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51 cases of flu reported in Gallatin Co.

Posted at 8:15 PM, Feb 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-11 22:15:08-05

BOZEMAN, Mont.- According to Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services, flu cases have increased during week five of 2019 to 728 new cases reported. Influenza in the treasure state has been reported from all but four counties this season. In Gallatin County, there have been 51 cases so far.

With the exception of West Virginia, the flu is widespread this season across the United States.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reports that there have been 2,215 cases of influenza in the state this season with 124 hospitalizations and three deaths.

Being aware of the symptoms of the flu can save you before it becomes life-threatening.

“If you just all of a sudden get a fever, body aches and pains, tired, weakness then you’ll have a cough and runny nose to go with it,” Supervisor of Outpatient Pharmacy Services at Bozeman Health, Alan Brayton said.

Brayton said to see your doctor immediately if you suspect you have the flu and that prevention is simple.

“Stay away from people who are coughing and sneezing, that’s how it’s spread. Try not to touch railings, water fountains things like that that are touched a lot. If you do and even throughout the day don’t touch your eyes, mouth, nose because that’s the way it’ll be transmitted,” Brayton said.

Believe it or not, it’s not too late to get your flu shot, which is the best preventable step.

Brayton said: “We’re still giving flu shots now and it’s still highly recommended. Nowadays it doesn’t seem to end until April or May so it’s worth it to come and get protected.”