Influenza season is underway in Northwest Montana, with one flu-related death reported and a spike in hospitalizations compared to this time last year.  

In Flathead County reported 522 flu cases as of Dec. 27, according to Flathead City-County Health Department Population Health Manager Lisa Dennison. Of those, 18 cases were flu associated hospitalizations with one flu-related death. Roughly 97% of the cases were Influenza A. 

The Montana Department of Health and Human Services designated the start of the current flu season on Sept. 28, 2025. The agency reports a total of 785 cases of flu and Covid-19 in Flathead County since the start of the season — the large majority being flu cases.  

During the week of Dec. 21 through Dec. 27, there were 146 cases reported in Flathead County — 141 flu cases and five Covid-19 cases. 

There were seven hospitalizations for the flu at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell in November, which increased to 24 in December — the majority of which occurred around the week of Christmas, according to Logan Health Senior Marketing Coordinator Chris Leopold.  

He said the hospital’s admissions for influenza were about 70% higher in December 2025 compared to December 2024. 

“While we’re currently behind the national trend, that is not unusual. Our area typically sees similar activity about two weeks later than other states,” Leopold said. 

While they still see the occasional Covid-related admission, those numbers remain low compared to influenza, he added. 

Last year, the county saw about 530 cases of influenza and 19 influenza-related hospitalizations between Sep. 29, 2024 — the start of flu season — and Jan. 11, 2025. 

Leopold said the hospital anticipates seeing more cases as influenza activity continues to rise nationwide.  

“The predominant strain, Influenza A, has drifted somewhat, which means the vaccine may be less effective at preventing infection this season. However, vaccination is still strongly recommended, as it can reduce the severity of symptoms and complications if someone does become ill,” he said.  

The best way for the community to limit the spread of infection is to stay home when sick and practice good hygiene, he added.  

Dennison said it’s important to note that this influenza surveillance data reflects reported cases only and does not represent the total number of people who may be ill in the community, as not all individuals seek testing or medical care during their illness. Additionally, reporting delays can occur which may cause case counts to change as additional reports are received. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly influenza surveillance report puts Montana on the “low” end for influenza-like illness activity. Washington and Wyoming are seeing high levels of influenza-like illness, while Idaho and North Dakota are reporting very high activity, according to the Influenza Division at the CDC.  

Their system monitors visits for respiratory illness that includes fever plus a cough or sore throat, also referred to as influenza-like illness or ILI. But the data does not reflect laboratory confirmed influenza and may capture patient visits due to other respiratory pathogens that cause similar symptoms.  

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].