Flu Cases Are Rising In Montana After The Holidays

The holiday season is winding down with Christmas and Thanksgiving behind us, and New Year’s Eve being the final stop on the calendar. While the celebrations may be slowing, flu season is doing the opposite. After weeks of travel, packed airports, family gatherings, and shared spaces, Montana is now seeing the effects. All that movement makes it easy for germs to spread, and health officials are already tracking a noticeable uptick in cases across the state.

New numbers from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services show influenza cases are climbing quickly. Weekly flu cases jumped from 433 to 765 in just one reporting period. Hospitalizations also increased, rising from 17 to 29 in a single week. So far this flu season, Montana has recorded more than 2,000 flu cases, with 78 hospitalizations and 3 reported deaths. Older Montanans appear to be the most impacted. Health data shows that roughly 85 percent of people hospitalized with the flu are over the age of 50.

All of the bugs going around right now spread easily, especially during winter when people spend more time indoors. They continue to encourage people to stay current on vaccinations recommended by their doctors. Beyond immunizations, there are several everyday habits that can make a real difference.

We've all heard it, but a little reminder never hurt anybody. Avoid close contact when possible, washing hands frequently, and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated can help reduce exposure. It is also important to avoid touching your face and to clean shared surfaces at home and work. I always keep hand sanitizer on me and use those disinfecting wipes at places like the grocery store.

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Don't forget to stay hydrated, and you can boost your immunity with supplements like vitamin C and zinc. As flu season ramps up, small precautions can go a long way in keeping you healthy as we weather the flu season.