MISSOULA — The first death of the 2025-2026 influenza season was reported on Monday. Missoula Public Health (MPH) and the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) confirmed an influenza death in Missoula County.
MPH told MTN that the person who died was a man over the age of 80 who had underlying health conditions and was vaccinated for the flu.
According to a news release, there have been 234 reported cases of influenza, six hospitalizations and one death in the state of Montana.
You can find more information on the Montana DPHHS website.
Flu symptoms include high fever, chills, headaches, exhaustion, sore throat, cough and body aches. It may take one to four days after being exposed to the virus for symptoms to develop. Flu can also spread one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
Health officials note that hospitalization rates for respiratory illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19, are increasing in Missoula County and across the country.
Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are available through the Missoula Public Health Immunization Clinic located at 301 W. Alder St. on the first floor of the building. MPH offers a sliding fee scale, so no one is turned away for inability to pay. The clinic is open for walk-in appointments Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment only on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 406-258-3363 with questions or to schedule an appointment.
