DPHHS encourages Montanans to prepare for fall, winter respiratory illness
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from DPHHS
MONTANA — As Montana gears up to enter colder weather and another respiratory illness season, the Department of Public Health and Human Services is encouraging Montanans to take precautions to help protect against COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
State health officials are urging people to protect themselves and their families from respiratory illness, stay up to date on immunizations, stay home when they are sick, get tested and evaluated for proper treatment, and practice good hygiene.
Laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza have already been reported in Montana for the 2024-2025 respiratory illness season, which runs October through May.
More than 19,000 people infected with influenza, including over 900 hospitalizations and 44 deaths, were reported to DPHHS during the 2023-2024 respiratory illness season. Additionally, nearly 16,000 people infected with COVID-19 were reported in Montana, resulting in more than 900 hospitalizations and 98 deaths during this same period.
The high number of respiratory illnesses highlight the importance of taking preventive measures to reduce the burden of illness in Montana.
Data on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV activity in Montana can be accessed through two DPHHS dashboards that are updated weekly.
Influenza Dashboard:
https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/Pan-Respiratory/InfluenzaDashboard
COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV (Pan-Respiratory) Dashboard: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/Pan-Respiratory/Pan-RespiratoryDashboard
Vaccination is the best form of protection against serious outcomes of these respiratory diseases, including hospitalization or death due to infection. Anyone is at risk for having a severe outcome due to respiratory illness, but older adults, infants, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems and other chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer, heart disease) are at increased risk for severe illness due to respiratory infection.
Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect against severe outcomes of COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and RSV infections. Montanans should consult with a health care provider to determine their recommended vaccine options heading into the respiratory season this fall and winter. To find vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov, or contact your local health department or health care provider.