HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Despite St. Jude Thaddeus School in Havre closing on Thursday and Friday due to an influenza outbreak, the Hill County Health Department says the current flu season in the county remains at typical levels.
Public Health Director Kim Larson says that as of Tuesday, there were 19 confirmed cases of influenza in the county, but no hospitalizations. Larson says it is common for the county to see an uptick in flu cases this time of year because of the amount of time people stay inside.
In a notice posted on Facebook on Wednesday, St. Jude Thaddeus school announced the closure in part because absenteeism had increased to as much as 30 percent. They plan to reopen on Tuesday.
As for ways to prevent getting influenza, Larson recommends people receive a flu shot, wash their hands regularly and stay home if they are already sick.
Signs of influenza, which attacks the respiratory system, includes fever, cough, exhaustion and body aches.
