’Tis the season for holidays, parties and … flu bugs. No cases of influenza have been confirmed in Sanders County, according to Sanders County Public Health Nurse Karen Morey. But the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reports 31 cases in several Montana counties, including Missoula, Big Horn, Gallatin and Lewis and Clark.

Morey said that while no cases of influenza have been reported in Sanders County, the office has been busy administering vaccinations.

DPHHS and local public health officials encourage all Montanans over six months of age to get vaccinated in order to decrease their risk of becoming ill. According to DPHHS, flu season usually peaks in February and lasts through May, but outbreaks can be unpredictable.

In the 2017-2018 influenza season, DPHHS reported 10,431 cases in Montana, with 979 hospitalizations and 79 deaths. Of the people who were hospitalized, 71 percent were over 65 years in age. In the United States, more than 200,000 hospitalizations result from influenza, according to DPHHS.

The predominant strain of influenza during Montana’s last flu season was A H3, with influenza B cases increasing toward the late winter and early spring. DPHHS reported that of the Montanans who were hospitalized, 68 percent of children and 48 percent of adults did not receive the flu vaccine.

“Everyone is at risk for complications of the flu,” said DPHHS Director Sheila Hogan. “Getting vaccinated now will help not only you, but those around you.”

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, according to DPHHS, everyday preventive actions such as staying away from sick people, staying home from work or school if you are sick, covering your cough, and washing your hands with soap and water can reduce the spread of germs. Influenza vaccine is available at doctor offices, county or tribal health departments, and many pharmacies.

“Talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions about vaccines and what flu vaccine is right for you,” Hogan said.

More information and updates on flu activity in Montana can be found online at flu.mt.gov. For information in Sanders County, call the public health department at 827-6931.