DPHHS Encourages Montanans to Prepare for Respiratory Illness this Fall

As Montana gears up to enter colder weather and another respiratory illness season, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) 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. This does not include data for individuals who did not receive testing by a provider or in a health care setting (e.g., individuals who tested positive with an at-home or over-the-counter COVID-19 test kit).

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.

• Updated COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone six months and older and are now available.

• Influenza vaccines are recommended for everyone six months and older every season. There are several flu vaccines approved for use. One dose offers protection for the full season (October-May).

• Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against a deadly form of bacterial pneumonia, which is the most serious form of pneumococcal disease.

• Adults 60 years and older are eligible to receive RSV vaccines after discussion with their health care provider. Pregnant women between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy entering RSV season may receive the RSV vaccine, which will also protect their infant.

• Babies under eight months old or who are between eight and 19 months with certain health conditions may receive an RSV antibody product, nirsevimab.

Symptoms of COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses are similar and may include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, and low energy. Individuals at risk of severe illness should seek health care right away for testing, as there are treatment options available that may help reduce the length and severity of illness.

Montanans who are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or who have tested positive should stay home and away from others while they are sick.

It is generally safe to return to daily activities when, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

Montanans should use enhanced precautions for five days after returning to normal daily activities:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in it.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or with your inner elbow anytime you cough or sneeze.

• Use a face mask if you will be around others in a close setting, especially those who are at risk of severe illness (e.g., pregnant women, older adults, infants, immunocompromised people).

• Take steps for cleaner air, including moving group activities outside when the weather permits, opening windows and doors for fresh air, and using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as trouble breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new onset confusion or disorientation, inability to stay awake, or other severe or concerning symptoms should seek immediate medical evaluation.