Lincoln County influenza outbreak continues

Montana’s Department of Health and Humans Services began statewide monitoring of the influenza season beginning Sept. 28, 2014. So far there have been 3,670 confirmed cases, 395 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths due to the illness reported to the agency as of Jan. 24, 2015.

The department’s weekly report ending Jan. 24, the most recent data available, stated what most people in Lincoln County are aware of by simply venturing into the community and seeing the signs for themselves: The flu is widespread.

The most vulnerable populations are the very young, seniors and people with weakened immune systems. Of the 10 deaths so far, eight have been people 65-years old and older.

Kandis Peterson, admissions director at Libby Care Center, said they only have two confirmed cases of the flu at the nursing home. “We do ask that people who may have the flu to not visit until their symptoms have cleared,” she said. Peterson said so far the number of flu cases at the home is about average and to keep it that way they are taking precautions. “We’re definitely using masks and hand sanitizer and asking visitors to do the same,” she said.

Lincoln County saw an additional 49 reported cases of influenza during the week of Jan. 18 to Jan. 24, bringing the total number of cases to 134. The county has a rate of nearly 69 cases of influenza per 10,000 people, with seven people hospitalized because of the illness. Many people don’t seek medical attention for the flu, so these numbers are more than likely just the tip of the iceberg.

Public Information Officer at the Department of Health and Human Services, Jon Ebelt, said the primary strain of influenza attacking Montanans is influenza A (H3N2). The vaccine for this flu season protects against that strain along with influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B viruses. However, Ebelt said the H3N2 strain has drifted, or altered, enough that the vaccine is not quite as effective. “The vaccine is developed well ahead of the flu season, it’s never a perfect match,” he said.

The H3N2 strain has historically caused more severe symptoms resulting in increased hospitalizations. Ebelt said the number of hospitalizations this year has already surpassed last year’s number.

Ebelt stressed the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza. “Getting a vaccine is still relevant to get protection, it’s not too late,” he said. “It’s not just to protect yourself, it’s also to prevent the spread of the illness to other people.”

Flu season often peaks between December and February. However, it can begin as early as October and continue until as late as May.

Of the more than 300 people hospitalized from the flu in Montana last year, more than 70 percent weren’t vaccinated, Ebelt said.

At some point most hospitals will stop testing for the flu to save time and money. Ebelt said they will continue to track the number of illness, but “if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck,” there’s no reason to test for the illness.  

Connie Sweet, a pharmacist at Granite Pharmacy, said they have seen a steady flow of people getting medications for the flu over the last couple weeks. And it hasn’t slowed down. Sweet said they provide vaccines for influenza and pneumonia, but their supply of the vaccination is starting to dwindle.

With the increase in flu cases the pharmacy was having trouble keeping the antiviral drug Tamiflu in stock, but that is no longer an issue.

Libby Drug pharmacist Rick Jaqueth said he doesn’t promote the use of Tamiflu unless the patient is in one of the vulnerable age populations. He said, “ We are seeing a lot of bronchial stuff, nausea and vomiting. There’s not much you can do other than just wait it out.”

Many of the influenza cases that swept across the county over the last several weeks affected the students at Libby Elementary. More than 100 students were absent from classes because of sickness during the week of Jan. 19. “The last few weeks in January we got hammered pretty hard,” said Vice Principle of Libby Elementary Scott Beagle. “Fortunately it didn’t get our staff too bad.”

Beagle said the number of sick students has steadily declined over the last week and their attendance is starting to reach normal levels.

Jennifer McCully at Lincoln County Public Health said, “Vaccination is still the number one action to take against influenza viruses.  Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work or school.” along with influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B viruses. However, Ebelt said the H3N2 strain has drifted, or altered, enough that the vaccine is not quite as effective. “The vaccine is developed well ahead of the flu season, it’s never a perfect match,” he said.

The H3N2 strain has historically caused more severe symptoms resulting in increased hospitalizations. Ebelt said the number of hospitalizations this year has already surpassed last year’s number.

Ebelt stressed the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza. “Getting a vaccine is still relevant to get protection, it’s not too late,” he said. “It’s not just to protect yourself, it’s also to prevent the spread of the illness to other people.”

Flu season often peaks between December and February. However, it can begin as early as October and continue until as late as May.

Of the more than 300 people hospitalized from the flu in Montana last year, more than 70 percent weren’t vaccinated, Ebelt said.

At some point most hospitals will stop testing for the flu to save time and money. Ebelt said they will continue to track the number of illness, but “if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck,” there’s no reason to test for the illness.  

Connie Sweet, a pharmacist at Granite Pharmacy, said they have seen a steady flow of people getting medications for the flu over the last couple weeks. And it hasn’t slowed down. Sweet said they provide vaccines for influenza and pneumonia, but their supply of the vaccination is starting to dwindle.

With the increase in flu cases the pharmacy was having trouble keeping the antiviral drug Tamiflu in stock, but that is no longer an issue.

Libby Drug pharmacist Rick Jaqueth said he doesn’t promote the use of Tamiflu unless the patient is in one of the vulnerable age populations. He said, “ We are seeing a lot of bronchial stuff, nausea and vomiting. There’s not much you can do other than just wait it out.”

Many of the influenza cases that swept across the county over the last several weeks affected the students at Libby Elementary. More than 100 students were absent from classes because of sickness during the week of Jan. 19. “The last few weeks in January we got hammered pretty hard,” said Vice Principle of Libby Elementary Scott Beagle. “Fortunately it didn’t get our staff too bad.”

Beagle said the number of sick students has steadily declined over the last week and their attendance is starting to reach normal levels.

Jennifer McCully at Lincoln County Public Health said, “Vaccination is still the number one action to take against influenza viruses.  Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work or school.”