Influenza season is here, and it is making a mark on Jefferson County residents. The past two seasons have been less vigorous related to flu activity. This year we are seeing a significant increase in cases. These cases are affecting all ages. Montana Department of Health and Human Services reports “Cases and hospitalizations [of influenza] have increased rapidly over the past few weeks, and both measures are higher than historically seen during this time of year. Weekly reported cases [the first week of December] exceeded the peak case count from the previous 2021-2022 influenza season.” That week also marked the first reported influenza associated deaths for the 2022-23 season.
Influenza is caused by a virus which is easily spread from one person to another mainly by droplets made when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can then be spread directly to another person or through contact with objects that have the flu virus on them. The flu can be spread from the day before getting sick up to 5 to 7 days after. Severely ill people may spread the flu longer especially if they still have symptoms.
Flu illnesses vary in severity however influenza can be dangerous for children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, people with chronic health condition and those who are over 65 years of age. These individuals are at higher risk for influenza complications or hospitalization and medical care is often needed. Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Sometimes (more commonly in children than adults) vomiting and diarrhea are also symptoms.
