Influenza
Influenza is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It is most often spread through coughing, sneezing, and nasal secretions. Although most people are sick for a few days to a week, young children, older adults (over 65), pregnant women, and those with certain health problems and weaker immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness. Every year thousands of people die from influenza, and many more are hospitalized.
View the respiratory dashboard from MT DPHHS here. This includes COVID-19, flu and RSV information.
Symptoms of Influenza:
- Fever/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Sudden onset
Influenza Vaccine:
The influenza vaccine can help protect you and your family from getting sick, while also protecting the health of the community. It can limit the spread of influenza to those who are the most susceptible.
The flu season may last from September through March, and it’s best to get the flu shot as soon as it’s available in order to protect you and your family for the entire season.
Vaccinations are recommended for:
- Everyone over the age of six months, especially those who are in close contact with infants under six months of age
- Healthcare workers
- Those who are around or are included in high-risk populations, which includes young children, older adults (over 65), and pregnant women
- Those with certain health problems and weaker immune systems
Every fall and winter, the Gallatin City-County Health Department hosts walk-in flu clinics and also takes appointments for flu vaccinations.
Visit our Immunizations Clinic webpage by clicking here, or call (406) 582-3100 for more information.