HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services provided an update on this season’s spread of influenza on Friday, with activity remaining widespread.
For the week that ended on February 8, numerous new flu cases were reported throughout north-central Montana. The most new cases in our area were in Hill County with 35 and Glacier County with 38. These counties have also seen the most cases of influenza for the season in our area, with Hill having 144 cases and Glacier with 178.
Overall, there have been nearly 5,200 cases of influenza in Montana this season. Of the 2,423 positive specimens tested by the state, there is a slightly higher number of influenza B cases compared to influenza A.
There have been 239 hospitalizations since October 1 for influenza, with four deaths.
Recommended steps that can be taken to reduce the spread of the flu include staying home if you’re sick, washing your hands frequently, not touching your face and coughing in your elbow.
