Influenza infections continue to pick up steam across Montana.
We reported earlier this week there's been a significant jump in Influenza activity in Montana.
Montana Health Department influenza surveillance coordinator, Elton Mosher, says the past couple of flu seasons were dominated by a more mild flu-strain known as "H1N1":
"This season we're seeing the H3N2 (strain). Historically, the H3N2, whenever that's been the predominant strain, has caused far more illness and far more hospitalizations than H1N1."
Statistics issued today by the state health department show over 1,660 reported Montana flu cases this season. There have also been 192 flu-related hospitalizations. Influenza has so far claimed two Montana lives.
Mosher says not only has the flu hit us hard this season, it also hit early.
"In Montana we typically don't see our first flu cases until the November/December time frame. Then of course, we see a peak right after the holidays. This year we started seeing cases in the very early part of October. I'll remind you that flu season typically runs from October first to May 31st."
Cascade County had 55 flu-related hospitalizations, according to the county health department's Janelle Olberding.
"It's a little more than we saw in the 2013/2014 season, but it's not so much bigger that we're super-concerned about that. I think that there were 10 more cases in December 2014 than there were in December 2013."
This year Senior citizens are bearing the brunt of the virus. Those aged 65 and over are getting hospitalized at a rate nearly 10 times that of younger adults.
Olberding says this is not unusual.
"When you get older, your body's systems weaken a little bit."
And Cascade County Health officials want to keep the number of local flu cases as manageable as possible. They say people can help them do that by getting a flu shot; but the strain of flu currently circulating has mutated since the flu vaccine was manufactured last spring. So does this mean it would be pointless to get a flu shot right now?
"Absolutely not! It's still a great idea. the vaccine might not match perfectly to what's circulating, but it still will protect you against a lot of other strains. It will also shorten the duration of the flu. If you still do get the flu, it'll be a more mild case and it'll be shorter in duration."
Health officials advise schools and assisted living centers to practice common sense hygiene protocols this time of year.
"The flu vaccine is your number one way to prevent the flu. Also, frequent hand washing helps, (as does) covering your cough. Then just trying to stay either at home or sequestered if you're ill, so in those assisted-living situations, if those folks who are feeling ill stay in their own rooms that help avoid spreading it to others."
In fact, a flu visitation advisory is now in place at Benefis Hospitals is Cascade County. Visitors are asked to limit the number of people coming to see loved ones and to refrain from bringing children under the age of 18 into the hospital.
Anyone should refrain from visiting if they are not feeling well.
Check your local hospitals to see if similar restrictions are imposed.
