Influenza took hold across Flathead County in the last week with flu cases doubling.

“We were slowing seeing cases,” Jody White said. “We saw an exponential change in the last two weeks.”

The number of confirmed influenza cases is 98, according to White, director of Community Health Services at the Flathead City-County Health Department.

For week ending Dec. 22, there were 25 reported cases. That grew to 44 the next week and then to 98.

 “So we’re starting to see more and more, which is typical, very typical for influenza, to start seeing that kind of a trend,” White said. “It’s a little bit earlier than usual to start seeing a spike in influenza cases, but not completely.”

 Generally flu cases began to spread after holiday travel.  

The peak period for flu usually is late January or early February.

“It looks like nationwide it may be earlier this year,” White said. “Last year was really late.”

During the 2011-12 season, Flathead County’s flu season peaked in March and April. Cases continued into May which is very unusual.

White said several less severe viral illnesses also are circulating in the community. She said that some mimic influenza with similar symptoms that just last for a day or two.

According to White, severe symptoms, such as high fever and severe body aches, provide another indication that a person has the flu rather than a cold.

“Most people you talk to who have had influenza will say that they have never been that sick before,” she said.

It takes from one to four days for symptoms to appear after a person has been exposed to the flu. The virus spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes.

White said people become more vulnerable at this time of year because they congregate at family activities and holiday parties. She encouraged people to take precautions such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and staying home from work if they become ill.

“Our expectation is that we will be seeing more flu in the next few weeks,” she said. “It’s still not too late to get your flu shot. We have plenty of vaccine for all ages.”

She pointed out that the 98 reported cases in the county represent only those who were tested and confirmed. White said generally there are more cases of people with the flu who don’t seek medical attention.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months or older get a flu shot. People at high risk for complications include those who have chronic medical conditions, are pregnant or over 65.

About two weeks after receiving the immunization, the body develops antibodies to protect against influenza. A person’s immune protection varies due to age, health and the match of the vaccine to the type of flu circulating in the community.

Even if the vaccine does not prevent influenza, White said the immunization provides for a milder course for the illness. She added that this particularly applies to the elderly where the efficacy of the vaccine is reduced.

“It’s still important that they get the shot because it will decrease the severity of the illness and complications,” White said.

So far, only one person in Flathead County has been hospitalized due to influenza this season.

The Flathead City-County Health Department offers flu immunizations Monday through Friday in the building located at 1035 First Avenue West in Kalispell. For clinic times or more information, call 751-8100 or visit the website www.flatheadhealth.org.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.