Local and state public health officials are seeing a significant increase in the number of confirmed influenza cases being reported across the state. As of December 12, almost every county and tribal health department has reported cases to the state health department.
This signals an early start to influenza season for Montana. A similar pattern is being seen across the country with several states reporting outbreaks and an increase in hospitalizations. Montana has seen this as well with 38 reported hospitalizations so far. Early data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that the 2014-2015 season could be severe and public health officials are reminding everyone to takes steps to protect themselves and others.
The best protection against influenza continues to be vaccination. Depending on the vaccine an individual receives, protection against three or four types, or strains, of influenza is included. Although there is concern this year that one strain being seen is not a perfect match with the vaccine, public health officials remind everyone that more than one strain is circulating and even a less than perfect match still offers some degree of protection for vaccinated persons. Vaccination protects against severe illness and hospitalization.
“Vaccination still provides the best protection against influenza,” said DPHHS Director Richard Opper. “It may prevent you from becoming ill or reduce the severity of illness, preventing hospitalizations and deaths. There is plenty of vaccine available and you can protect yourself, particularly important as we gather for the holidays.”
DPHHS recommends that everyone six months of age or older get vaccinated. Starting this year, the CDC recommends use of the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children 2 through 8 years of age. However, if the nasal spray vaccine is not immediately available and the flu shot is, children 2 years through 8 years old should get the flu shot. Those under six months cannot get a flu vaccination and that is why families with children six months or younger are strongly urged to get vaccinated to protect our most vulnerable population.
While everyone over six months of age should be vaccinated, many people are at elevated risk and are encouraged to get vaccinated immediately. People at high risk for serious influenza complications include people with underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or neurological conditions; pregnant women; those younger than 5 years or older than 65 years of age; or anyone with a weakened immune system.
People who are at high risk for influenza complications should see a health care professional promptly if they get flu symptoms, even if they have been vaccinated this season. They may benefit from antiviral medications.
Other recommendations that are being stressed include staying home when you are sick, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands often. Not only will these simple activities prevent influenza, they will protect you and others from a variety of other illnesses.
For more information regarding vaccination and the impact of influenza, please visit the DPHHS website for influenza data, vaccine and prevention information at http://www.dphhs.mt.gov
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