First cases of flu reported in Flathead County
FILE - In this Feb. 7, 2018 file photo, a nurse prepares a flu shot at the Salvation Army in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
The Flathead City-County Health Department confirmed the presence of the flu in Flathead County in a Thursday press release.
The Health Department has reported seven confirmed cases of seasonal influenza – four cases of influenza type A and three cases of type B. It reported its first case on Nov. 17.
“Influenza is a serious illness because it can spread quickly and can cause severe outcomes in the high-risk population,” said Hillary Hanson, the department’s health officer. “This is why we encourage everyone to get their flu vaccination to protect yourself and others. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time get vaccinated.”
Those at high risk of serious complications include those 65 and older, children under 5, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and neurological conditions.
According to Deputy Health Officer Kerry Nuckles, this is a “pretty typical” start to the flu season, but having three cases of type-B flu is “less usual.” However, she added it is “nothing alarming.”
Visit flatheadhealth.org for additional information or call the Health Department at 751-8101.