Montana’s influenza cases have nearly doubled since mid-January. The surge comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations are spiking.
The state health department’s latest influenza update confirms almost 2,600 cases statewide. That’s up from over 1,400 in mid-January.
As of Monday, there were 77 reported influenza hospitalizations. Five of those cases are patients coinfected with influenza and COVID.
State health officials urge Montanans to vaccinate against both COVID-19 and influenza, saying this not only reduces the risk of hospitalization for each infection, but can also help relieve the current COVID-related strain on Montana’s health care infrastructure.