your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.
\nAvoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
\nAvoiding close contact with sick people.
\nStaying home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or necessities.<\/p>\n
If infected with influenza, prescription antiviral medication such as Tamiflu can decrease symptoms and help speed recovery. These medications are most effective if given within the first two days of symptoms and are recommended for those most at risk for serious complications: children less than 2, adults older than 65, and those with underlying lung disease, heart disease or other chronic medical conditions.<\/p>\n
Source: RiverStone Health<\/p>\n
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