According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) article from October 2, 2018, influenza (flu) cases are showing up early this season in Montana. Influenza is a contagious, upper-respiratory disease caused by different strains of influenza viruses. While many people use the imprecise term “flu” to describe 24 or 48 hour bouts of illness, real influenza can interfere with normal daily activities for as long as a week.
Montana had 10,000 flu cases, 979 hospitalizations and 79 deaths related to influenza during the last flu season. Of those hospitalized, 71% were greater than 65 years old. Although everyone is at risk for complications of the flu, older people, young children and those with health conditions like asthma, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders and many more are at high risk of serious flu complications.
It may help to know the difference of symptoms between a cold and flu. While sore throat, weakness, coughing and sneezing are symptoms of both, body aches, chills, headache, fever (100 degrees or higher), sudden onset of and more severe symptoms are typical of influenza. Bronchitis, pneumonia and hospitalization are potential complications of the flu. Runny, stuffy nose with less severe, gradual onset and a short duration (1-3 days) of symptoms is typical of the cold.
Everyday preventative actions include covering your cough, washing your hands with soap and water, staying away from those who are sick and staying home from work and school if you are sick. The influenza vaccine is the best form of protection against the flu which takes approximately two weeks to provide protection against the flu.
More information can be found at the DPHHS website: flu.mt.gov
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Additional information is available by contacting Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
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