The number of confirmed cases of influenza has spiked in recent weeks in Flathead County, according to local health officials.
Montana is among the 43 states experiencing a widespread flu epidemic.
There were 53 cases of the flu reported in the county in the last week, and 103 total for the past two weeks, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.
There have been seven people hospitalized with the severe illness in recent days.
Young children and seniors are generally hit hardest by the flu. Six more children died from flu in recent days across the country, bringing the total pediatric deaths this season to 21, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This marks the peak of flu season, and health officials are urging residents to get a flu vaccine to combat the illness. Flu shots are offered at the City-County Health Department in Kalispell from 9-11:30 a.m., and 1:30-4 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. For a full schedule, call 406-751-8101.
Flu is typically spread via close contact with an ill person who is sneezing or coughing.
The influenza virus usually spreads person to person by coughing or sneezing. It is also possible to become infected by touching something with flu virus on it, and then touching your mouth or nose, the health department said. Most adults are infectious one day before they have symptoms.
Symptoms of the flu are: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and, especially in children, stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
People usually become ill one to three days after being infected. Complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and a worsening of other chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and congestive heart failure.