Holidays bring spike in respiratory illnesses to Flathead County

Local health officials are reporting an increase in cases of flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, over the holidays. 

Flathead City-County Health Department Population Health Manager Lisa Dennison said the department counted 157 flu cases the week of Christmas, up from 14 cases reported during the last week of November.

“However, these numbers are most likely going to be lower than the true count in the community, since individual cases of influenza are not reportable, unless it’s an influenza-related hospitalization or death,” Dennison explained.

According to health department data, 21 individuals have been hospitalized in the county due to influenza so far this season, with 90% of those occurring in December. 

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has reported seven deaths in the state due to flu since the start of this season — surveillance for the season began Oct. 1 and runs through June 1. 

Montana’s flu season typically peaks in late January through mid February. So far this season, the department has reported 3,825 cases statewide, with 348 cases reported in Flathead County. Of those 348 cases, 238 were reported between Dec. 10 and Dec. 23. 

Covid cases ticked up in December as well, with an average of about 30 reported cases per week in the county.

Statewide, 121 people were admitted to a hospital for Covid during the last week of December, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Covid data tracker. That’s up from an average of about 100 new admissions per week earlier in the month.

Flathead County averaged about six RSV cases per week in December, Dennison reported — an increase over November’s average of two cases per week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. 

Dennison said the data reflects an overall increase in respiratory illnesses in the county. She said it’s not too late for individuals to get an influenza vaccination. 

“Getting the flu shot is the most important action one can take in reducing the risk of flu and its potentially serious outcomes, such as hospitalization and death,” Dennison said.  

Other prevention measures to prevent respiratory illnesses include washing hands with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water are not available. Likewise, it’s important to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, as well as staying home when you’re sick, Dennison said.

To schedule a Covid or flu vaccine appointment with the health department, call 406-751-8110 or visit flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/health.

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by emailing tinman@dailyinterlake.com.