Covid cases up, flu season nears

“We are seeing quite a bit of COVID with 59 cases in Lake County,” says Lake County Public Health Director Emily Colomeda.

Those numbers almost certainly aren’t accurate however, since that’s just the people who are reporting. For the most part, she says “symptoms are pretty mild, like a cold.” Colomeda added that Lake County Public Health has some antigen tests available for COVID. Home tests that have not expired are still viable, she said.

Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available at most pharmacies in Lake County and from Tribal Health.

Flu season is also underway, and September and October are the best time for people to get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The Montana Department of Health and Human Services reports that while influenza activity is currently low, it’s starting early for the 2023-2024 season. As of Oct. 14, 25 cases had been reported statewide with six hospitalizations and one death associated with influenza.

According to Colomeda, Lake County Public Health offers flu shots during an immunization clinic every Tuesday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the office at 802 Main Street. Many pharmacies also offer the vaccine.

According to CDC guidelines, flu shots may be given to those six months and older as long as they are not allergic to, or don’t have, adverse reactions to the ingredients.

“Certainly, everybody has a responsibility to each other to get a flu shot to protect the community from the really severe effects of flu,” Colomeda said.

Flu always affects the most vulnerable, she added, such as the very young and the older population, plus folks with chronic diseases.

Colomeda recommended that people concerned with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have a conversation with their physician about whether or not they need the vaccine for that.