Cascade County has its first confirmed case of influenza this season, according to the Cascade City-County Health Department.

“A flu shot is still the best protection against the flu, and it isn’t too late,” said Alicia Thompson, CCHD health officer. “And of course, continue to practice prevention ? wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze ? and stay home when you are sick.”

According to CCHD, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms that may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The flu virus can be spread from person to person through moisture droplets when sneezing or coughing.

Influenza and flu-related complications kill an average of 36,000 Americans and hospitalizes more than 200,000 people annually.

Flu shots still are available at CCHD from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. No appointments are necessary. Shots cost $14 for children and $25 for adults. Medicare, Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids are accepted along with cash, checks, credit cards and other insurance.

For more information, call the immunization desk at 761-9898 or go online to cchdmt.org.