Flu cases are on the rise in Montana and experts shared some advice on staying healthy for the holidays.
Montana's health department reported 432 flu cases for the week of December 7-13, up from 274 the week before, and more than 1,900 cases so far this season.
Mackenzie Gress, immunization nurse consultant for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, said as we head into holiday gatherings and colder weather, it is important to protect yourself and others against respiratory illness.
"Everyone six months and older should receive a flu vaccine," Gress urged. "Anyone 65 and older, if they're not already vaccinated, should receive a high-dose flu vaccine."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted the number of flu cases this season will be similar or slightly higher than last year. The CDC classified last year's season as "high severity," meaning higher numbers of flu cases, hospitalizations and deaths. For the 2024-2025 season, Montana reported more than 15,000 influenza cases, and 68 deaths.
Gress stressed the sooner you can get vaccinated this season, the better.
"It takes our immune systems about two weeks to achieve that peak amount of immunity that we're going to achieve," Gress pointed out. "But, of course, if you have less than two weeks, I'd still recommend getting vaccinated anyway. Our bodies go to work right away."
Samantha Saycich, epidemiologist for Montana's health department said basic hand hygiene can help protect against respiratory illness, including washing your hands and using hand sanitizer.
"There are a lot of fun hand sanitizers out there with fun smells," Saycich observed. "Just making sure that it has 60% alcohol in it will make sure it kills all the germs on your hands."
Saycich added flu vaccines will be widely available throughout the season and the Vaccines for Children program can help kids without insurance get vaccinated at little to no cost.
